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Dental Implants – Brecksville, OH

The Modern Solution
for Missing Teeth

Dental implants are a modern development in dentistry that allows patients to replace the entire structure of missing teeth, including the roots and the biting surface. This revolutionary tooth replacement treatment is unlike other traditional restorations, and it can be used to restore a single tooth, several teeth, or an entire arch depending on your needs. Dr. Saleh is able to complete the whole process under one roof as well, allowing you to start and finish your dental implants in Brecksville, OH with the same trusted team of professionals.

Why Choose Brecksville Dental Excellence for Dental Implants?

What are Dental Implants?

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Dental implants themselves are small, titanium posts that are surgically placed below the gumline into the jawbone where the roots of your missing teeth once were. Due to their biocompatible nature, they’re able to fuse with your bone, making them extremely stable and durable. These are then used to support a crown, bridge, or denture that will bring back the visible portion of your tooth/teeth. 

The 4 Step Dental Implant Process

How dental implants work in Brecksville

At Brecksville Dental Excellence, our skilled and knowledgeable team is able to complete the entire dental implant procedure under our roof, including the surgery. Dr. Saleh is highly skilled and has undergone additional training in full mouth rehabilitation, allowing him to achieve ideal results. To help you better understand how dental implants work in Brecksville, review the following steps below and feel free to contact us with any additional questions you might have.

Initial Dental Implant Consultation

When it comes to dental implant placement, the first step is scheduling a consultation with Dr. Saleh. His expertise and years of training make it possible for him to use advanced dental technology to accurately examine, evaluate, and plan your treatment. He will determine your eligibility based on your oral and overall health as well as your jawbone density. If you need preliminary treatments like bone grafting, tooth extraction, or periodontal therapy, he will inform you during your consultation.

Dental Implant Surgery

Once you’ve healed from preliminary treatment or are given the green light to move forward with dental implant surgery, you’ll arrive on the day of your procedure and receive local anesthesia. Your implant dentist in Brecksville will make one or more small incisions in the gum tissue before placing each implant into the designated area of your arch. Once positioned, the gum tissue will be closed, and you’ll receive protective healing caps over each implant post.

Dental Implant Osseointegration/Abutment

The next 3-6 months will be spent recovering at home. Throughout the process, osseointegration will occur that requires the bone and implant to fuse. We will be checking on your progress throughout this time to ensure everything is healing correctly. Once you’re healed, you will return for another small procedure to have your metal abutments put into place.

Delivery of Dental Implant Restorations

The final step before beginning to enjoy your new dental implants in Brecksville is receiving your finalized dental restoration. The versatility of these prosthetics makes them a great solution no matter how many teeth you are missing. A dental crown, implant bridge, or implant denture can be crafted using lifelike materials that blend into your natural smile. Not to mention, they will look, feel, and function just like regular teeth. Once everything is firmly in place, you can begin to live life to the fullest with your new and improved dental implant smile.

The Benefits of Dental Implants

Woman showing off beautiful smile after dental implant tooth replacement

Dental implants are quickly becoming the most popular way to replace missing teeth. In fact, research indicates that their prevalence has increased by 6.3% between 2019 and 2020 alone! Dental implants offer a wide range of important benefits for your quality of life that you simply can’t get with other options. That’s why they’re widely considered by both dentists and patients alike to be the gold standard of tooth replacement!

Day-to-Day Benefits

  • Eat without worry: Patients with dentures and dental bridges tend to shy away from foods like corn on the cob, apples, and steak. Thanks to the unique placement of dental implants, you can expect to regain 80% or more of your natural biting force (compared to just 25-30% from dentures and bridges). This means you will be able to easily eat anything on your plate.
  • Enjoy all your favorite beverages: Those with other tooth replacement options also typically avoid staining beverages like coffee or wine and need to be careful when drinking hot beverages. On the other hand, dental implants aren’t vulnerable to discoloration or warping from temperatures, you can keep enjoying all your favorited drinks!
  • Smile with confidence: Dental implants are designed to look and feel just like natural teeth. You’ll never have to worry about them slipping or popping out of place as you go about your day, and your custom restorations will be virtually indistinguishable from natural teeth.

