Are dental implants painful?

Most patients are genuinely surprised. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, so you feel pressure but not pain during surgery. Post-operative discomfort is typically mild—comparable to a tooth extraction—and well-managed with over-the-counter medications. Most patients return to normal activity within 24 to 48 hours. For patients with dental anxiety, we also offer IV sedation to make the entire experience as comfortable as possible.

What is the dental implant success rate?

Dental implants have a success rate of approximately 95–98% over 10 years, making them one of the most reliable procedures in all of dentistry. Success rates are influenced by factors like bone density, oral hygiene, smoking, and the presence of systemic conditions like uncontrolled diabetes. Proper candidacy evaluation—like the thorough process Dr. Stickel uses—is the most important factor in predicting a successful outcome.

What if I don’t have enough bone for implants in Newark, OH?

Bone loss is common after tooth loss, and many patients come to us worried they've "waited too long." In most cases, bone grafting can rebuild the foundation needed for a successful implant. Dr. Stickel evaluates bone density using 3D imaging and will discuss whether a bone graft, sinus lift, or supplemental procedure is needed before implant placement. For patients with significant bone loss, Hybridge or mini-implants may also offer viable alternatives without extensive grafting.

Can I get dental implants in Newark, OH, if I’m a smoker?

Smoking significantly increases the risk of implant failure and slows healing. Implant surgery involves soft tissue and bone healing—both of which are compromised by tobacco use. If you smoke, we'll have an honest conversation about risk and may recommend a smoking cessation period before and after surgery. Many former smokers have successfully received implants.

How do I care for dental implants? Do they require special maintenance?

Implant maintenance is refreshingly straightforward—brush twice daily, floss once daily (a water flosser can be especially helpful around implant sites), and attend regular dental cleanings and checkups. No adhesives, no overnight soaking, no special kits. Keeping your gums healthy is particularly important, since gum disease around an implant—called peri-implantitis—is the leading cause of late implant failure. Consistent oral hygiene makes it easy to prevent.

Is there a dentist near me in Newark, OH, who offers implants with sedation?

Yes, Dr. Stickel at Newark Dental Associates offers both local anesthetic and IV sedation dentistry for implant procedures. If dental anxiety has been holding you back from getting the dental care you need, sedation is a safe, comfortable solution that many of our patients use. You'll have no memory of the procedure and wake up with your implant placed. Call (740) 344-4000 to discuss sedation options at your consultation.

Dental Implants in Granville, OH

Restore Your Smile for Life Near Granville

Losing a tooth changes how you eat, speak, and feel about your appearance. Just a short drive down the road from Granville, Dr. Brian Stickel at Newark Dental Associates provides permanent tooth replacement options designed to look, feel, and function like your natural teeth. Whether you need to replace a single missing tooth or require full-mouth reconstruction, our team is proud to care for patients across Granville and greater Licking County.

To schedule a personal consultation, call our office at (740) 344-4000. Beyond Granville, we regularly welcome patients from Newark, Heath, Johnstown, Pataskala, and surrounding Central Ohio communities.

Why Granville Patients Trust Dr. Stickel

Advanced post-doctoral surgical training in implant dentistry
Graduate of the Misch Resnik Implant Institute
Graduate of the Midwest Implant Institute
Fellow and member of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists (ICOI)
Certified Hybridge provider
Board-certified IV sedation available for complete comfort
Advanced in-house 3D CBCT digital imaging

Understanding Dental Implants

Dental implants remain the most effective, long-lasting solution for replacing lost teeth. Traditional dentures rest on top of the gums, and traditional bridges require grinding down healthy neighboring teeth for support. In contrast, dental implants anchor a biocompatible titanium post directly into your jawbone to act as a permanent root replacement.

Over time, your natural jawbone fuses with this post in a natural healing process called osseointegration. Once fully integrated, we attach a custom crown, bridge, or fixed prosthetic. The finished result blends with your smile, restores original chewing strength, and can last a lifetime with standard home care.

Tooth loss also impacts the underlying bone structure. Without a tooth root to stimulate the area, the jawbone gradually loses density and reshapes your lower face over time. Implants are the only restoration method that actively stimulates the bone, preventing deterioration and preserving long-term oral health.

The Three Components of an Implant
1. The Post: A small titanium screw placed gently into the jawbone. Titanium is used in almost all modern implant procedures because of its proven ability to integrate safely with living bone tissue.
2. The Abutment: A small, durable connector piece that sits just above the gumline to secure your custom tooth or bridge.
3. The Custom Restoration: A handcrafted crown, bridge, or full arch designed to match the color, shape, and light reflection of your surrounding teeth.

Hybridge Full-Arch Dental Implants for Granville Residents

Dr. Stickel is a certified Hybridge provider, making Newark Dental Associates one of the few practices in Central Ohio offering this specialized protocol. If you struggle with severe tooth decay, loose dentures, or ongoing dental repairs, full-mouth restoration offers a reliable path forward.

What Is Hybridge?

