Dental implants are a reliable, long-term solution for replacing missing teeth and restoring comfort, function, and confidence. Tooth loss can affect how you eat, speak, and feel about your smile. Over time, it can also impact oral health and bone density in the jaw. Dental implants are designed to replace missing teeth in a way that closely mimics natural teeth, both in appearance and function.
At Sommers Family Dentistry in Norwalk, Ohio, dental implant care focuses on careful planning, patient education, and precise implant restoration. We work closely with trusted dental specialists who place dental implants, then restore them in our office once healing is complete to help patients regain a healthy, confident smile.
A dental implant is a small titanium post that acts as an artificial tooth root. It is surgically placed into the jawbone by a dental specialist where a tooth is missing. Once the implant heals and integrates with the surrounding bone tissue, it can support a replacement tooth such as a dental crown, bridge, or denture.
Dental implants are designed to function like natural teeth. They provide a stable foundation for prosthetic teeth and help maintain the structure of the jawbone. Because implants replace the tooth root as well as the visible tooth, they offer benefits that other tooth replacement options may not provide.
When a tooth is lost, the jawbone beneath it can begin to shrink due to lack of stimulation. This bone loss may affect nearby teeth, facial structure, and overall oral health. Dental implants help prevent bone loss by stimulating the jawbone.
Benefits of dental implants include:
Dental implants are designed to function as a permanent replacement for missing teeth and can last for many years with good oral hygiene and regular dental checkups.
The dental implant process involves multiple steps and coordination between dental providers to ensure safe, long-term results. Each phase is carefully planned based on your individual needs.
Your care begins with a consultation at our dental office. During this visit, we evaluate your oral health, review digital X-rays, and discuss whether dental implants are an appropriate option. If implants are recommended, we help coordinate care with a trusted dental specialist for implant placement.
Dental implant placement is a surgical procedure performed by a qualified dental specialist. During this phase, the implant is placed into the jawbone and positioned to support the future restoration.
After implant placement, a healing period allows the implant to integrate with the jawbone through a process called osseointegration. This secure bond creates a strong foundation for the replacement tooth. Healing times vary depending on bone density and individual healing factors.
Once healing is complete, you return to Sommers Family Dentistry for the restorative phase of treatment. A custom dental crown, bridge, or denture is securely attached to the implant to restore function, comfort, and appearance. Restorations are designed to blend naturally with surrounding teeth.
Some patients experience bone loss in the jaw due to long-term tooth loss or gum disease. In these cases, a dental specialist may recommend bone grafting before implant placement. Bone grafting helps rebuild bone tissue and improve the condition of the jawbone so it can support an implant.
Bone grafting is part of a comprehensive treatment plan and helps improve implant success by creating a stable foundation for the implant.
Many adults with missing teeth may be good candidates for dental implants. Ideal candidates typically have healthy gum tissue, adequate bone density, and good overall oral health. Certain health conditions or habits, such as smoking or poor oral hygiene, may affect healing and should be discussed during consultation.
A thorough evaluation helps determine whether dental implants are the right option and ensures appropriate coordination with a specialist when needed.
Dental implants differ from other tooth replacement options because they replace both the tooth and the tooth root. Traditional bridges rely on adjacent teeth for support, while removable dentures rest on the gums.
Implants provide a stable, independent solution that does not rely on nearby teeth. This makes dental implants a preferred option for many patients seeking a long-term replacement that closely resembles natural teeth.
Caring for dental implants is similar to caring for natural teeth. Daily brushing, flossing, and good oral hygiene habits help protect gum tissue and surrounding teeth. Regular dental checkups allow your dentist to monitor implant restorations and overall oral health.
With proper care, implant restorations can remain strong and functional for many years.
Dental implants support long-term oral health by preserving jawbone structure and maintaining proper bite alignment. Replacing missing teeth helps protect surrounding teeth and supports better chewing, nutrition, and comfort.
Patients often report improved confidence and quality of life after completing dental implant treatment and restoration.
Sommers Family Dentistry has served families in Norwalk and surrounding communities since 1952. Our experience with restorative dentistry and modern dental technology allows us to provide precise dental implant restorations once implants have been placed by a specialist.
We focus on education, communication, and long-term results, guiding patients through the implant process and restoring their smile with care and confidence.
If you are missing one or more teeth and want to explore permanent tooth replacement options, dental implants may be the right solution. Our team is here to help you understand the process and coordinate care that fits your needs.
Call (419) 668-3606 to schedule your consultation at Sommers Family Dentistry. We proudly serve patients in Norwalk, Ohio and the surrounding North Central Ohio communities.
Call today to schedule your visit. We look forward to welcoming you to our Norwalk dental office and caring for your smile for years to come.
The goal of our clinic is to provide friendly, caring dentistry and the highest level of general, cosmetic, and specialist dental treatments.
Copyright © 2026. Sommers Family Dentistry. All Rights Reserved. | Powered by Whiteboard Marketing
