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Why Do Dental Implants Take So Long?

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Dental implants may be the closest thing you can get to natural teeth, but the process can take months to complete. It can make people hesitant to sign up, especially when the cost of an implant may not be fully covered by insurance. If you’re wondering why this is, we’ll explain what happens when you get a dental implant in Cuyahoga Falls, OH.

How Long Do Dental Implants Take?

The implant process can take several months, with some people waiting a full half-year or more for their jaw to heal. This is because the metal post near your jawbone needs time to fully fuse with the bone, so it’s strong enough to hold the crown in place through daily wear and tear. Between the time you get the implant and the time you get the permanent tooth, the dentist may give you a temporary crown to fill in your smile (sometimes known as same-day implants).

Are Dental Implants Worth It?

Most dentists in Cuyahoga Falls, OH agree that dental implants are worth the time and financial investment, especially if you have good oral health. If your jaw and gums can handle the procedure, the rejection rate is very low, making it one of the safer procedures you can get at a dentist.

Are There Alternatives to Dental Implants?

There are many alternatives to traditional implants, including bridges, partial dentures, and PermaSmile. The right one for you depends on everything from your age to your oral health, lifestyle, and personal preferences.

Find Implants in Cuyahoga Falls

Living without a single tooth or a few teeth may not seem like a catastrophe, particularly if the gap isn’t visible in photos. However, the longer you go without a tooth, the more likely bacteria will accumulate, or your nearby teeth will move to fill in the space.

If you’re looking for a dentist in Cuyahoga Falls, OH that specializes in implants, contact State Valley Dental to learn more about our services and how we can help you restore your smile.

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6 Reasons to Get Dental Implants When You’re Missing a Permanent Tooth

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A missing tooth can impact your appearance as well as the functionality of your teeth. A dental implant can fix any problems caused by a missing tooth. Although there are many prosthetic teeth options available to people with missing teeth, dental implants are the most similar to your natural teeth.

Your dentist in Cuyahoga Falls, OH can let you know if you’re a good candidate for dental implants. If you’re thinking about getting a dental implant to replace your missing tooth, we’ve listed six reasons to move forward with this type of dental installation. Here’s what you need to know.

1. Keep Your Teeth in Place

When one tooth goes missing, the remaining teeth tend to shift out of place. Installing a dental implant keeps your teeth where they belong.

2. Make Your Smile Whole

A missing tooth can leave you feeling self-conscious about the appearance of your smile. For some people, this means refusing to smile at all. Installing a dental implant can give you back your confidence in the appearance of your smile.

3. Aid in Chewing

Chewing, biting food, and eating can become more difficult when you’re missing a tooth. Installing a dental implant can aid in chewing, making eating a more pleasurable experience overall.

4. Aid in Speech

Sometimes it’s difficult to pronounce certain sounds and words when you’re missing a tooth. Installing a dental implant allows you to speak the way you used to before your tooth was lost.

5. Protect Jaw Alignment

If your teeth shift out of place to fill the hole where the tooth used to be, this can cause your jaw to become misaligned. If you install a dental implant to prevent your teeth from shifting, this can prevent this from happening.

6. Preserve Your Appearance

Your dental implant will be custom-made to fit in your mouth. Installing a dental implant can preserve your appearance.

Do you want to know more about dental implants in Cuyahoga Falls, OH? Call the professionals at State Valley Dental.

Are Implant-Supported Dentures Right for You?

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Would you like to be able to eat, drink, and speak without worrying about your dentures slipping? If so, implant-supported dentures might be just what you’re looking for. But you will need a dentist in Cuyahoga Falls, OH, to perform the procedure. Until then, let’s talk a bit about implant-supported dentures.

Implant-Supported Dentures Explained

Implant-supported dentures are just as the name suggests. They are anchored to your jawbone using dental implants. Traditional dentures sit on top of your gums and are held in place using suction and dental adhesive. There are fixed and removable implant-supported denture options.

The Amazing Benefits of Implant-Supported Dentures

Here is what you can expect from implant-supported dentures in Cuyahoga Falls, OH.

