Dental Implants in Loudonville & Wooster

 

Dental implants are a long-lasting, natural-looking solution for missing teeth. The implant, a titanium post surgically placed into the jawbone, acts as an artificial tooth root. Once healed, a custom-made crown, bridge, or denture is attached, restoring both function and aesthetics. Unlike traditional dentures or bridges, implants integrate with the bone, providing unmatched stability and durability.

Types of Dental Implant Procedures

Scott Dental Group offers several dental types of dental implant solutions tailored to each patient’s specific needs:

  • Single Tooth Implants—If you are missing a tooth, a single tooth implant can replace it without affecting the surrounding teeth.
  • Multiple Teeth Implants – These are a secure option for replacing several missing teeth with individual implants. Each implant has an individual crown attached to replace each missing tooth.
  • Full-Mouth Implants—Full-mouth implants offer a complete restoration for patients missing all of their teeth in the upper or lower jaw. They can be used with implant-supported dentures or bridges.
  • All-on-4® Dental Implants—This cost-effective solution uses just four implants per arch to support a full set of teeth, reducing the need for bone grafting and providing immediate results.
Dental Implant Illustration

Evaluation for Dental Implants

If, like many others, you feel implant dentistry is the choice for you, we ask that you undergo a dental/radiographic examination and health history. During these consultation visits, your specific needs and considerations will be addressed by either Drs. Scott, Scott and Straits, or by an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon referred by our practice. Your questions and concerns are important to us and our team will work with you very closely to help make your procedure a success.

Should You Get Dental Implants?

Dental implants are an excellent option if you:

  • Are missing one or more teeth
  • Want a permanent, low-maintenance solution
  • Prefer an alternative to dentures or removable bridges
  • Have enough bone mass in the jawbone to support the implants (or are willing to undergo bone grafting)
  • Are in good overall health and do not have gum disease or any oral health issues

If you are unsure if dental implants are right for you, we can evaluate you and determine whether implants are appropriate.

The Dental Implant Process

The dental implant placement is a team effort between Scott Dental Group and a restorative dentist. Drs. Scott, Scott, or Straits perform the actual implant surgery, initial tooth extractions, and bone grafting if necessary. During the surgery, you will be sedated, and the surgical site will be numbed with a local anesthetic. You may not remember the surgery after recovering from sedation, and there is minimal pain during the procedure. You will likely be sore once the anesthetic wears off after a few hours. 

Implant Recovery Timeline

Healing from dental implant surgery takes time, but the results are well worth it. Here’s what to expect:

  • First Few Days: There will be some swelling and discomfort, which will subside within a week. You will rest at home, stay hydrated, and get plenty of rest. For the first two days, you will be on a liquid diet. Most people can return to work after 3-4 days.
  • 2–3 Weeks: Initial healing occurs, allowing normal activities to resume. By this time, any bruising will fade. You can return to a normal diet, slowly adding crunchy, tough, and spicy foods back into your meals.
  • 3–6 Months: The implant fuses with the jawbone (osseointegration), ensuring long-term stability.
  • Final Step: Your custom crown, bridge, or denture is placed for a fully restored smile.

What to Eat After Getting Implants

During the healing process, it’s important to stick to soft foods like:

  • Yogurt, mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, smoothies, and soups
  • Soft fruits like bananas and avocados
  • Cooked vegetables and protein-rich foods like tofu or shredded chicken

We suggest you stock up on soft foods at your local Wooster grocery store a few days before your implant surgery so that you have everything you need after surgery.

As your mouth heals, you can gradually reintroduce harder foods, but it is recommended that you avoid overly crunchy or sticky items.

Dental Implants vs. Dentures

Both dental implants and dentures are designed to replace missing teeth and improve one’s ability to eat and speak. However, they achieve distinct goals in different ways.

  • Permanence: Dental implants typically last 30 years or more, often lasting a lifetime. Dentures usually last 7-10 years before needing replacement.
  • Repairs: Dental implants rarely need repairs, while dentures routinely need relining or repairs as the jawbone and gums change to ensure a good fit.
  • Stability: Implants are fixed in the jawbone and fused with the surrounding bone so they do not shift or slip. Dentures may slip or shift when you eat or speak.
  • Jawbone Health: Implants stimulate the jawbone, preventing bone loss. With dentures, jawbone deterioration over the years leads to a sunken facial appearance.
  • Maintenance: You can brush and floss your dental implant restorations like natural teeth. Dentures must be removed for cleaning at night and are held in place using denture adhesives.
  • Cost: Dental implants are more expensive upfront because they involve surgery. Dentures are less expensive at first, but you will pay for several dentures over the years, as well as repairs and relines.

Cost of Dental Implants & Financing Options

The cost of dental implants varies depending on the number needed, the materials used, and any additional procedures like bone grafting. While implants may seem like a larger upfront investment, they provide decades of reliability, eliminating the recurring costs associated with dentures. To make implants more accessible, we accept most major credit cards, dental insurance plans, and CareCredit financing.

Take the First Step Toward a Confident Smile

If you’re ready to restore your smile and improve your quality of life with dental implants, Drs. Scott, Scott, and Straits are here to help. Schedule a consultation today at our Wooster or Loudonville office and discover how implants can transform your oral health and confidence. Book your consultation now by calling Loudonville Office Phone Number 419-994-3111.