Do you have gaps in your smile? Sandy Springs Dentistry offers dental implants in Atlanta, GA for patients with one or more missing teeth. Our dentist will work with you to restore the function and beauty of your teeth. Implants are part of our restorative dentistry treatments for Atlant and Sandy Springs patients.
Dental Implants in Atlanta, GA
A dental implant is a prosthetic tooth designed to replace your tooth after it has been lost or extracted. Implants are designed to replace both the root and crown of your teeth. They give you a solution that looks, feels, and functions like your original tooth. Implants consist of three main parts: the post, abutment, and the implant restoration.
The implant post is a small, screw-like piece usually made of titanium. It acts as the foundation for your new tooth and is surgically placed into the jawbone. Over time, the implant post fuses with the bone in osseointegration, creating a stable and secure base for the restoration. The post essentially takes on the role of the tooth’s root.
The implant restoration is the part of the implant that replaces the visible portion of the missing tooth. It attaches to the implant post using an abutment, which serves as a connector between the two. If you have a single missing tooth, you will get a crown. We can also bridge a bridge or denture for multiple missing teeth.
The implant restoration is designed to look and feel like a natural tooth. This part of the implant allows you to eat, speak, and smile with confidence.
What is the Dental Implant Process?
The dental implant process involves several steps to ensure your treatment is safe, effective, and tailored to your needs. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect when receiving dental implants in Atlanta, GA:
Pretreatment
Before beginning implant treatment, we address any existing oral health concerns to create a strong foundation for your new teeth. If you have gum disease or tooth decay, these issues will need to be treated first to ensure your mouth is healthy enough to support implants.
In some cases, we may recommend bone grafting. This procedure helps rebuild the strength and density of your jawbone if it isn’t thick enough to support the dental implant. Bone grafting adds stability to the implant and ensures long-term success.
Implant Placement
Once your pretreatment care is complete, an oral surgeon will carefully place the dental implants in your jawbone. The implant is a small titanium post that acts as the missing tooth’s root.
After placement, the jawbone begins to fuse with the implant in a process called osseointegration. This healing phase typically takes 3 to 6 months, allowing the implant to bond securely with the bone and provide a solid foundation for your new tooth.
Designing Your Implant Restoration
After the healing process, you’ll meet with our dentist to plan your custom implant restoration. The restoration is the visible part of the dental implant, designed to replace the crown of your missing tooth and restore your smile.
The type of restoration you receive will depend on how many teeth you’re missing:
- Single crown: Ideal for replacing one missing tooth.
- Dental bridge: Used when several teeth in a row are missing.
- Partial or complete denture: A solution that can replace many or all missing teeth.
During your consultation, our dentist will help determine the best restoration for your oral health, function, and aesthetic goals.
Customizing Your New Teeth
We take impressions of your mouth and send them to a lab. The lab technicians carefully craft your restoration to blend seamlessly with your natural teeth. They will ensure it looks natural, feels comfortable, and functions just like real teeth.
We use durable, high-quality materials to create implant restorations. They not only enhance the appearance of your smile but also withstand everyday activities like eating and speaking.
Once we place your restoration is placed, your treatment is complete! With proper care, dental implants can provide a permanent and reliable solution, allowing you to enjoy a confident smile for years to come.
Benefits of Dental Implants
Dental implants provide an effective and long-lasting solution for tooth loss. Compared to other tooth replacement options, implants offer many unique advantages. Here’s a closer look at the benefits of dental implants in our Atlanta, GA, office:
Improved Appearance
Dental implants look and feel just like your natural teeth. They fuse with your jawbone, becoming permanent fixtures in your mouth. This integration ensures a secure and natural fit that won’t shift over time.
Also, implants match the color, shape, and size of your existing teeth. This helps create a flawless and confident smile that blends seamlessly with your natural teeth.
Enhanced Comfort
Implants eliminate the common discomfort associated with removable dentures. Because they are anchored in your jaw, they will not slip or move while you talk, eat, or laugh.