  • They don’t slip like traditional dentures do. The implants hold them firmly in place.
  • They help prevent bone loss (because the implant takes the place of your tooth’s natural root).
  • They look like your natural teeth.
  • They last quite a bit longer than traditional dentures.
  • They give you a great-looking smile.
  • They improve your ability to speak and chew.

How Do Implant-Supported Dentures Work?

Implant-supported dentures use a small titanium post/screw (dental implant) that is placed into your jawbone where your tooth’s root used to be. Bone will grow around that post. The number of implants used will depend on your situation. Your new denture will then be snapped onto the implants, forming a permanent foundation. They have a 95-98% success rate.

Since implants support the denture, it will be more comfortable and less likely to irritate your gums. Implant-supported dentures also make it easier to eat and speak normally.

When Are Implant-Supported Dentures Used?

Implant-supported dentures are used when you don’t have teeth but still have enough bone in your jawbone to support a dental implant. If you don’t have enough jawbone to support a dental implant, your dentist will go over other tooth replacement options with you.

How Long Do Implant-Supported Dentures Last?

The implant parts of your dentures can last your entire life if they are cared for properly. However, the overdenture (the denture attached to your implants) will likely need to be replaced every 15-20 years or so.

Are You Looking for an Exceptional Dentist in Cuyahoga Falls, OH?

If you are considering implant-supported dentures, please Contact State Valley Dental to schedule an exam and consultation. Our knowledgeable, experienced, and friendly staff would love to help!

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Common Myths About Dental Implants Debunked

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Dental implants have now been available for several decades. In Cuyahoga Falls, OH dental implantshave become one of the most popular treatment options. While dental implants are widely heard of, not everyone knows what they should about them. In fact, there are many common myths about dental implants that remain. Here is a list of them, debunked!

The Process is Painful

The process of getting dental implants involves a surgical procedure, which many people think means that getting dental implants is painful. However, just as you wouldn’t undergo any surgery without anesthesia, there is anesthesia with dental implants. Patients don’t feel anything, and the process is relatively pain-free. Most patients report feeling minimal discomfort during and after the procedure. Any post-operative pain can typically be managed with over-the-counter pain medications.

Dental Implants Are Obvious

On the contrary, dental implants look natural, even close-up. Over the years, the manufacturing of dental implants has improved to the point that hardly anyone would be able to tell that you have them. In fact, you may already know someone with dental implants and you think that all of their teeth are natural!

Dental Implants Can Cause Health Issues

Another pervasive myth is that dental implants can cause health problems or be rejected by the body. Dental implants are made from biocompatible materials like titanium, which are well-tolerated by the body. Rejection is extremely rare, and most complications are minor and manageable with proper dental care.

The Procedure Is Lengthy and Inconvenient

It’s true that a person can’t go into their dentist’s office and come out in an hour with dental implants. But, while the dental implant process involves several steps and can take a few months to complete, it’s a systematic approach that ensures the best results. The healing time is crucial for the implant to integrate with the jawbone properly, ensuring its stability and longevity. Dental implants are certainly less convenient than trying to deal with missing teeth, and they resolve a myriad of problems associated with the loss of adult teeth.

Millions of people are successfully living with dental implants. Shouldn’t you be one of them? Contact your Cuyahoga Falls, OH dentist today to learn more about this exciting restorative dental treatment!

The Different Types of Dental Implants Explained

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Getting dental implants is exciting! Who doesn’t want a perfect smile? Yourdentist in Cuyahoga Falls, OH, will go over all the details with you. But until then, here are the different types of dental implants from which to choose.

The Different Types of Dental Implants

Read these over. Then, you can talk with your dentist about which type ofdental implants in Cuyahoga Falls, OH, you are most interested in.

Endosteal Dental Implants

These are the most commonly used dental implants. They consist of small titanium screws that are implanted into your jawbone. These serve as your tooth’s roots. Bone will grow around the screws, and that’s what permanently holds your implant in place. An abutment will be added to the screw, and an artificial tooth will be placed on top of that, completing the implant process.

Subperiosteal Dental Implants

If you don’t have enough jawbone to accommodate an implant, your dentist might recommend a subperiosteal implant. This type of implant is placed on top of your jawbone.

