Losing a tooth can impact your confidence, your ability to chew comfortably, and even your long-term oral health. At Polaris Family Dental, we’re proud to offer advanced dental implant solutions designed to restore both the function and appearance of your smile. Led by Dr. Jaclyn Winner, our team provides comfortable, high-quality care for patients in and around Columbus, OH, helping each person achieve a lasting, natural-looking result.
Our caring dental team understands that missing teeth can affect more than just your smile—they can influence your overall health, bone structure, and daily comfort. We aim to help you regain a strong, healthy smile through personalized treatment and gentle care in a welcoming environment.
What are Dental Implants?
A dental implant is one of the most advanced and practical options for tooth replacement available today. It replaces both the visible portion of a missing tooth and its root, creating a stable foundation for a dental crown, bridge, or denture.
The implant body is a small metal post—typically made of titanium—that integrates with the bone of the jaw. Once healed, it acts as a secure anchor for a new artificial tooth, allowing you to eat, speak, and smile with confidence. Because implants function much like natural teeth, they provide exceptional comfort and durability compared to traditional dental bridges or removable dentures.
Benefits of Dental Implants
Choosing dental implants offers a range of long-term benefits for both your smile and oral health. Beyond simply replacing a missing tooth, they preserve jawbone strength and help prevent bone loss, which often occurs when a tooth is missing for an extended period.
Some of the most important benefits include:
- Natural look and feel: Implants closely mimic the appearance and function of real teeth.
- Stability and comfort: Since the implant fixture integrates with your jawbone, your replacement teeth remain secure, preventing them from slipping or shifting.
- Improved oral health: Implants do not require altering nearby natural teeth, helping to preserve the structure of your smile.
- Longevity: With proper care, implants can last for decades, making them a reliable, long-term investment in your dental health.
Implant dentistry offers one of the most predictable and natural-feeling solutions for patients seeking to restore their smiles and maintain a healthy mouth.
Who is a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?
Most patients in good general and oral health are strong candidates for dental implants. Ideal candidates have healthy gum tissue, sufficient bone structure to support the implant placement, and no active periodontal disease or untreated tooth decay.
Even if you’ve experienced some bone loss, modern dental technology often makes it possible to restore your smile with bone grafting or specialized implant types. During your consultation, Dr. Winner will review your medical history, take detailed imaging, and evaluate your jawbone to determine if you’re a good candidate.
It’s essential to note that poor oral hygiene or gum disease can impede healing and increase the risk of infection; therefore, maintaining strong dental habits before and after the procedure is crucial.
Our Dental Implant Process in Columbus
The dental implant process typically involves several steps spread across a few months, allowing time for healing and integration between each stage. At Polaris Family Dental, Dr. Winner ensures each phase is tailored to your needs and performed with your comfort in mind.
Consultation and Treatment Plan
Your implant journey begins with a thorough exam and consultation. Our dental team will take digital images and discuss your goals, reviewing any medical conditions that may affect healing. Together, you and Dr. Winner will create a customized treatment plan outlining the number of implants needed and your replacement tooth options.
Implant Placement
During the implant placement procedure, a minor surgical procedure is performed under local anesthesia to insert the implant fixture into the bone of the jaw. The implant serves as a sturdy replacement root. Care is taken to avoid vital structures, such as the maxillary sinus in the upper jaw or the lower jaw nerves, ensuring a precise and safe procedure.
Healing and Osseointegration
Over the next few months, the implant body naturally fuses with the surrounding jawbone through a process known as osseointegration. This creates a strong, long-lasting connection between the implant and your bone. A healing abutment may be placed on top of the implant during this healing period to shape the gum tissue and prepare for the final restoration.
Restoration Placement
Once healing is complete, a dental prosthesis—such as a dental crown, bridge, or denture—is securely attached to the top of the implant. The result is a stable, natural-looking tooth replacement that functions like a natural tooth.
Single Tooth and Full Mouth Solutions
Whether you’re missing one tooth or several, dental implants can be customized to suit your unique needs.
- Single Tooth Implant: For patients missing just one natural tooth, a single implant fixture topped with a custom dental crown offers a seamless and durable replacement.
- Implant-Supported Bridge: For multiple missing teeth in a row, two or more implants can anchor a bridge, avoiding the need to modify neighboring teeth.
- Full-Mouth Implants: For patients with extensive tooth loss, full-mouth restoration uses a series of strategically placed implants to support a full arch of replacement teeth, restoring both function and aesthetics.
Each approach is designed to provide the most natural fit and feel possible, preserving your bite alignment and preventing further bone loss over time.
The Healing Process and Recovery
Healing after dental implant surgery in Columbus is typically smooth and predictable, though recovery time varies depending on your individual case. Minor swelling, tenderness, or bleeding near the implant site is normal during the first few days.
Dr. Winner will provide detailed instructions to help manage your recovery, including guidelines for oral hygiene, diet, and activity. Maintaining proper care during the healing process is essential to prevent infection and support osseointegration.
You’ll be advised to eat soft foods initially, avoid smoking, and keep the surgical area clean. Once the implant has fully integrated with your bone, your new tooth will be attached, completing your smile restoration.
