Dental Implants Columbus, Ohio

Dental implants are an excellent option for those seeking to replace one or more missing teeth. In the past, dentures have been the only available remedy for missing teeth, but implants provide permanent, comfortable, natural-looking dental prosthetics that are relatively easy to care for, and that contribute to the health of your jawbone. In the Columbus, Ohio area, family and cosmetic dentist Dr. Michael Firouzian can help you decide if dental implants are right for you. Please call (614) 848-5001 today to schedule an appointment at Firouzian Dentistry.

What are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are a durable and attractive option for replacing missing teeth. A dental implant consists of a titanium “root” that is implanted into your jaw bone and a dental crown that serves as a functional false tooth.

Why Implants Are Better Than Dentures

Dental implants are often the preferred option for replacing missing teeth because they offer a number of benefits over other alternative treatments. Dental implants:

  • Appear and function more like your natural teeth
  • Last longer than dentures or bridges
  • Allow you to eat and speak normally
  • Will not slip or make embarrassing clicking sounds like dentures
  • Require no modification to your adjacent teeth
  • Can be cleaned the same way as your normal teeth
  • Are more comfortable than dental bridges or dentures
  • Can help prevent adjacent teeth from shifting to fill empty space

Dental Implants Columbus, OhioBecause dental implants are permanently attached to your jawbone, they function just like your natural teeth. You don’t have to worry about them slipping out of place when you’re eating, talking, or laughing.

And because they function just like natural teeth, you can keep eating all your favorite foods. You won’t have to give up foods like steak or corn on the cob. And you won’t have to learn a new way to eat: you can bite and chew normally with your dental implants.

With proper care, implants can last many years. They are often described as permanent because long-term studies show that most dental implants last longer than the studies, which are 10, 15, 20, even 30 years long! The first person to receive dental implants had them for over 40 years before he died. The second person to receive dental implants has had them for about 50 years, and they’re still functioning! The longevity is why many people in Columbus choose dental implants. 

Caring for implants is relatively simple since implants require the same basic care as your natural teeth. Normal brushing, flossing, and regular visits to your dentist will ensure your implants remain attractive and natural-looking for years to come. Proper care will also ensure the health of your gums, which also contributes to the overall look, comfort, and well-being of your implants.

The Latest Developments In Dental Implants

There are many dentists in Columbus offering dental implants. It can be hard to choose the right one for you. We recommend looking at reviews and checking the results achieved for patients in the Smile Gallery. But you should also consider the education and training of the dentists. Dr. Firouzian has received focused training on dental implants, and he is a member of the American Academy of Implant Dentistry (AAID). This membership allows him access to some of the most recent and exciting discoveries in the field of implant dentistry.

mold of a new smile using dental implants and restorationsHow Dental Implants Work

A dental implant is a small titanium or zirconia screw that replaces the root of a missing tooth. Topping the artificial root is a restoration such as a dental crown that has the appearance of a natural tooth and restores functionality to your bite.

Although dental implants are a durable and aesthetically-pleasing option for replacing missing teeth, they are not for everyone. A consultation with a skilled dental implant dentist of Columbus, Ohio cosmetic dentist Dr. Michael Firouzian can determine if dental implants are the best solution for you. Dr. Firouzian may prescribe a specialized x-ray that will also confirm the health of your bone and determine treatment success.

Most adults who are in good general health and have sufficient jaw bone structure are viable candidates for dental implants.

Am I A Candidate For Dental Implants?

Most teenagers and adults are good candidates for dental implants. The main prerequisite is that you have sufficient jaw bone mass to properly fuse with the implant. If you do not, you can undergo a bone grafting procedure. Ideal dental implant candidates are missing one or more teeth, are in good overall health, and do not have any health conditions that may hinder bone healing.

Transform Your Smile With All-On-4 Dental Implants

Do you have multiple teeth to replace, or are you looking to replace your dentures with dental implants? All-on-4 dental implants are the top option many Columbus, OH, residents consider. With all-on-4 dental implants from Firouzian Dentistry, you can replace an entire arch of teeth on just four dental implants. If you need an entire mouth of teeth, no problem! You’ll only need eight total implants for a mouth full of beautiful and functional teeth.

Dr. Firouzian is Columbus’ premier choice in implant dentistry due to his extensive experience in cosmetic and full-mouth cases. He bases your treatment strategy on your individualized needs to give you the most beautiful, functional, and healthy smile. Call (614) 848-5001 or make an appointment online to talk with Dr. Firouzian about how all-on-4 dental implants can transform your smile.