All-on-4 Dental Implants

The all-on-4 dental implants are becoming very popular. These are great if you don’t want to wear dentures and can’t afford a full set of dental implants. All-on-4 implants consist of four strategically placed titanium screws that are implanted into your jawbone. So, as the name suggests, only four implants per jaw are used to hold your new full arch of teeth in place.

Implant Overdentures

These are most commonly used as an alternative to traditional dentures. The way it works is that the overdentures are affixed on top of implants to hold your teeth in place. The only difference between all-on-4 implants and overdentures is the way they are shaped. They are both permanent. So you never have to take them out.

Implant Supported Bridges

If you have one or more teeth missing and don’t need a full arch of teeth, implant-supported bridges might be just what you’re looking for. Or, if you don’t have enough jawbone to support an implant and you still have some natural teeth, these will work for that as well.

This option is similar to a traditional bridge except that it is supported by a dental implant on either end instead of being held in place by your natural teeth.

Looking for a Dentist in Cuyahoga Falls, OH?

If you want to get dental implants, you are going to need a dentist to perform the procedure for you. PleaseContact State Valley Dental today. We love crafting perfect smiles!

Benefits of Dental Implants for Oral Health

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Have you been considering dental implants in Cuyahoga Falls, OH? While dental implants are often considered a purely cosmetic dental treatment option, implants can have many positive benefits for your oral health. Take a look at some of the ways dental implants can benefit your oral health below. 

Improved Functionality and Bite Strength

Dental crowns offer enhanced functionality and bite strength, which is immediately lost when a tooth is severely damaged. By covering and protecting damaged or weakened teeth, crowns restore their structural integrity, which leads to improved chewing and biting abilities. This restoration of function enhances the ability to eat comfortably and helps prevent further damage to the affected tooth. This means that dental crowns may allow you to eat foods you may have avoided due to lacking bite strength.

Preservation of Jawbone Density and Facial Structure

When teeth are broken or extracted, it affects the bone density that makes up the jaws. With time, the bones can start to deteriorate to such a degree that the facial structure changes. By installing dental implants, the integrity of the bone is maintained. Therefore, changes in facial structure, such as the cheeks appearing to sink, are far less likely. 

Enhanced Smile Structure for the Long-Term 

If you have dental implants installed and still have natural teeth, implants provide a layer of protection for the remaining teeth. Natural teeth can bear more stress when their surrounding teeth are missing. This change can lead to higher risks of damage to these remaining teeth. The natural teeth can also shift and move with time due to the added space to do so within the jaw. Dental implants allow for even distribution of bite force, and the close fit between other teeth will prevent alignment issues from developing. 

Discuss Dental Implants with a Cuyahoga Falls Dentist 

Dental implants offer numerous benefits for individuals seeking a permanent solution to missing teeth. From improved oral function and enhanced aesthetics to long-term durability and maintenance of oral health, dental implants with a qualified Cuyahoga Falls dentist provide a comprehensive solution that can positively impact one’s quality of life. Contact State Valley Dental today to schedule a consultation with our experienced team if you’re considering dental implants.

 

3 Things to Know About Maintaining Implants

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If you’re missing a tooth, your dentist may recommend dental implants to fill the gap and restore your smile. Dental implants are a very popular type of prosthetic tooth because they look natural and they function much like your other natural teeth.

Once your dental implant is installed, your dentist in Cuyahoga Falls, OH, at State Valley Dental will tell you what you need to know about maintaining your dental implant. Taking good care of your implant can help you maintain a beautiful, healthy smile. Here’s what you need to know.

1. Dental Implants Need Regular Brushing

Dental implants need to be brushed regularly, just like your natural teeth. To brush your dental implants, you’ll use a non-abrasive toothpaste. Watch out for toothpaste designed for smokers, stain-removing toothpaste, products containing activated charcoal or baking soda, and toothpaste that says they’re made for whitening or brightening your smile. These toothpastes can scratch up your dental implant, causing permanent damage to the surface of the crown.

2. You’ll Visit Your Dentist Twice Annually

Continue to visit the dentist twice annually after your implants are installed. During your visits, the dentist will inspect your implants for signs of damage, and if they are damaged, your dentist will recommend repairs or replacement, depending on the problem.