How Long Do Dental Implants Last?
One of the most significant advantages of dental implants is their longevity. With good care, regular dental visits, and healthy habits, implants can last 20 years or more—and in many cases, a lifetime.
Because the metal post bonds directly with the human body’s bone tissue, implants are incredibly stable and resistant to decay. The dental crown or restoration placed on top may eventually need replacement due to normal wear, but the implant itself can remain intact for decades.
Routine cleanings, proper oral hygiene, and avoiding gum disease all play crucial roles in extending the lifespan of your implant. Polaris Family Dental in Columbus, OH, provides ongoing maintenance and preventive care to ensure your investment stays strong for years to come.
Why Choose Implants Over Other Options?
Compared to dentures or fixed partial dentures, dental implants offer distinct advantages in terms of comfort, appearance, and long-term health.
While bridges rely on adjacent teeth for support, implants stand independently, preserving the integrity of surrounding natural teeth. Additionally, dentures can sometimes slip or irritate the gums, while implants remain firmly anchored in the jaw.
Beyond aesthetics, implants actively help maintain your oral health by preventing bone loss in the jawbone. This structural preservation supports facial shape and prevents the “sunken” appearance often associated with long-term tooth loss.
For many patients, implants also simplify daily life. Because they act like real teeth, you can enjoy your favorite foods and practice regular oral hygiene without special adhesives or extra cleaning steps.
The Importance of Proper Care
Caring for dental implants is similar to caring for your natural teeth. Brushing, flossing, and regular dental visits are essential for preventing periodontal disease and maintaining strong gums around your implant.
Dr. Winner will guide you in proper care techniques, including how to clean around the gum line and monitor for any early signs of infection or irritation.
Maintaining a schedule of routine checkups enables us to identify potential concerns early and ensure your implant remains in optimal condition. With this preventive approach, you can expect your implant to continue performing beautifully for decades.
Comprehensive Care You Can Rely On
As a general dentist with advanced training in implant dentistry, Dr. Jaclyn Winner offers complete dental implant treatment under one roof—from initial consultation to final restoration. Patients in Columbus, OH, appreciate her gentle approach, attention to detail, and focus on individualized care.
Our dental team combines experience, compassion, and advanced dental technology to ensure every aspect of your dental implant procedure is safe, predictable, and comfortable. Whether you’re receiving a single implant or a full-mouth restoration, we’re committed to providing comprehensive care that helps you achieve a confident, lasting smile.
Begin Your Dental Implant Journey Today
If you’re struggling with missing teeth or considering tooth replacement, Polaris Family Dental can help you regain the function and beauty of your smile with high-quality dental implants. Dr. Winner and her team will take the time to answer your questions, assess your oral health, and design a treatment plan tailored to your specific goals.
Enjoy the freedom of a strong, natural-looking smile—one that feels and functions just like your real teeth. If you are searching for “dental implants near me”, call us today at 614-714-6138 to schedule your appointment!
Dental Implants FAQs
If you’re exploring tooth replacement options, dental implants are one of the most advanced and durable solutions available. At Polaris Family Dental, we’re here to answer your questions and help you make informed decisions about your care.
Who is a good candidate for dental implants?
Dental implants are ideal for patients who are missing one or more teeth and have healthy gums and adequate bone density in the jaw. If you’ve experienced bone loss, we may recommend a bone graft before implant placement. During your consultation, our dentists evaluate your oral health to determine the best path forward.
How do dental implants compare to bridges or dentures?
Unlike traditional bridges or removable dentures, dental implants replace the root of the missing tooth, providing a more stable and permanent solution. This offers unmatched stability, prevents bone loss, and feels more natural when chewing or speaking. Implants also do not require alteration of neighboring teeth, making them a more conservative and long-lasting option.
Is the implant procedure painful?
We use modern techniques and a local anesthetic to ensure the procedure is as comfortable as possible. Some post-operative soreness is normal and can typically be managed with over-the-counter pain medication. Most patients find that the temporary discomfort is well worth the long-term benefits.
How long do dental implants last?
With proper care—including brushing, flossing, and regular dental visits—implants can last for decades. In fact, many patients never need to replace them. While the restoration (crown) may eventually need maintenance or replacement, the implant post itself is designed to be a permanent solution.
What is the recovery process like?
Healing varies, but most patients return to normal activities within one to two days after implant placement. Osseointegration—the process where the implant fuses to the jawbone—typically takes a few months. Once healing is complete, your custom crown will be attached for a fully functional, natural-looking smile.
Can smokers get dental implants?
Smoking can impair healing and increase the risk of implant failure. However, it doesn’t automatically disqualify you. We’ll review your health history and discuss how to improve your chances of long-term success. Quitting or reducing tobacco use before and after surgery is strongly recommended.
How do I care for my dental implants?
Caring for implants is similar to caring for natural teeth. Brush twice a day, floss daily, and keep up with professional cleanings and exams. We’ll also review personalized care instructions during your visits.
Ready to restore your smile?
Contact Polaris Family Dental today to schedule your dental implant consultation. We’re here to help you feel confident, comfortable, and cared for every step of the way.
