Understanding Tooth Implants: Your Journey to Restoration

Some choices deserve real consideration. Getting tooth implants is one of them. It’s not just about replacing a missing tooth. It’s about reclaiming the feel, function, and confidence of your natural smile. And at Fred H. Peck, DDS in Cincinnati, that process is handled with care, skill, and the kind of experience that only comes with legacy.

Since 1931, the Peck family has been helping patients restore their smiles with precision and purpose. Today, under the leadership of Dr. Fred Peck and Dr. Kaori Frew, the practice combines the science of prosthodontics with a profound respect for each patient’s unique journey.

Whether you’re just exploring options or ready to start, this guide breaks down what to expect with no jargon, no pressure, just clarity.

What Are Tooth Implants?

A dental implant is a titanium post placed in the jawbone to replace the root of a missing tooth. On top of it, a custom-designed dental crown, bridge, or denture is attached, restoring both form and function.

The most common type is endosteal implants. These are placed directly into the jawbone, where they fuse with the bone over time through a process called osseointegration. This bond is what gives implants their strength and longevity.

Unlike removable solutions like temporary dentures, tooth implants feel stable and natural. You can eat, smile, and speak without worrying about slippage or discomfort. They also support long-term oral health by helping maintain jawbone density and preventing the shifting of neighboring teeth.

What Happens During the Implant Procedure?

While the process is tailored to you, the overall implant procedure follows a reliable path.

1. Dental Consultation and Assessment
   Your journey begins with a thorough evaluation. Dr. Peck or Dr. Frew will use 3D scans and digital modeling to examine your bone health and plan the procedure. This is also the time to talk about previous dental issues, such as tooth decay or past trauma. If necessary, they’ll discuss options like a bone graft before placing your implant.
2. Tooth Preparation
   If you have a damaged or decayed tooth, it may need to be extracted first. Once removed, your dentist will carefully plan the new implant’s position, angle, and depth, ensuring the crown design aligns with your bite and facial symmetry.
3. Implant Surgery
   An oral surgeon places the endosteal implant into the jawbone. Thanks to advances in minimally invasive dentistry, the process is highly precise and often easier than patients expect.
4. Healing and Integration
   Over the next few months, your body will integrate the implant into the bone. This step is critical for long-term stability and the success of your dental restoration.
5. Abutment and Final Crown
   Once the implant is fully bonded with the bone, a small connector called an abutment is attached. This holds your final dental crown securely in place. The finished result looks and functions just like a natural tooth.

Why Choose a Practice with Legacy and Specialization?

Dr. Fred Peck is one of only 84 dentists globally recognized as an accredited Fellow of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. That’s not just a credential—it’s a sign of deep commitment to the art and science of smile restoration.

Together with Dr. Frew, who brings both technical expertise and an artistic eye, this team delivers results that feel as personal as they are precise. Their combined training at the prestigious Kois Center ensures every treatment plan is rooted in evidence, aesthetics, and care.

When it comes to tooth implants, experience makes a measurable difference. The best outcomes come from practitioners who know how to tailor each step, respond to subtle anatomy differences, and deliver a result that genuinely feels like your own tooth.

The Cost of Implants and What You’re Paying For

The cost of implants may indeed be higher upfront than other dental options. But when you break it down, they often prove to be the most cost-effective over time.

Factors affecting the price include the number of implants, whether bone grafting is required, the complexity of the case, and the materials used. While a single implant is typically less than a full mouth restoration, each case is unique.

At Fred H. Peck, DDS, transparency is key. During your dental consultation, you’ll receive a full breakdown of costs, options for insurance claims, and access to flexible financing plans. The goal is to provide high-quality care that is accessible and without surprises.

Full Mouth Restoration — When One Tooth Isn’t Enough

Sometimes, a single implant isn’t enough. For patients with multiple missing or compromised teeth, a full mouth restoration may be the most comprehensive path to recovery.

This isn’t a cookie-cutter process. It often involves a combination of treatments, including extractions, multiple tooth implants, temporary dentures during the healing process, and ultimately, a full set of implant-supported crowns or bridges.

Advanced tools like intraoral scanners and prosthodontic modeling allow Dr. Peck and Dr. Frew to map every detail of your bite. It’s not just about aesthetics; it’s about long-term oral health and comfort.

What Determines the Implant Success Rate?

Across most studies, the implant success rate is around 95%. In high-skill environments like Dr. Peck’s practice, that number can be even higher.

But success isn’t automatic. It depends on:

• The technique used during the implant procedure
• Your general health and bone quality
• Whether you smoke or have conditions that affect healing
• How well you follow post-operative care instructions

After your surgery, you’ll be guided on soft foods, oral hygiene techniques, and follow-up visits. This period of care matters just as much as the placement itself.

The Role of Temporary Dentures

Healing takes time. In some instances, temporary dentures are used while your implant site recovers. They’re designed to be comfortable and natural-looking, offering a temporary but functional solution.

Though not meant for long-term use, these bridges allow you to eat, speak, and smile with confidence as you move toward your final dental restoration. It’s a bridge—both literal and emotional, toward your new smile.

Wondering if a denture or dental implant is the right choice for you? Read our blog article here.

Why Tooth Implants Are Worth It

Tooth implants aren’t just about replacing what was lost. They’re about restoring your ability to live, eat, and speak without hesitation. They offer unmatched longevity, natural appearance, and day-to-day confidence.

When placed by experienced professionals using modern prosthodontics and minimally invasive dentistry, implants can dramatically improve your oral health and overall well-being.

Let’s Start with You

If you’re ready to explore whether tooth implants are right for you, start with a personalized dental consultation. At Fred H. Peck, DDS, your concerns will be heard, your questions answered, and your smile carefully restored.

Because this isn’t just dentistry. It’s transformation, crafted with precision, built to last, and designed entirely around you.

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