Health Benefits

  • No gum irritation or tooth sensitivity: Dental bridges require enamel to be removed from your remaining teeth, which weakens them and can cause sensitivity. Dentures can eventually cause gum irritation and jaw soreness as they lose their fit over time. Dental implants are anchored into the jawbone like real teeth and don't cause any of these problems.
  • Preserve your jawbone & youthful appearance: Dental implants are the only tooth loss solution that replaces the roots of a missing tooth. This stimulates blood flow in the jawbone and keeps it strong, which in turn prevents the sunken, aged appearance that usually comes with tooth loss.
  • Keep a healthy mouth & body: Since dental implants are so easy to care for, they help lower your risk of issues like tooth decay and gum disease. What’s more, a study published in Periodontology found that those who were missing five or more teeth at the age of 65 were more likely to suffer from cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and osteoporosis.

Long-Term Benefits

  • Live longer: Completing your smile with dental implants can help you live longer. Recent studies show that patients with 20 or more teeth at 70 years old have a considerably higher chance of living longer than those with less.
  • Lasting results you can count on: Dental implants have a success rate of over 95%. With the right care, you can easily expect your newly rebuilt smile to last a lifetime.
  • Save time & money on your smile: While dental implants may have a higher initial cost than dentures and dental bridges, they will likely save you countless hours and thousands of dollars in replacements, repairs, cleaning products, and trips to your dentist over time.

Who Dental Implants Can Help

Man speaking with an implant dentist in Brecksville

No matter how many teeth you are missing, dental implants are worth considering to rebuild your smile. With that said, they aren’t always the ideal tooth replacement option for everybody. That’s why it’s important to schedule a consultation with Dr. Saleh so he can examine your mouth, learn about your goals, and help you choose the right treatment. If you are a good candidate for implants, he will outline a customized treatment plan for you and walk you through how every step of the process will work.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?

While more adults are eligible for dental implants than ever, there are certain qualifications you’ll need to meet in order for treatment to be successful. This includes three key factors:

  • Positive Oral Health: Placing dental implants is a surgical procedure, which means you’ll need to check with your general practitioner to confirm you can complete it safely.
  • Great Oral Health: Cavities, gum disease, and other dental issues can negatively affect the success of your dental implant.
  • Sufficient Bone Density: Your jawbone must be strong and healthy enough for the osseointegration process to occur.

If needed, we can get you set up for preparatory treatments that make dental implants viable. Certain preliminary procedures such as tooth extractions, gum disease therapy, and bone grafting may be recommended. If they are, our team will break them down in detail, get your dental care scheduled, then revisit your tooth replacement after you’ve healed.

Missing One Tooth

For a single missing tooth, we can place one dental implant in the area below your gums. After you’ve healed, we’ll then attach an abutment onto the implant. This small, metal connector piece will secure a customized dental crown in place. Not only is this option sturdier compared to a bridge, but it does not require removal of existing enamel to place.

Missing Multiple Teeth

To restore multiple missing teeth in a row, we can place two dental implants at either end of the gap in your smile. Then, we will attach a custom-crafted prosthetic that is anchored to the implants instead of your natural teeth. In the event you have multiple teeth missing on opposite sides of the mouth, a partial denture could be combined with dental implants to complete your smile.

Missing All Teeth

An entire arch of missing teeth can be restored with an implant denture. Depending on your needs, we’ll place anywhere from four to eight implants along your gum line. Once you’ve healed from surgery, we’ll secure a customized denture to the implants, completing your smile. With the addition of dental implants, you won’t need to worry about your denture slipping or shifting in your mouth. If you choose a fixed option, you won’t even need to take out your prosthesis just to keep it clean. However, if you’d prefer for it to be removable, that option is available to you as well.