During your visits with the dentist, you’ll also be given an opportunity to ask questions about how to maintain your dental implants. Your dentist will show you how to brush and floss around your implants to ensure that they’re well cared for.

3. Know the Signs of a Problem

Once your dental implant is installed, it’s important to know the signs of a problem. If your dental implant starts to fail, here’s what you can expect:

  • Pain around the site of the implant
  • Swelling or discomfort around the implant
  • Gum recession around the implant
  • Implant is loose

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, this could be a sign that your dental implant is failing. If this happens, it’s time to see the dentist.

Tips for Taking Care of Your New Dental Implants

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Do you have plans to restore your smile with dental implants in Cuyahoga Falls, OH? These new teeth will undeniably make you feel more confident about your smile. However, there will be a few tips to keep in mind to make sure your new dental implants stay healthy and look their best for the years to come. Take a look at a few important tips for taking care of your new dental implants.

1. Maintain Excellent Oral Hygiene

Maintaining excellent oral hygiene is paramount for the longevity and nice appearance of your new dental implants. Just like your natural teeth, brush your dental implants at least twice a day using a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste. Further, flossing regularly removes plaque and debris, which protects the health of your gums, as well as the durability of your new implants.

2. Attend Regular Dental Check-Ups

Regular dental check-ups are crucial for monitoring the health and functionality of your dental implants. Your dentist will conduct thorough examinations, including X-rays, to detect any potential issues early on. These routine visits are important because they allow intervention if issues arise that put the implants at risk.

3. Avoid Chewing on Hard Objects

Preserving your dental implants requires adopting mindful chewing habits. Avoid biting down on hard objects such as ice, hard candies, or non-food items, as this can lead to damage or wear and tear on your implants. Treat your dental implants with the same care you would your natural teeth, and they will be far more likely to last a lifetime.

4. Quit Smoking

Smoking poses significant risks to the success of dental implants but also can affect the longevity of the restorations in the long term. Smoking can impede the healing process, increase the risk of implant failure, and compromise overall oral health.

Discuss Dental Implants with a Qualified Dentist in Cuyahoga Falls, OH

For personalized advice and guidance on caring for your dental implants, consult with a qualified dentist in Cuyahoga Falls, OH. Reach out to schedule an appointment with our experienced dental team at State Valley Dental and embark on your journey to a healthier, more confident smile.

Bridge Vs. Implant: What You Should Know

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Losing a tooth can be a difficult experience, but it can help to know that there are solutions available to you. A dental bridge or an implant in Cuyahoga Falls, OH, can not only replace the tooth, it can help you maintain your facial structure and preserve the health of your teeth and gums. If you’re asking which one is better for you, we’ll look at the differences so you can make the decision.

The Basics of a Dental Bridge

A dental bridge is there to cover the gap between two teeth, and it works by placing a full crown between two partial crowns on the healthy teeth on either side of the missing tooth. The false tooth is held in place by the cemented crowns on either side so that you can talk and chew normally. The materials used can be made to match the surrounding areas, too, so it looks like your natural teeth.

The Basics of Dental Implants

A dental implant is attached not by crowns on either side but with a titanium post in the jawbone. Because the post fuses to the bone, it’s meant to act more like a real tooth. It can also potentially prevent the bone from shrinking because every new bite helps stimulate its growth.

How to Decide

Bridges and implants are both meant to fill in the gaps of a real tooth, but the truth is that implants are usually the preferred option for dentists. Not only does it tend to be more stable than a bridge, but it’s also better for the bone. It’s worth noting that people without strong jawbone density will not be good candidates for implants. In that case, a bridge can be a good compromise.

Dentists in Cuyahoga Falls

If you’re looking for a dentist in Cuyahoga Falls, OH, that specializes in dental implants, the staff at State Valley Dental are here to help. Implants not only fill in the gaps in your mouth, preventing other teeth from sliding in, but they give patients more motivation to keep up with thorough brushing and flossing routines. If you still have questions about bridges or implants, contact us today to see how we can help you decide.