The Hybridge full-arch protocol replaces an entire upper or lower set of teeth using five or six strategically placed implants to support a fixed bridge. Traditional full-mouth rebuilds can extend up to 18 months, but Hybridge streamlines the process so qualifying patients can receive a permanent smile in as little as two weeks. Temporary teeth are placed the same day as your initial procedure so you never go without a smile.

Hybridge is an excellent choice if you:

Are tired of loose, shifting, or uncomfortable dentures
Deal with recurring dental issues like cracked crowns or failing root canals
Are missing most or all of your teeth in one or both arches
Want a faster, more predictable alternative to individual implants
Have experienced bone loss and prefer to avoid extensive grafting

How Hybridge Differs from All-on-4

While both methods use multiple posts to hold a full arch in place, Hybridge relies on a dedicated clinical workflow utilizing a chrome-cobalt and cross-linked PMMA bridge crafted in a specialized lab. The entire process is designed backward from your ideal cosmetic outcome, delivering consistent results and easier long-term maintenance.

Key Advantages of Dental Implants

Natural Look and Feel: Custom crowns blend in alongside natural teeth.
Jawbone Protection: Keeps facial structures intact by stimulating continuous bone health.
Protects Neighboring Teeth: Keeps surrounding healthy teeth intact without reshaping or crowning.
Easy Maintenance: Simply brush and floss as normal without special soaking routines.
Solid Stability: Secured firmly in place with no shifting or unexpected clicking.
Restored Chewing Function: Eat comfortably again, including steaks, apples, and crisp vegetables.
Long-Term Reliability: The titanium post is permanent, while crowns generally only require minor maintenance after 10 to 15 years.
Great Overall Value: Eliminates the ongoing expense of adhesives, relines, and frequent adjustments.

Complete Dental Implant Services Near Granville

Every smile is unique, which is why we tailor our implant treatments to your specific anatomy and goals:

Single-Tooth Implants: Replaces individual missing teeth without altering adjacent natural teeth.
Implant-Supported Bridges: Replaces multiple missing teeth in a row using fixed posts rather than natural tooth anchors.
Hybridge Full-Arch Restorations: Replaces a full set of teeth with a permanent bridge attached to 5 or 6 posts on a streamlined timeline.
All-on-4 Implants: Full-arch restoration using four strategically angled posts for immediate strength.
Implant-Retained Dentures: Converts removable dentures into a stable, non-slip restoration.
Same-Day Implants: Immediate-load treatment options that allow eligible candidates to receive a natural-looking temporary tooth during a single appointment.
Mini Dental Implants: Narrower implants designed for tight spaces or lower bone density.
Endosteal Implants: The classic, reliable post placed directly into the jawbone.

For more information compare dental implants to other tooth replacement options.

The Step-by-Step Implant Process

Initial Consultation & 3D Imaging: We examine your smile using low-radiation 3D CBCT imaging to check jawbone height and width. We discuss your medical history, cosmetic goals, and whether any prep work (such as a bone graft or sinus lift) is helpful.
Treatment Planning: Dr. Stickel uses 3D digital planning tools to map exact placement locations for ideal bite alignment and long-term stability, along with a clear breakdown of treatment costs.
Surgical Placement: Using local anesthesia or optional IV sedation, the post is positioned into your jawbone. Most patients experience minimal downtime and return to routine activities within a day or two.
Osseointegration: Over the next 3 to 6 months, the post fuses naturally with your bone structure. We provide a comfortable temporary restoration during this healing phase.
Final Restoration: Once healed, your final custom crown, bridge, or fixed arch is attached, completing your care.

Learn more about the dental implant process here.

Who Makes a Good Candidate?

Most healthy adults make great candidates for implant treatment. The main requirements are healthy gums and sufficient jawbone volume. If bone tissue has thinned over time, preliminary bone grafting can often build up a solid foundation.

Ideal Candidates

- Adults missing one, several, or all teeth
- Patients with fully developed jawbones (ages 18+)
- Non-smokers or those willing to pause smoking during healing
- Individuals with well-managed chronic conditions like diabetes
- Anyone committed to good home care and regular checkups

Considerations Needing Evaluation

Active gum disease
Significant bone loss (may need grafting or sinus augmentation)
Heavy tobacco use, which can slow down tissue recovery
Specific medications that affect bone density or healing

Frequently Asked Questions

Am I a good candidate for dental implants?

Most adults who are in reasonably good health and have adequate jawbone density can qualify for dental implants. Certain conditions, such as uncontrolled diabetes, active gum disease, or significant bone loss, may need to be addressed before placement.

How long do dental implants last?

With proper care, dental implants can last decades, and in many cases, a lifetime. The titanium post itself is designed to be permanent. The crown attached to the implant may need to be replaced after 10 to 15 years due to normal wear, but the implant foundation typically remains intact. Staying consistent with your oral hygiene routine and keeping up with your periodontal maintenance appointments plays a big role in how long your implants hold up.

Will my dental implants look and feel natural?

Yes. One of the biggest advantages of dental implants is how closely they mimic the look, feel, and function of natural teeth. The restoration is custom-made to match the shape and shade of your surrounding teeth, so most people cannot tell the difference. Because the implant is anchored directly in the jawbone, it also feels stable, without the slipping or discomfort sometimes associated with traditional dentures.