Implant Surgery Pre-Op

There are several things that will need to be done in preparation for your dental implant surgery. Some of these things will be done during your initial visits to the Columbus, Ohio office of Dr. Michael Firouzian. These preparations include:

  • I-Cat or 3-dimensional imagery, X-rays, and hands-on evaluations of your jaw to ensure proper bone density
  • Bone grafting if your jawbone lacks sufficient density to support an implant
  • A thorough evaluation of your medical history
  • A thorough examination of your teeth and gums
  • A detailed explanation of what you can expect during and after your implant placement

These things will be handled by implant dentist Dr. Firouzian and the experienced staff at Firouzian Dentistry. During these initial appointments, we will also be happy to answer any questions about dental implants that you may have.

How You Can Prepare For Implant Surgery

In addition to the preparations made at our office, you will have certain responsibilities prior to dental implant placement. Taking time to carefully follow these instructions will help ensure a smooth procedure and comfortable recovery.

What you will need to do prior to implant surgery includes:

  • Quit smoking at least a month prior to surgery
  • Avoid alcohol consumption in the week prior to surgery
  • Do not eat or drink for at least six hours prior to surgery
  • Wear comfortable clothes to your procedure
  • Arrange a ride home, if the patient has been on sedation
  • Arrange for assistance from a responsible adult for the first few hours following your surgery

Taking these steps and following all of Dr. Firouzian’s post-surgical advice will help ensure your implant placement is successful and comfortable. Dr. Firouzian will discuss all of these preparations with you prior to your implant placement.


Dr. Firouzian assisting a dental implant patient with a procedure in his Columbus, Ohio dental office

Dental Implant Procedure

The implant process typically involves two phases spread over roughly three to six months.

The first step is the placing of your titanium or zirconia implant root. First, you will be adequately numbed. This may involve local anesthesia involving our new, more comfortable Anutra buffered anesthesia. Some people or procedures may require general anesthesia. The implant is then inserted into the jawbone. 

Once the implant is placed, Columbus, Ohio cosmetic dentist Dr. Firouzian will evaluate your implants. If they are stable enough, you will get a temporary restoration that will serve as a cosmetic and functional replacement while your replacement root fuses with your bone. If it’s not stable enough, Dr. Firouzian will place a healing cap on the implant during this process. 

Osseointegration

Following placement, the implant will undergo a process known as osseointegration. This is the process in which your jawbone accepts your dental implant as a natural tooth root. While this part of the process can take up to six months, it is vital to ensure your implant provides a permanent solution. During this healing time, a temporary crown will be placed atop the implant.

Dental Crown Placement

Once your jawbone has accepted your implant, you will return to our office for the restorative procedure. Your Columbus implant dentist will place a dental crown that has been shaped, colored, and sized to precisely match your adjacent teeth. After it has been placed, your dental crown will act in the same manner as your natural teeth, providing you with renewed strength, and increased aesthetic appeal. The crown will not only match your existing natural teeth, but it will restore strength and function to your bite.

Zirconia Dental Implants

In the past, we used only titanium for dental implants because we didn’t have another option that was as strong and could bond with the jawbone. Now you have another option. Zirconia is an advanced ceramic that is as strong as titanium. It also bonds with your jawbone.

Not many dentists have caught on to the advantages of zirconia dental implants. However, Columbus, Ohio cosmetic dentist Dr. Firouzian is proud to offer them to his patients because they are:

  • Strong
  • Attractive
  • Corrosion-resistant
  • Highly biocompatible
  • Hypoallergenic

These advantages make zirconia dental implants a better choice for many people than titanium implants.

Zirconia Implants Are Strong

When it comes to the compression forces that your dental implants will have to endure when you bite and chew, zirconia is even stronger than titanium. Yttria-stabilized zirconia (the type we use for implants, crowns, and bridges), is more than twice as strong under compression as the strongest titanium alloy used for implants.

Zirconia Implants Are Attractive

Titanium dental implants are highly attractive, but a small number of people might have cosmetic complaints about these implants. As a metal, they don’t look the same as a natural tooth root. Because they’re covered by the gums and bone, this usually isn’t a problem, but for some people with thin or translucent gums, titanium implants give a faint gray cast to the tooth root.