Unlike dental bridges, implants don’t put pressure on nearby teeth. This protects your other teeth and helps maintain better overall comfort and dental health.
Better Speech
Missing teeth or loose-fitting dentures can affect your ability to speak clearly, often leading to mumbling or slurred speech. With dental implants, you can speak naturally. You don’t have to worry about your teeth moving or causing speech problems.
Improved Eating
Dental implants function like natural teeth. They make it easy to enjoy all your favorite foods again. You can bite, chew, and eat without pain, discomfort, or worry. Unlike dentures, which can make certain foods difficult to eat, implants restore full chewing power. They allow you to enjoy a balanced diet.
Long-Term Durability
One of the standout benefits of dental implants is their durability. With proper care, they can last a lifetime. Implants are made from strong, long-lasting materials that handle the wear and tear of daily use. They can save you time, money, and hassle in the long term.
Improved Oral Health
Dental implants don’t require shaving or altering neighboring teeth, which is often necessary with bridges. This means your natural teeth stay intact, preserving your overall tooth structure and oral health.
Implants also stimulate the jawbone, preventing bone loss that commonly occurs when teeth are missing. This helps maintain your face’s shape and your jawbone’s health.
Dental Implant FAQs
Read answers to common questions about dental implants in Atlanta, GA:
Who is a good candidate for dental implants?
A good candidate for dental implants is someone who has one or more missing teeth and is in good overall health. You can get implants if you have:
- Healthy gums: You need strong and healthy gums to support the implant.
- Enough jawbone: The implant needs enough bone to anchor it securely.
- Good oral hygiene: You must maintain your restoration after treatment.
- No serious health issues: Conditions like uncontrolled diabetes or heavy smoking can make healing harder.
How long do dental implants last?
Dental implants are designed to last a very long time often 20 years or more. Implants can sometimes even a lifetime with proper care. The implant itself is durable, but you may need to replace the crown, bridge, or denture after 10 to 15 years because of normal wear and tear.
Brush, floss, and visit our dentist regularly to make your implant last as long as possible.
Will I need a tooth extraction before I get implants?
You might need a tooth extraction before getting implants if the tooth in that spot is damaged, decayed, or unhealthy and can’t be saved. For example, if you have a broken tooth or one with severe cavities, our dentist might need to remove it first to make room for the implant. However, you won’t need an extraction if the tooth is already missing. We will check your mouth and let you know if you need an extraction before we move forward with the implant process.
What are full mouth implants?
Full-mouth implants are a dental solution for people who are missing all or most of their teeth. Instead of using removable dentures, full-mouth implants use several dental implants to support a full set of replacement teeth. We will place four to six implants into your jawbone. Then, we place a full arch of artificial teeth on the implants to give you a permanent and natural-looking smile.
Do dental implants look natural?
Yes, we ensure your implants look natural through treatment planning. We customize your restoration for you with digital impressions and accurate treatment. Our office also uses crowns, bridges, and dentures made from tooth-colored materials like porcelain. We ensure your implant restoration matches the shape of your natural teeth for a balanced bite.
Can dental implants fail?
Implant treatment has a success rate of over 95%. However, implant failure is possible if you smoke, have diabetes, or if the implant post does not integrate with the bone. Dr. Benefield will ensure you are a great candidate before treatment and will check in with you as you heal after treatment.
Will I be without teeth during treatment?
No! We will provide a temporary restoration that looks and functions like a natural tooth. It will protect your implant site to help you eat and speak while you wait for your permanent restoration.
How much is dental implant treatment?
The cost of dental implants will depend on:
- The number of implants
- Type of restoration
- Pretreatments (grafting, tooth extraction)
- Sedation
We will provide a thorough examination before treatment and provide an estimate of your implant cost.
Restore Lost Teeth
Do you need to replace one or more missing teeth? Get dental implants in Atlanta and Sandy Springs, GA. To learn more or schedule an appointment with Dr. Maria Benefield, call us today at 404-252-1216. We are excited to work with you!