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Understanding the Cost of Dental Implants

implant dentist in Brecksville showing a patient a model of a dental implant in the jaw

Each dental implant procedure is customized to meet a patient's unique needs, so your treatment will almost never cost exactly the same as that of another patient. The best way to learn what the cost of dental implants in Brecksville will be for you is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Saleh. During your visit, our team will outline your customized treatment plan and walk you through the pricing.

Rest assured that although dental implants seem expensive at first, their long-term benefits make them well worth the investment. In fact, because they can last for decades, dental implants may actually end up saving you money over time!

Preliminary Treatments & Dental Implant Surgery

When you first meet with Dr. Saleh, he’ll evaluate your mouth and determine whether you can move forward with dental implant surgery right away or if you require one or more preparatory procedures beforehand. It’s not uncommon for patients to need bone grafting, gum disease therapy, or tooth extractions before their mouths can support implants. While these treatments increase your chances of dental implant success, they also increase your total costs.

On the bright side, Dr. Saleh is a highly trained implant dentist in Brecksville who can surgically place your new teeth right here in our own office. You won’t have to travel to and pay a separate bill to an outside specialist, making your treatment not only more convenient, but more affordable.

The Parts of Your Dental Implant

Dental implants have three components: the implant post, the restoration, and abutment that connects the two. Each of these parts can be made from various materials and come from various manufacturers, depending on which one would be best for your unique situation. Of course, they also all come at different price points.

Your treatment costs will also depend on the number of teeth you’re missing. If you need to replace all of the teeth on an arch, you’ll end up paying more than if you’re only replacing a single tooth. Not only would you need to pay for multiple implant posts, but also a full denture rather than a crown.

During your consultation, Dr. Saleh will be transparent about all of these components so that you are fully aware of the costs associated with your treatment.

How Dental Implants Can Save You Money in the Long Run

It might not sound logical, but dental implants in Brecksville are typically the most cost-effective tooth replacement over time. This is true for a few reasons:

  • You won’t need to constantly buy adhesives to keep your teeth in place.
  • You won’t have to purchase special cleaning solutions – you should be able to use the same toothpaste, toothbrush, floss, and other products that you would for natural teeth.
  • You won’t have to spend money (and time) replacing your teeth every five to seven years like you would a denture or dental bridge.

Does My Dental Insurance Cover Dental Implants?

While dental insurance typically won’t cover the implants themselves, it may lower some of your other treatment costs, such as preliminary work. Of course, every plan is different, and we’ll be happy to look over your policy to find out how much coverage you qualify for. We welcome virtually all PPO plans and are even in-network with many of the country’s leading providers.

Making Dental Implants Affordable

If you don’t have dental insurance or your plan doesn’t provide the coverage you need, we have another option for making dental implants affordable: CareCredit financing. This company has helped countless Americans fit their dental care costs into their budget. We can help you apply for one of their many flexible payment plans, which often come with little to no interest!

Dental Implant Failure & Salvage

woman visiting dentist because of implant failure

One of the best things about dental implants is their astonishing success rate. They’re successful in more than 95% of cases even 10 years after their placement! Of course, there are still rare instances where dental implant failure occurs. It could happen because of infection, trauma, or any other circumstance. If your newly rebuilt smile ever feels uncomfortable or painful, don’t hesitate to contact our team at Brecksville Dental Excellence. We can assess the problem and restore your newly rebuilt smile with dental implant salvage treatment!

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Dental Implants Post-Op Instructions

a woman smiling after receiving her dental implants

Once you’ve received your brand-new dental implants, it’ll be crucial to undergo a smooth recovery to ensure a successful treatment. Our team will provide you with specific instructions on what to do after your surgery as well as any abnormal indications that you’ll want to watch out for. Make sure to notify our team if you notice anything strange or uncomfortable while you heal from your procedure.

What to Do Directly After Dental Implant Surgery

a man resting comfortably on a lawn chair

Firstly, you’ll need to leave the blood clot forming around the surgical site undisturbed so that it heals properly. This means you’ll want to avoid using a straw whenever you drink something, keep away from touching the area with your tongue or fingers, and use a tissue instead of spitting. Once you return home, get plenty of rest and avoid strenuous exercise so that your recovery goes smoothly.

