Dental Implants
Dental implants at Whitehouse Family Dental look, feel, and function more like natural teeth than any other option available today. Our experienced dental implant dentists skillfully handle all implant services from planning and placement to final restoration. We are also pleased to offer bone grafting and sinus lifts for patients who aren't immediately candidates.
How Do Dental Implants Work?
A dental implant is a three-part tooth replacement system:
- Titanium Post — A small titanium post surgically placed in the jawbone that serves as an artificial tooth root.
- Connecting Abutment — An attachment piece that connects the implant post to the custom tooth restoration.
- Custom Restoration — A crown, bridge, or denture attached to the abutment to restore chewing function and appearance.
Unlike removable partials or traditional bridges, implants are completely self-supporting. The titanium posts stimulate and preserve bone just like natural roots while providing unmatched stability and comfort.
Benefits of Dental Implants
Versatile Solution
Lasting Investment
Jawbone Health
Natural Form and Function
Frequently Asked Questions
Tooth loss affects more than your smile’s appearance. You might be surprised to learn that a single missing tooth can set off a cascade of oral health problems that worsen over time.
What Happens after Tooth Loss
Shifting Teeth
Without a tooth to hold its position, neighboring teeth gradually drift into the space, causing misalignment throughout your mouth. Over time, this can lead to:
- Difficulty chewing efficiently
- Excess wear on certain teeth
- Increased risk of fractures and chips
- Jaw joint problems and TMJ pain
Progressive Bone Loss
Constant stimulation of tooth roots helps maintain jawbone density and volume. Without the roots, bone begins to deteriorate, putting adjacent teeth and risk and making future tooth replacement more complex.
Facial Appearance Changes
As jawbone density is lost, facial features can collapse inward, creating a prematurely aged appearance. You might notice:
- Pronounced wrinkles around the mouth
- A shortened distance between the nose and chin
- A sunken look to the cheeks
Nutritional and Overall Health
When chewing becomes difficult or uncomfortable, many patients unconsciously modify their diets to avoid nutrient-rich foods like fresh fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins. This shift in diet can affect:
- Nutritional balance
- Digestive function
- Energy levels
- Overall systemic health
It's easy to see how crucial it is to replace missing teeth, whether with a dental bridge, partial, or implant. To learn more about these options, call us to schedule an appointment with one of our dentists in Whitehouse, OH.
What's Involved with Getting a Dental Implant?
The process begins with a thorough oral health evaluation with our implant dentist, including 3-D imaging to assess bone structure and plan precise placement.
- Preparation (If Needed) — Some patients require bone grafting or sinus lifts to create a solid foundation for successful implant placement. We perform these procedures at our comfortable dental practice so you don’t have to travel to a specialist.
- Custom Surgical Guide — We use our in-office 3-D printer to fabricate a custom surgical guide based on your digital plan. This guide ensures we place the implant at the ideal angle and depth for optimal outcomes.
- Implant Placement — Our skilled dentists place the implant precisely in the jawbone under local anesthesia. We also offer nitrous oxide and oral sedation for complete comfort.
- Healing Period — Over the next 3–6 months, the implant fuses with bone and tissue. This is called osseointegration, and its success is crucial for creating a stable foundation for the replacement tooth.
- Final Restoration — Once fully integrated, we attach the custom-crafted crown, bridge, or denture to the implant to complete your smile restoration.
Our Team
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Dr. Kristen Shumate
Dr. Shumate founded Whitehouse Family Dental in 2014, fulfilling a childhood dream of becoming a dentist. She earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery cum laude from The Ohio State University ...
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Dr. Richard Shumate
Dr. Rick Shumate has owned and practiced at Whitehouse Family Dental since 2016, bringing his expertise in implants, grafting, root canals, and cosmetic dentistry to the community. A 2011 graduate ...
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Take the First Step Toward a Complete Smile
Don't let missing teeth hold you back from enjoying life to the fullest. Call Whitehouse Family Dental at (419) 877-5404 to schedule your implant consultation. Our experienced team will walk you through all your options and develop a personalized treatment plan to help you achieve your goals.
We proudly serve patients seeking dental implants from Whitehouse, Waterville, Monclova, Swanton, Perrysburg, Maumee, and surrounding communities.
Dental Implants Technology
3-D Cone Beam Imaging (CBCT)
This advanced imaging system creates detailed 3-D images of your teeth, soft tissues, nerve pathways, and bone in a single scan. Our doctors rely on these comprehensive images when planning complex treatments like implant placement or root canals, ensuring more precise, predictable results with less guesswork and reduced treatment time.