Has a missing tooth or multiple missing teeth got you thinking, “What’s next?” You’re in the right place. At Almoney Dental Group—serving the Greater Dayton area from our offices in Kettering, Miamisburg, and Delco Park—we help local patients understand their options and choose the treatment that’s best for their smile, health, and lifestyle.
In this post, we’ll explore why dental implants are often the best choice when compared to a traditional bridge or doing nothing at all. We’ll answer the most common questions people in Dayton ask about implants and show you how to take the next step toward a renewed smile.
What are dental implants?
A dental implant is a synthetic structure (typically a titanium post) placed in the jawbone where a tooth root used to be. After healing, it serves as the foundation for a custom crown, bridge, or denture.
At Almoney Dental Group, we provide implant-based tooth replacement treatment in Dayton, Kettering, and Miamisburg.
Unlike a conventional dental bridge, which sits on top of the gums and is anchored to neighboring teeth, an implant replaces the root and the crown of the missing tooth, preserving bone and function more completely.
Why Not Just Leave the Space Unfilled?
You might wonder: “If only one tooth is missing and I don’t mind the gap – what’s the harm?” There are several important health, aesthetic, and functional reasons to replace a missing tooth:
- Bone loss: When a tooth is lost, the jawbone around the empty socket gradually begins to resorb (shrink) because it’s no longer stimulated by a root in place. Over time, this can change your facial structure and lead to further dental problems.
- Shifting teeth: Adjacent teeth may drift into the empty space, altering your bite, creating alignment issues, or leading to other teeth becoming loose.
- Reduced chewing and speaking ability: Even a missing back tooth can affect how well you chew, and missing front teeth can affect speech and confidence.
- Aesthetic concerns & self-confidence: Missing teeth can affect your smile and the way you feel about your appearance.
- Increased wear on other teeth: The remaining teeth may bear more load, which can lead to more wear, fractures, or early failure.
By choosing to replace the missing tooth (or teeth), you’re taking a proactive step to protect your oral health, facial structure, and quality of life.
Dental Implants vs. Bridges: How they compare
Let’s dig into how implants stack up against bridges — a common alternative.
What is a dental bridge?
A dental bridge typically uses the two healthy teeth adjacent to a gap as anchors (abutments). A false tooth (pontic) spans the gap and is secured by crowns on the neighboring teeth.
Key differences:
- Root replacement: Implants replace the root structure; bridges do not. Because of that, implants help maintain bone levels; bridges don’t.
- Impact on adjacent teeth: Bridges typically require altering (filing down) healthy adjacent teeth to place the crowns. Implants avoid that.
- Longevity & durability: Implants tend to last longer. For example, implant “success” rates at 10 years are very high, often over 90%. Bridges may need replacement or repair more often.
- Bone health and facial structure: Implants help preserve the jawbone and general facial support. Bridges don’t perform as well in this respect.
- Cleaning & maintenance: Implants function like natural teeth and are cared for much like natural teeth. Bridges require hygienic techniques under and around the pontic and abutments.
- Treatment time and cost: Implants may involve surgery and longer treatment time (healing, osseointegration) and often higher upfront cost; bridges may be faster and less expensive initially.
Why Many Dentists Favour Implants
Because implants preserve bone, don’t compromise adjacent teeth, and tend to provide better long-term outcomes, many dental professionals consider dental implants the “gold standard” for tooth replacement when patients are suitable candidates.
Benefits of Dental Implants at Almoney Dental Group
Choosing implants at our Greater Dayton offices offers many advantages. Here’s how you benefit:
- Natural look and feel
Implants fuse with your bone (osseointegration) and support a stable crown, giving you a tooth that looks and acts like your natural one. - Long-term durability
With proper care, implants can last decades — reducing the need for replacements and future costs. - Protecting your jawbone & smile structure
By replacing the root, implants help maintain bone volume and prevent the “sunken” look that sometimes follows missing teeth. - Preserving neighbouring teeth
Since no adjacent teeth need to be filed down, you keep more of your natural tooth structure. - Improved chewing & speech
You’ll be able to eat more comfortably and speak more confidently with a stable replacement. - Comprehensive care locally in Dayton
At Almoney Dental Group, we provide implant services at our Miamisburg, Kettering, and Delco Park locations—with advanced training and a patient-friendly approach.
Frequently Asked Questions (Dayton patients often ask…)
A: Generally, yes, if you have good overall health, adequate jawbone volume (or can qualify for bone grafting), and a commitment to oral hygiene. We evaluate your individual anatomy, bone health, medical history, and budget at your consultation.
A: The timeline varies. Typically, it involves implant placement, a healing phase (allowing osseointegration), and then placement of the crown. It can take several months from start to finish. That said, many cases progress smoothly with proper planning.
A: As noted earlier, allowing a gap to remain can lead to bone loss, shifting teeth, chewing and speech problems, and aesthetic concerns. Replacing the tooth protects your oral health and quality of life.
A: Implants often cost more upfront than a bridge, but because they last longer and protect your bone and other teeth, they can be more cost-effective over the long term. Insurance coverage varies; at Almoney Dental Group, we’ll review financing options and insurance where applicable.
A: As with any surgery, implant placement involves some discomfort, swelling, and healing. But modern techniques, sedation options, and skilled dentists (like the team at Almoney) make the process manageable. Risks are low, and we review them with you ahead of time.
A: Implants are cared for much like natural teeth: regular brushing and flossing, routine dental exams, and cleanings. Because they don’t decay like natural teeth, the maintenance burden is often lower—though gum health and hygiene remain important.
Why Choose Almoney Dental Group in Greater Dayton
Your local dentist matters. At Almoney Dental Group, our three convenient locations (Kettering, Miamisburg, and Delco Park) serve the Greater Dayton area with a mix of advanced dentistry and hometown care. Our team is committed to comfort, transparency, and excellent outcomes.
When you choose us for your dental implant journey, you’ll get:
- A friendly and experienced team that tailors care to your unique situation
- Access to modern technology and techniques locally in Dayton, OH
- A clear roadmap—from consultation through to final restoration
- A focus on patient education so you can make informed decisions
- Locations that are easy to reach from Dayton, Kettering, or Miamisburg, OH
Next Steps: Schedule Your Consultation
If you’re ready to explore dental implants (or just want to learn whether they’re right for you), we invite you to schedule a consultation at the Almoney Dental Group location that’s most convenient for you.
Our friendly team will walk you through the process, answer all your questions, and help you choose the best solution for your smile and lifestyle.
Health, Confidence, and Quality of Life Is What It’s About
Replacing missing teeth isn’t just about looks—it’s about preserving your health, confidence, and quality of life. In many cases, choosing implants over a bridge—or over leaving a gap—offers superior long-term benefits. If you’re in the Dayton, OH, or Kettering/Miamisburg area and are considering your options, we at Almoney Dental Group are here to help. We’ll help you make an informed decision, feel comfortable every step of the way, and smile with confidence.
Let us welcome you into our practice, answer your questions, and help you get started on a plan tailored just for you. We look forward to meeting you soon!