Common Side Effects When Recovering from Dental Implant Placement

a woman smiling and taking a pain reliever

Since dental implant placement involves a minor surgery, you’ll likely expect some common symptoms after your procedure, such as soreness, intermittent bleeding, and swelling around the area. These side effects can often go on for several days, but they can easily be managed with over-the-counter pain medications and a cold compress—both of which alleviate discomfort.

Your Diet After Dental Implant Surgery

a bowl of soft mashed potatoes

For the next several days after your dental implant surgery, you’ll want to stick to eating softer foods for your meals. This will be necessary to help you remain comfortable without having to chew excessively while also avoiding any disturbance to the blood clot. Some of the most common foods you can enjoy during your healing period include:

  • Mashed potatoes
  • Yogurt
  • Applesauce
  • Pudding
  • Scrambled eggs
  • Soup
  • Ice cream

Post-Op Health & Oral Hygiene

a man brushing per dental implant post-op instructions

Usually, you can begin brushing your teeth the day after your surgery, but make sure to be gentle around the surgical site. Use salt water to rinse your mouth clean, but don’t spit. Try letting the water pour out of your mouth into the sink instead. If you choose to use mouthwash, avoid using those containing alcohol, as this can cause discomfort and aggravate the surgical site.

What to Do After Your New Teeth Are Attached

a patient checking his new dental implant restorations

Once you’ve received your final restoration(s), you’ll simply need to allow your gums to heal from the appointment. It’s natural to feel some sensitivity in the gum tissue after getting your new dental crown, bridge, or denture, but you can control the discomfort with pain medications and a cold compress. If you notice any bleeding or swelling afterward, notify our team right away so we can treat you.

Maintaining & Caring for Your Dental Implant

Dentist pointing to her smile and holding model dental implants in Brecksville

Dental implants have the potential to last a lifetime. However, their lifespan heavily depends on how well you take care of them. Thankfully, caring for your dental implant is just as easy as keeping your natural teeth strong and healthy! Below, we’ve listed the five best ways to care for your dental implant that will help your smile look and feel its best for decades to come!

Make Oral Hygiene a Priority

Your dental implant can’t get a cavity like a natural tooth, but it’s still essential to practice great oral hygiene! If not just for the sake of your remaining teeth, a buildup of plaque and bacteria can infect the gums and supportive tissues around your dental implant and cause it to come loose. To keep your natural teeth and dental implant firmly in place, be sure to:

  • Brush for two minutes twice a day
  • Floss between all your teeth daily
  • Rinse with mouthwash regularly

Eat a Healthy Diet

Dental implants can help you regain 70% or more of your natural biting force, making it easy and comfortable for you to eat all your favorite foods. However, it’s important that you refrain from overindulging in sugary foods and very hard foods. These could damage the restoration on your implant and increase your risk of gum disease. Instead, eat plenty of foods with calcium and vitamin C to keep your mouth healthy.

Break Bad Habits

While dental implants are incredibly strong, there are a few destructive bad habits that could ultimately break, loosen, or otherwise cause your dental implant to fail. Once you’ve rebuilt your smile, it’s time to break bad habits like:

  • Smoking or chewing tobacco products
  • Chewing on ice, nuts, pen caps, fingernails, and other hard objects
  • Using your teeth to open packages or containers

Protect Your Dental Implants

Do you play sports? A stray elbow to the face or a sudden fall could be enough to knock your dental implant loose. Make sure to wear a custom-made mouthguard while you play sports to ensure both your dental implant and your natural teeth stay fully intact.

Do you grind your teeth in your sleep? This condition is called bruxism, and the extra pressure it exerts on your teeth could crack your restoration or weaken your dental implant. Thankfully, a custom-made nightguard will help protect your smile while you sleep and help your body overcome this problem.