Zirconia Implants Don’t Rust

All metals corrode. With titanium, this isn’t usually a problem: titanium rust is normally strong and protective. However, in some situations, other metals in the mouth can cause damaging corrosion of implants. Zirconia implants are made of a ceramic that won’t rust.

Zirconia Implants Are Biocompatible

As metals go, titanium is highly biocompatible, but zirconia is a ceramic that is even more compatible with your body. It’s especially better for your gums, helping them to grow and stabilize around the implant.

Zirconia Implants Are Hypoallergenic

A small number of people (about 6 in 1000), have allergic reactions to titanium implants. Usually, these are people who already show allergic reactions to dental metals. Zirconia implants don’t cause metal allergic reactions, so they’re often a better choice for people with metal allergies or concerns about metal restorations.

Are Zirconia Implants in Columbus, Ohio, Right for You?

Are you interested in zirconia implants and want to know if they’re right for you? Please schedule an appointment with Columbus, Ohio cosmetic dentist Dr. Firouzian to talk about the advantages and limitations of this exciting alternative to titanium dental implants.

Variations in the Dental Implant Procedure

Every patient is different, so although the procedure described above is accurate for most patients, some may require a different procedure. If you’re replacing more than one lost tooth, we will likely place multiple dental implants in the same procedure. Instead of an individual crown, your Columbus dental implant dentist will replace your missing teeth with a dental bridge. A dental bridge replaces all your lost teeth and is secured by two or more implants.

If you’ve suffered significant jawbone loss as a result of gum disease or atrophy, a bone graft may be necessary before your dental implant can be placed.

In other cases, your dental implant may be secure enough when it is first placed that you can get a temporary dental crown placed the same day. It all depends on your individual situation.

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team member at Firouzian Dentistry inspecting the mouth of a dental implant patient

Dental Implant Cost

We understand that you might be concerned about the cost of dental implants. You may want an estimate of how much they will cost before seriously considering the procedure. However, for many reasons, providing you with an estimate is only possible by first performing a complete mouth examination. 

We have an article that goes into greater detail about the factors influencing dental implant costs, one which you may want to look to first as a source of general information. Of course, the best way to learn how much your dental implants might cost is to schedule a consultation. 

What is the Standard Recovery Time for One Implant?

The protocols and regimen Dr. Firouzian employs offer the fastest recovery time for patients following anything from single implant restorations to a full arch. Much of recovery has to do with the stress of the actual surgery and the health of the patient.  We take every consideration into account from the beginning to the end and this absolutely helps patients lessen the recovery time needed to go through these procedures. 

Many patients experience only minor discomfort after the implant root is placed and are able to return to work within a day or two. The process for osseointegration itself may take up to six months. Discomfort during the recovery period can typically be controlled with over-the-counter painkillers.

What is the Standard Recovery Time For a Full Arch?

Full arch surgery sometimes requires more recovery time than single implants. Especially if it’s on the upper arch where it’s difficult to apply a direct cold compress. However, again, the holistic approach your Columbus dentist, Dr. Mike, utilizes and the recovery regimen he implements for the patient makes the best impact for recovery possibilities for all patients who need this important surgery. Ultimately, even if it takes a week to two weeks to have tissue inflammation calm down after a very serious full arch extraction and implant placement surgery, the benefit of reliably chewing into your tough steak and raw vegetables makes the process completely worth it for long term health.

dental team member of Firouzian Dentistry inspecting new dental implant restorationsWhat Do Patients Say Their Pain Levels After Surgery Are?

In every implant placement procedure, much of our efforts on behalf of the patient is in the planning of their case so there are no surprises. Patients may be more concerned with the cost because that is what they have worked to plan for.  However, when you visit Dr. Firouzian for your implant surgery, after signing the medical release, he outlines your treatment from start to finish to plan for the most painless procedure possible. Most patients leave pleasantly surprised with the ease of the procedure. Oftentimes when Dr. Mike calls patients that night to see how their recovery is going they remark that they have had zero pain whatsoever and all is well.  

What Post-Treatment Care Do You Recommend?

We implement the same routines for patients in recovery including antibiotics and pain medication. In addition, we implement holistic oral rinses that help reduce dependency on pain medication due to their anti-inflammatory quality. Patients can also apply cold compresses.

Learn More About Dental Implants in Columbus

If you would like more information about dental implants such as how they can restore your natural smile, please call (614) 848-5001 or contact Columbus, Ohio dentist Dr. Michael Firouzian. We would be happy to schedule an appointment or a consultation to discuss your options to replace missing teeth.

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