By Dr. Louai Salaita, Prosthodontist at Elements Dental of Johnstown
Tooth loss can impact more than just your smile—it can affect your confidence, oral health, and overall well-being. Whether you’ve lost a single tooth or multiple teeth due to decay, injury, or aging, finding the right replacement solution is crucial. Dental implants have revolutionized modern dentistry by providing a permanent, natural-looking, and fully functional way to restore missing teeth.
At Elements Dental of Johnstown, we are proud to offer expert implant dentistry led by Dr. Louai Salaita, the first prosthodontist serving Johnstown and Licking County, Ohio. With his advanced training and years of experience, Dr. Salaita helps patients achieve strong, healthy smiles that last a lifetime.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are artificial tooth roots made of biocompatible titanium that are surgically placed into the jawbone. Over time, the implant fuses with the bone in a process called osseointegration, creating a strong and stable foundation for a custom-made crown, bridge, or denture. Unlike traditional tooth replacement options, dental implants preserve jawbone structure, prevent shifting of neighboring teeth, and restore full chewing and speaking function.
Why Choose Dental Implants Over Other Tooth Replacement Options?
Many patients wonder how dental implants compare to traditional alternatives like bridges and dentures. Here’s why implants are considered the gold standard in tooth replacement:
- Permanent & Long-Lasting: Unlike dentures that may need frequent adjustments, implants are designed to last a lifetime with proper care.
- Natural Look & Feel: Implants are custom-designed to match your natural teeth, providing a seamless and aesthetic smile.
- Prevents Bone Loss: Missing teeth lead to jawbone deterioration over time. Implants stimulate the bone, preventing further loss.
- Restores Full Chewing Ability: Eat all your favorite foods without restrictions—no slipping or discomfort like with dentures!
- No Impact on Healthy Teeth: Unlike dental bridges, which require grinding down adjacent teeth, implants stand independently.
Types of Dental Implants We Offer
At Elements Dental of Johnstown, we provide a variety of implant solutions tailored to each patient’s needs:
- Single Tooth Implants: If you’re missing just one tooth, a single dental implant is an excellent solution. A titanium post is placed into the jawbone, and a custom-crafted porcelain crown is attached, restoring both aesthetics and function.
- Multiple Teeth Implants (Implant-Supported Bridges): For those missing several teeth in a row, an implant-supported bridge uses two or more implants to hold a series of connected crowns in place. This eliminates the need to alter healthy teeth, as is required with traditional bridges.
- Full-Arch Restoration: All-on-4® & All-on-6 Implants: Patients missing most or all of their teeth can benefit from All-on-4® or All-on-6 dental implants, a revolutionary technique that uses four to six implants per arch to support a full set of fixed teeth. This procedure restores a full smile with exceptional stability—no more removable dentures!
- Implant-Supported Dentures: If you wear dentures but want better stability and comfort, implant-supported dentures provide a secure fit by attaching to surgically placed implants. This eliminates the need for adhesives while improving speech and chewing ability.
- Mini Dental Implants (MDIs) & Zygomatic Implants: For patients with insufficient bone density, mini implants (MDIs) and zygomatic implants are alternatives to traditional implants. MDIs are smaller in diameter, making them ideal for lower denture stabilization, while zygomatic implants anchor into the cheekbone for those with severe bone loss in the upper jaw.
The Dental Implant Process with Dr. Louai Salaita
Getting dental implants is a multi-step process, but the results are well worth it. Here’s what you can expect:
- Step 1: Consultation & Treatment Planning – Dr. Salaita will conduct a thorough evaluation, including digital imaging and 3D scans, to assess bone structure and determine the best implant solution for you.
- Step 2: Implant Placement – During a minor surgical procedure, the titanium implant is placed into the jawbone. Local anesthesia or sedation ensures a comfortable experience.
- Step 3: Healing & Osseointegration – Over the next 3-6 months, the implant naturally fuses with the bone, creating a solid foundation.
- Step 4: Abutment & Crown Placement – Once the implant has healed, a small connector piece called an abutment is placed, followed by a custom-designed crown, bridge, or denture, completing your new smile.
Start Your Complete Dental Implant Assessment Online Today!
If you’re ready to restore your smile with permanent, natural-looking dental implants, begin with a quick and easy online assessment from Dr. Louai Salaita and the team at Elements Dental of Johnstown. Using your responses, we’ll evaluate your needs and provide personalized next steps—so you can take the first step toward a healthy, confident smile that lasts a lifetime.