Dental Implants near Huber Heights, OH

Missing teeth affect more than just appearance. Gaps allow neighboring teeth to shift, make chewing less efficient, and cause the jawbone to shrink over time from lack of stimulation. A dental implant fills the space, restores full chewing function, and keeps the bone active—addressing the root problem rather than just covering it up.

A crown by itself sits on top of an existing tooth—it needs a tooth structure underneath it to attach to. A traditional denture rests on the gum surface and can slide around. An implant replaces the root itself, going directly into the jawbone. Everything built on top of it—whether a crown, bridge, or denture—is anchored to that root and behaves like a natural tooth.

Single crown: the standard choice for one missing tooth—custom-made to match your natural teeth exactly.

Implant bridge: used when two or more consecutive teeth are missing; implants on each end support the bridge without touching healthy neighboring teeth.

Implant-retained denture: for patients missing a full arch of teeth—snaps firmly onto implants so it never slips, even while eating.

We'll recommend the right fit after reviewing your exam and imaging results.

The honest answer is that it varies. The number of implants, the restoration type, and whether prep work like bone grafting or extractions is needed all factor into the final number. What we can tell you is that we'll give you a thorough written estimate after your consultation—itemized by phase—so you know exactly what you're looking at before committing to anything.

A typical case without complications runs a few months from implant placement to the final restoration. The bulk of that time is the healing phase—your body needs time to fuse the implant post to the bone, and that process can't be shortcut. If grafting is part of your plan, it adds a healing window before the implant even goes in. We'll give you a personalized schedule at your first visit.

It's understandable to have some apprehension, but most patients tell us it was much easier than they expected. The area is completely numbed before we start, so the sensation during the procedure is pressure rather than pain. Recovery typically involves a few days of mild soreness—manageable with over-the-counter medication and rest. We take time to walk you through what's coming so you're not walking in blind.

Strong candidates have adequate bone in the jaw, healthy gum tissue, and no uncontrolled systemic health conditions that would interfere with healing. That said, there's a wide range of situations we can work with—including cases that need some preparation first. The best way to know where you stand is to come in for an evaluation rather than assume you're not a candidate.

Low bone volume is one of the most common reasons people think they can't get implants—but it's often treatable. Bone grafting rebuilds the jaw to a level that can support an implant. The graft material integrates with your existing bone over a healing period, creating a stable foundation. We'll use imaging to measure exactly what's there and determine whether grafting is the right path for you.

Yes, significantly. Smoking impairs blood flow and slows the healing process, which increases the risk that an implant won't fuse properly with the bone. It also raises the likelihood of infection and gum disease around the implant after placement. We'll discuss your habits honestly during your consultation and factor that into your treatment plan and expectations.

Potentially, yes. Well-controlled diabetes is generally not a barrier to implant treatment. Uncontrolled diabetes, however, compromises healing and immune response in ways that can affect implant success. We'll want to know where your blood sugar management stands and may coordinate with your physician before moving forward. Each situation is evaluated individually.

Teeth on either side of a gap will gradually drift toward it over time, and the tooth above or below the gap may begin to over-erupt—meaning it grows further out of the gum because there's nothing opposing it. This shifting can affect your bite, create new alignment issues, and make future treatment more complicated. Filling the space sooner rather than later keeps everything where it belongs.

The implant post—the part in the bone—is built to last indefinitely with proper care. The crown or denture on top will experience years of normal wear and may eventually need to be replaced, just as any restoration would. Patients who maintain good oral hygiene and don't skip professional cleanings consistently get the best long-term results.

Standard brushing and flossing—nothing out of the ordinary. There's no adhesive to apply, no nightly removal, and no special cleaning kit required. Implants fit into your existing oral hygiene routine without adding complexity. Keeping the gum tissue around the implant clean is the most important habit to build.

Dental insurance coverage for implants ranges from comprehensive to nothing at all, depending on your specific plan. Some policies cover the crown, the extraction, or the bone graft while excluding the implant itself. Others have dedicated implant benefits. We'll help you review your coverage before treatment begins so there are no surprises when the bill arrives.

Book a consultation with our team. We'll review your medical and dental history, examine your teeth and gums, take any imaging we need, and give you a full picture of your options. You'll leave knowing exactly what's recommended, what the process looks like, and what it will cost—with no pressure to decide on the spot.