Schedule Regular Dental Checkups

Whether you’ve replaced one tooth with dental implants or all your teeth, you should come visit us for a regular dental checkup every six months. Even if your teeth look and feel fine to you, these routine visits allow us to monitor your dental implant and catch any problems as early as possible. Of course, the main goal of these visits is to prevent any oral health issues from developing in the first place! We’ll make sure that your dental implant and any remaining teeth are sparkling and healthy for many years to come.

Dental Implant FAQs

Man smiling with dental implant in Brecksville

Missing teeth doesn’t mean that you need to spend the rest of your life with gaps in your smile. Dental implants are a tooth replacement option that can be lifechanging for people who are missing one, several, most of, or all of their teeth. Before you commit to the procedure, you want to be well informed. Here are the answers to some of the most common questions we receive about dental implants. If you don’t see the information that you’re looking for below, give us a call! We’d be happy to answer your questions and set you up for an initial consultation.

How Long Do Dental Implants Last?

This all depends on the patient’s overall health and lifestyle. To ensure that implants last, it’s important to brush, floss, and rinse with a mouthwash daily. Attending regular dental cleanings and checkups is also a must. Avoid chewing on anything particularly hard or sticky. Ultimately, dental implants can last upwards of 30 years when they are cared for properly.

How Long Does It Take to Recover from Dental Implant Surgery?

You should be able to resume your normal activities the day after your surgery. Just be sure to avoid strenuous exercise for the first week or so, as it can delay the healing process. Bleeding should discontinue after the first couple of days, and swelling should stop after three to four days. Take all prescribed and over-the-counter pain relievers as directed. It can take up to six months for your implants to fuse with your jawbone.

Is There Anything I Shouldn’t Eat with Dental Implants?

For the first couple of weeks after surgery, avoid foods that are difficult to chew. Don’t consume alcoholic, sugary, or acidic beverages, and do not use a straw. After the healing process is complete, you should be able to eat pretty much anything you want! Just exercise caution when consuming things like sticky candy and hard nuts.

Do I Need a Bone Graft Before Getting Dental Implants?

Bone grafting involves transplanting a piece of bone tissue to the jawbone to strengthen it so it can accommodate dental implants. The bone tissue can be synthetic or come from an animal, human donor, or elsewhere in the body. The jawbone often atrophies after teeth have been lost because the tooth’s roots no longer stimulate it through biting and chewing. Detailed scans will be taken of your jaw area to determine whether or not you’ll need bone grafting before you can get dental implants.

Does Getting Dental Implants Hurt?

The jawbone doesn’t have very many nerve endings, and your mouth will be numbed before the procedure begins. You will also most likely be sedated, lowering your body’s ability to register pain. While the surgery shouldn’t hurt, you may experience some soreness for a few days afterward. This can be managed by taking recommended over-the-counter and prescribed pain relievers as directed. Cold compresses can also help. If discomfort worsens instead of improving after 3 days, give us a call.

Are Dental Implants Safe?

For most patients who are in good health, dental implants are very successful when placed by a qualified professional. If you have low jawbone density or gum disease, these issues will need to be addressed first to make dental implant surgery safer and more successful. If you have diabetes, cancer, or another medical condition that could make surgery or healing risky, we will discuss this during your consultation to determine if dental implants are still the right option for you.

Am I Too Young to Get Dental Implants?

Most dental professionals won’t place implants in patients that are younger than 18. This is because if dental implants are placed before the jaw has finished growing, it could interfere with further bone development and result in complications. Most people’s jaws don’t finish growing until young adulthood. Some people’s jaws take until their mid-20s to fully develop, and in general, men’s jaws take longer than women’s do.

Can I Get Dental Implants If I’m Diabetic?

If your diabetes is under control, your odds of dental implant success are generally comparable to those of nondiabetic patients. Uncontrolled diabetes can slow down the healing process, making it harder for your implants to integrate with your jawbone. If you are interested in getting dental implants but have diabetes, tale to your endocrinologist or primary care physician about getting your blood sugar levels under control beforehand.

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