Dental Implants in Columbus: What to Expect From Start to Finish
Losing a tooth can feel like a bigger deal than people expect. Maybe you avoid chewing on one side, or you’ve stopped smiling with your mouth open. Maybe you’ve been wearing a partial that never quite fits right.
Dental implants are one of the most reliable ways to replace a missing tooth, and they’re often the closest thing to having your natural tooth back. If you’ve been wondering whether they’re right for you, here’s how the process works at Community Dental, what makes someone a good candidate and how implants compare to other options.
What Is a Dental Implant?
An implant has three parts:
- The Post: A small titanium post placed in the jawbone, where it takes the place of the tooth’s root.
- The Abutment: A connector that attaches to the post and holds the new tooth.
- The Crown: A custom tooth made to match the color and shape of your natural teeth.
Because the post bonds with your jawbone, an implant feels solid when you chew. It doesn’t rely on the teeth next to it, and with good care, it can last for decades.
Why Replace a Missing Tooth at All?
A gap isn’t just about appearance. Over time, the teeth on either side can drift into the empty space, your bite can shift and the jawbone where the tooth used to be slowly shrinks. Replacing the tooth sooner usually keeps more of your options open.
Are You a Good Candidate?
Most adults who are missing one or more teeth can be considered for implants. The things that matter most are:
- Healthy Gums: Gum disease needs to be treated first, since it can affect healing. Our gum care services can help get your gums ready.
- Enough Jawbone: The post needs solid bone to anchor in. If bone has thinned, bone grafting can often rebuild it first.
- Your Overall Health: Conditions like uncontrolled diabetes, and habits like smoking, can slow healing. They don’t always rule implants out, but we’ll talk them through with you.
How the Process Works
Implant treatment happens in stages over a few months. Here’s what that usually looks like:
- Consultation and Planning: We examine your mouth and take a 3D CT scan, which shows your bone, nerves and sinuses in detail. That scan lets us plan exactly where the implant should go.
- Bone Grafting, if Needed: If there isn’t enough bone, a graft rebuilds the area first. This adds a few months of healing.
- Placing the Post: The implant post is placed in the jawbone with the area fully numbed.
- Healing: Over the next few months, the bone grows around the post and locks it in place.
- Your New Tooth: Once healing is complete, the abutment and your custom crown are attached.
Most people are surprised by how manageable recovery is. Some soreness and swelling for a few days is normal, and over-the-counter pain relievers usually keep it under control.
Implants, Bridges or Dentures?
Implants aren’t the only way to replace teeth, and they aren’t always the right choice. Here’s how the main options compare:
| Option | How It Works | Good to Know |
|---|---|---|
| Dental implant | A post in the jawbone holds a crown | Doesn’t affect neighboring teeth and helps preserve bone |
| Bridge | A replacement tooth anchored to crowns on the teeth beside the gap | Fixed in place with no surgery, but the neighboring teeth are reshaped |
| Partial or full denture | A removable replacement that rests on the gums | The most affordable option, but it comes out at night |
Learn more about crowns and bridges and dentures, or read our guide to dentures, implants and bridges.
Caring for Your Implant
An implant can’t get a cavity, but the gums around it still need care. Brush twice a day, clean between your teeth every day and keep up with your regular checkups. Healthy gums are the key to an implant that lasts.
What About Cost?
Cost depends on how many teeth you’re replacing, whether you need bone grafting and the type of crown. Some dental plans cover part of implant treatment, and our team will check your benefits before you commit to anything. We accept Aetna, Anthem, Cigna, Delta Dental, UnitedHealthcare and other plans, and we offer financing through CareCredit, Sunbit and ONEderful. See our insurance and financing options.
Nervous About Treatment?
You’re not alone. Dr. Deborah York completed a one-year residency in IV sedation, and nitrous oxide is available too. Let us know how you’re feeling, and we’ll talk through your sedation options.
Take the First Step
If you’re missing a tooth, a consultation is the easiest way to find out whether implants are right for you. Learn more about dental implants at Community Dental, call 614-272-0110 or request an appointment online. We’re in Marble Cliff Office Park, a few minutes from Grandview Heights and Upper Arlington.