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Dental Implants
Tooth loss can affect the way you look, speak, and enjoy your favorite meals. For many people, it can also alter their perception of their smile.
At Creekside Family Dental, we understand the importance of both function and appearance. Dental implants provide a durable and natural-looking solution to replace missing teeth, restoring confidence. Dr. William Leffler provides the full dental implant process in-office, from the initial consultation and implant placement to the final crown or restoration. This seamless, start-to-finish experience means you can receive your complete care in one location with the team you already trust.
Our Gahanna, Ohio, office also offers competitive pricing for dental implants, enabling more patients to access high-quality treatment that enhances their quality of life without unnecessary hassle or stress. Whether you are missing a single tooth or require more extensive restoration, we are here to help you achieve a healthy, functional, and confident smile.
Understanding Dental Implants
A dental implant is a long-term tooth replacement solution designed to function like your natural teeth. Instead of resting on the gums or attaching to nearby teeth, implants are supported directly by the jawbone. The implant itself is a small titanium post that acts as an artificial tooth root. Titanium has unique biocompatible properties that enable the jawbone to fuse with the implant through a process known as osseointegration. This creates a stable foundation for a crown, fixed partial denture, or other restoration.
For someone missing one tooth, the implant body holds a single crown. For several consecutive missing teeth, implants can support pontics as part of a bridge. For individuals missing most or all of their teeth, implants can support a denture or full-arch prosthesis, providing a secure and comfortable fit.
Why Tooth Loss Occurs
Tooth loss can occur for a variety of reasons, and understanding the cause can help guide the most effective treatment approach. One of the most common factors is poor oral hygiene, which can lead to cavities and gum disease. When plaque and bacteria accumulate around the teeth and gums, they can lead to inflammation and infection. Over time, this weakens the bone and soft tissue that support the teeth, eventually leading to tooth loss if left untreated.
Trauma or injury is another frequent cause. A sudden impact from sports, accidents, or grinding can damage a tooth beyond repair. Aging, genetics, and medical conditions such as diabetes may also contribute to increased vulnerability.
When a tooth is lost, the jawbone in that area begins to shrink due to a lack of stimulation. This bone loss can alter the facial structure and make it more challenging to replace the tooth later, which is why timely treatment is crucial.
What the Dental Implant Process Involves
Every patient begins with a consultation with Dr. Leffler. During this visit, he will examine your teeth and gums, take imaging to evaluate the lower jaw, maxillary sinus, soft tissue, and other vital structures, and determine the best approach for your dental implant treatment.
Once you are ready to begin, the dental implant surgery starts with making a small incision in the gum to access the bone. The implant body is precisely placed into the jawbone to protect vital structures and ensure a strong foundation. In most cases, this surgical procedure is completed comfortably with local anesthesia. After placement of dental implants, the healing process begins. Over the next few months, osseointegration allows the implant to bond securely with the bone. Once the implant is stable, a small connector piece called an abutment is attached to it. This abutment supports the final restoration, which looks and functions like a natural tooth.
Because Creekside Family Dental completes the whole dental implant system in-house, your transition from surgery to restoration is simplified. Everything takes place at our Gahanna location, and you work with the same dentist and caring team throughout your treatment.
Recovery and Aftercare
Who is a Candidate for Implant Dentistry
Generally, the best candidates have sufficient healthy jawbone to support the implant and are free from active gum disease. Your jaw should also be fully developed, which is why the minimum age is typically 18 years old. There is no upper age limit, making implants a viable option for many adults looking to replace missing teeth and prevent further bone loss.
During your consultation, Dr. Leffler will perform a thorough evaluation of your jawbone, gums, and overall oral health. He will assess vital structures, such as the maxillary sinus in the upper jaw and nerves in the lower jaw, to ensure a safe and successful procedure. Even if you have experienced some bone loss or have certain health conditions, you may still qualify. The only way to know for sure is to schedule an appointment with Dr. Leffler for a professional assessment.
Benefits of Dental Implants
Dental implants offer several significant advantages that help restore not only your smile but also your daily comfort and confidence. Because the implant integrates directly with the jawbone, it creates a strong foundation that mimics the function of a natural tooth. This helps protect oral health for the long term and supports overall quality of life.
- They look and feel like natural teeth, allowing you to speak clearly and chew comfortably without adjusting how you bite or eat.
- They help prevent ongoing bone loss by stimulating the bone, which maintains facial structure and supports neighboring teeth.
- They do not require support from surrounding teeth, preserving healthy enamel and avoiding the need to modify nearby teeth for a bridge.
- With proper care, including brushing, flossing, and regular dental visits, implants can last for many years, making them a long-term solution rather than a temporary fix. Unlike removable dentures, implants stay fixed in place. There is no slipping, no adhesives, and no need to remove them at night. Many patients appreciate how natural the restoration feels once it is fully integrated.
Comparing Dental Implants and Dentures
Cost of Dental Implants
The cost of dental implants in Gahanna varies depending on the number of teeth that need to be replaced, the condition of the bone, and the type of restoration used. However, the average cost of a single dental implant procedure ranges from $3,000 to $5,000.
Other factors that influence the final cost of treatment include:
- Implant brand
- Implant material
- Size and type of implant
- Location of placement
- Anesthesia and sedation
- Pre-implant procedures, such as bone grafting
- Dental insurance coverage
Creekside Family Dental offers affordable and competitive pricing to help make this investment manageable. Because implants are designed to be long-term, patients often find that the value over time is significant. Dr. Leffler will discuss your goals and treatment plan to ensure you understand the cost clearly from the outset.
A Seamless Start-to-Finish Process
One of the aspects that sets Creekside Family Dental apart is the convenience of receiving every stage of your implant care with one trusted practice. You will not need to visit multiple offices for imaging, implant placement, or restoration. This smooth coordination reduces stress, shortens the timeline for completing treatment, and supports a personalized, comfortable experience.
Throughout your care, we prioritize your comfort, safety, and long-term well-being. Our office adheres to FDA-approved standards for the dental implant system and utilizes the highest-quality materials to ensure strong and reliable results.
Maintaining Your Dental Implants
Restore Your Smile with Creekside Family Dental
Dental implants make it possible to speak confidently, enjoy the foods you love, and feel comfortable sharing your smile again. If you are considering dental implant treatment, we are here to help you understand your options and take the next step toward improved oral health.
Trust Dr. Leffler and the experienced team at Creekside Family Dental in Gahanna, OH. Call us at 614-471-5090 to schedule an appointment!
