Meet Dr. Zody
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Meet Dr. SonDental Implants: A Lasting Solution for Missing Teeth
Missing teeth can affect far more than your smile. A missing tooth may make it harder to chew comfortably, speak clearly, or feel confident when you laugh. Tooth loss can also affect the health of your jawbone and surrounding teeth over time. At Westerville Dental Associates, our team helps patients restore their smiles with modern tooth replacement solutions. Dr. Gretchen R. Zody, Dr. Sue Choi, and Dr. Yuchan Son provide dental implant treatment for patients throughout Westerville, OH, who want a stable, natural-looking option for replacement teeth. Dental implants are designed to replace missing teeth in a way that closely mimics natural teeth, helping protect your oral health and overall quality of life. If you are exploring tooth replacement options, our dentists will carefully evaluate your mouth's health and create a personalized treatment plan to support long-term success.
What are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are small, biocompatible posts that function as artificial tooth roots. The implant body is placed into the jawbone during a dental implant procedure. Over time, the bone cells in the jaw fuse with the implant in a process called osseointegration.
Once healing is complete, a new artificial tooth is attached to the top of the implant. The result is a strong, natural-looking replacement tooth that functions much like permanent teeth.
A complete implant restoration typically includes three main parts:
- Implant body: The titanium post that is placed in the jawbone
- Abutment: A connector attached to the top of the implant
- Artificial tooth: A custom crown, bridge, or denture created by a lab
Because tooth implants replace the tooth root as well as the visible portion of the tooth, they help maintain the health of your jawbone and surrounding structures.
Dr. Gretchen R. Zody, Dr. Sue Choi, and Dr. Yuchan Son use modern techniques to make dental implant placement predictable and comfortable for patients.
How Do Dental Implants Work?
The titanium posts integrate with the jawbone, providing a stable foundation for artificial teeth. After the implant placement procedure, the implant body gradually bonds with the bone during the healing process.
This creates a strong anchor that can support:
- A single tooth implant
- A fixed bridge replacing several teeth
- Implant-supported false teeth or dentures
Unlike removable dentures or traditional bridges that sit on top of the gums, implants function beneath the gumline. This allows the replacement teeth to feel more secure and natural when chewing or speaking.
Tooth implants also help preserve the quantity of bone in the jaw. When natural teeth are lost, the surrounding bone may shrink over time due to a lack of stimulation. Implant placement helps maintain bone health and reduces the risk of bone loss in the lower jaw or upper jaw.
Benefits of Dental Implants
Dental implants are widely considered one of the most effective ways to replace missing teeth. Patients throughout Westerville often choose implants because they provide several long-term benefits.
A Natural Look and Feel
Implants support a replacement tooth that closely resembles natural teeth. Because the implant is anchored in the jawbone, the artificial tooth feels stable and comfortable when eating or speaking.
Protection Against Bone Loss
When a missing tooth is not replaced, the surrounding jawbone can begin to shrink. Implant placement helps stimulate the bone and maintain the structure of your jaw.
Improved Oral Health
Unlike some other tooth replacement options, implants do not require altering nearby teeth. Your remaining natural teeth remain intact, which supports the long-term health of your smile.
Better Function
Implants provide strong chewing ability. Many patients find they can enjoy a wider variety of foods compared to wearing removable dentures.
Long-Term Durability
With proper care, tooth implants have excellent success rates and can last many years.
Our dentists at Westerville Dental Associates frequently recommend implants because they restore both function and appearance.
Can Dental Implants Restore My Smile If I'm Missing Multiple Teeth?
Dental implants are highly versatile and can replace a single tooth, several missing teeth, or even an entire arch of teeth.
Depending on the number of teeth missing, our team may recommend:
Single Tooth Implant
A single implant supports one replacement tooth.
Implant-Supported Bridge
If multiple teeth are missing in a row, implants can support a fixed bridge without relying on neighboring teeth.
Implant-Supported Dentures
Patients who are missing many teeth may benefit from dentures secured to dental implants. This option offers greater stability than a traditional removable denture.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?
Many adults with tooth loss are good candidates for dental implant treatment. During your consultation in Westerville, our team will evaluate several factors to determine if implants are appropriate.
