Dental Implants are the best way to replace missing teeth.  Are you looking for an implant dentist in Columbus?  We offer a Free Smile Consultation to determine if dental implants are right for you.

What are the benefits of Dental Implants?

1. Dental Implants  look and function like real teeth
2. Dental Implants have a low rate of failure
3. You brush and floss dental implants just like the rest of your teeth.  No special floss to use like a dental bridge
4. With dental implants you can eat all the foods you love like steak, sweet corn, and apples.  Dentures make it difficult to eat the foods you love.
5. Dental Implants do not decay
6. Dental Implants are the most reliable way to replace missing teeth
7. If you don’t replace a missing tooth, the surrounding teeth on the top and bottom shift into the space which can negatively change the appearance of your smile.
8. Dental implants look natural. Only you will know.
9. Dental implants last for a long time.  

Dr. Thompson is a dentist in Columbus, Ohio who has been placing and restoring dental implants for more than a decade.  You can find out more about the benefits of dental implants by requesting  our Free Dental Implant Report or scheduling for your Smile consultation today.

Check out our blog post What’s the difference between a dental bridge and a dental implant.

If you have a missing tooth there are typically 2 options to fix this situation.  A dental implant or a bridge.  Dr. Thompson can perform either procedure so he can help you determine which is your best option.

Pros of Dental Implants

• A dental implant looks and functions like a real tooth
• There is no reduction in tooth structure on any of your surrounding teeth, like there is with a bridge
• You maintain an implant like any other tooth with regular brushing and flossing
• Lasts indefinitely
• Implants don’t get cavities
• Better solution and “standard of care” in today’s modern dentistry
• Costs about the same as a bridge
• Dr. Thompson can place and restore dental implants.  The majority of General Dentists can not perform the placement surgery so the patient must see a specialist, who charges more for the procedure.
• Replacing a missing tooth keeps surrounding teeth from shifting and provides more teeth to chew with as we age

Cons of Dental Implants

• Dental Implants are a two step process with 2 – 3 months of healing time in between the steps
• Dental Implants are a financial investment but typically no more than a bridge restoration.  A dental implant is a lasting investment.

Pros of a Bridge Restoration

• A Bridge is faster to complete than an Implant because of the healing time needed for an implant.  A bridge is still a two appointment process.
• A bridge is a good choice if the surrounding teeth also need crowns.
• Replacing a missing tooth keeps surrounding teeth from shifting and provides more teeth to chew with as we age

Cons of a Bridge Restoration

• Surrounding teeth must be “cut down” to support bridge
• Difficult to brush, floss, and clean under the bridge. 
• Possibility of compromising surrounding teeth, if a very strict regimen of cleaning below the bridge is not followed.
• It is possible to get new decay under a bridge or surrounding teeth
• In most situations a dental implant has become the “gold standard” for replacing a missing tooth.  Speak to a Dentist that can perform both procedures and decide for yourself.