You may be a good candidate if you:
- Have one or more missing teeth
- Have healthy gums and good oral health
- Practice good oral hygiene
- Have sufficient jawbone density to support the implant
Certain health conditions may influence the treatment process. For example, uncontrolled periodontal disease or severe bone loss may need to be addressed before implant placement.
Bone Grafting for Lack of Bone
If there is not enough bone at the implant site, a bone graft may be recommended. Bone grafting helps rebuild the quantity of bone needed to support the implant body.
Bone graft materials may come from:
- Your own bone
- A donor source
- Synthetic materials
- In some cases, bone from an animal donor
Over time, the graft encourages new bone cells to grow, strengthening the implant site. Once the graft heals, the dental implant process can move forward.
What Is the Dental Implant Surgery Process?
The dental implant procedure is typically completed in stages over the course of several months. Each step allows time for proper healing and ensures the implant is stable.
Comprehensive Consultation
One of our Westerville dentists will examine your teeth, gums, and jawbone using digital imaging. This allows the team to determine the best type of implant and placement location.
Tooth Extraction (If Needed)
If a damaged or failing tooth is present, a tooth extraction may be performed before implant placement.
Implant Surgery
Dental implant surgery involves placing the implant body into the jawbone. The procedure is typically performed under local anesthesia to keep you comfortable.
After the implant is placed, we may attach a cover screw or healing cap to protect the top of the implant during healing.
Healing and Bone Integration
The implant integrates with the bone over a course of several months. This allows the implant to become securely anchored.
What Should I Expect During Recovery?
Most patients recover comfortably after dental implant surgery. Mild swelling or tenderness near the implant site is normal for a few days.
During the healing process, we may recommend:
- Eating soft foods
- Maintaining good oral hygiene
- Avoiding pressure on the implant site
- Attending follow-up visits and regular checkups
Healing time varies depending on the number of implants placed and the quantity of bone available. Many patients complete the entire dental implant process within several months.
Are There Risks or Complications Involved?
Dental implants have very high success rates when performed by experienced dental professionals. However, like any surgical procedure, there are some potential risks to be aware of. In rare cases, complications may include infection at the implant site, implant failure if the implant does not properly integrate with the surrounding bone, or irritation of nearby nerves or sinus structures. Fortunately, these issues are uncommon and can often be prevented with careful planning and proper aftercare.
Maintaining good oral hygiene and attending regular dental visits are important for protecting the long-term health of your implant. Before recommending dental implant surgery, our team thoroughly evaluates each patient's health conditions and the structure of the jawbone. This detailed approach helps support predictable outcomes for patients seeking dental implants in Westerville, OH.
Restore Your Smile With Dental Implants
If you are dealing with tooth loss, dental implants may provide the stability and appearance you are looking for. At Westerville Dental Associates, Dr. Gretchen R. Zody, Dr. Sue Choi, and Dr. Yuchan Son help patients explore personalized tooth replacement solutions.
Our dentists take time to evaluate the health of your smile, explain your options, and guide you through each stage of the dental implant process.
Call us at 614-665-5497 to schedule an appointment and learn more. Restoring your smile can improve your comfort, confidence, and long-term oral health.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the dental implant process take from start to finish?
Dental implants are completed in stages rather than in a single visit. The full process can take several months, depending on the healing time and whether additional procedures such as bone grafting are needed. This timeline allows the implant to properly fuse with the jawbone for long-term stability.
Can dental implants fail, and what causes that to happen?
While dental implants have a high success rate, failure can occur in certain situations. Common causes include infection, poor healing, insufficient bone support, or habits like smoking. Following aftercare instructions and maintaining good oral hygiene greatly reduces these risks.
Will I need a bone graft before getting a dental implant?
Some patients require a bone graft if there isn’t enough healthy jawbone to support the implant. This procedure helps build bone and create a stable foundation, improving the long-term success of your implant.
How much do dental implants typically cost?
The cost of dental implants can vary widely because no two treatment plans are exactly the same. Instead of a flat fee, the final cost is based on several factors unique to your oral health, the procedure itself, and the type of restoration you need.
