Dental Implants to Replace Missing Teeth
THE DENTAL IMPLANT PROCEDURE
Dental implant placement usually involves a single surgical procedure, during which the implant is placed into the jawbone. While the implant is healing we wait for the bone to grow up against the surface of the implant to provide long term stability.
Sometimes, a bone graft or a gum graft procedure is necessary to ensure that an implant can be placed safely and predictably. These related procedures can occur either before, during, or after your implant is placed depending on each patient’s individual needs.
Once your implant has healed and the implant abutment has been placed, a dental implant crown is then fabricated by your general dentist or prosthodontist in order to replace your missing tooth.
Pre-Operative Overview
If you are missing a tooth or multiple teeth, then dental implants may be the right replacement choice for you.
A dental implant is a prosthetic tooth replacement that replaces both the root and crown of your missing tooth or teeth.
THREE PARTS TO A DENTAL IMPLANT:
The implant itself is a small titanium post that is surgically inserted into the jawbone and acts as a replacement for your missing tooth root.
Once the implant has fully healed, another small post called an abutment is attached to the top of the implant by your restorative dentist. The dental implant abutment is what serves as a stable connector between the implant and the crown.
The crown connects to the top of the abutment and is custom created to fit in your mouth just like a natural tooth.
Whether teeth have been lost due to periodontal disease, cavities, injury, or any other reason, dental implants are an ideal tooth replacement solution.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF DENTAL IMPLANTS?
Most similar to healthy, natural teeth
A dental implant fits into your mouth like any other natural tooth. In fact, many patients forget that they even have an implant. Unlike other tooth replacement options, dental implants are anchored solidly in to your jaw bone, allowing you to function as though your tooth was never missing.
A long-term solution for tooth replacement
While traditional methods, such as tooth-supported dental bridges, have a 10- to 15-year life span on average, a dental implant can last a lifetime if properly maintained and cared for, although, the crown may have to be replaced periodically due to wear.
Easier speaking, eating, and maintenance
With dental implants, you can enjoy chewing and biting into your favorite foods without worrying that they might slip or fall out like dentures. This also makes it easier to speak clearly and maintain the health of your surrounding teeth — you can brush, floss, and care for them just like the rest of the teeth in your mouth!
Retain natural facial aesthetics
Dental implant patients can smile confidently knowing that their teeth look and function just like their own natural, healthy teeth. They can also avoid the aging or sagging facial appearance that is common when missing teeth are not replaced.
Protects healthy teeth and bone
With dental implants, there is no need to grind down healthy adjacent teeth to cement a bridge or rely on the strength of natural teeth to carry the burden of a dental bridge. They also keep adjacent teeth from shifting, a common occurrence when a tooth is missing for an extended period of time. Additionally, dental implants help prevent the jawbone deterioration that commonly occurs when teeth are lost.
AM I A CANDIDATE FOR DENTAL IMPLANTS?
If you have lost a tooth or multiple teeth, dental implants may be a great choice for you.
During your initial consultation, the dental implant surgeons at Oral Surgery Specialists of Atlanta will perform a thorough oral exam and review of your medical and dental history. Additional X-rays may be taken, including 3D CT scanning, to further diagnose and plan treatment for your individual case.
If you are considering dental implants, you may need to take extra precaution if you meet one of the following descriptions:
You smoke on a regular basis.
You have a history of existing medical conditions.
You have a history of periodontal disease or bone loss.
You are under the age of 20.
The surgical team at Oral Surgery Specialists of Atlanta has extensive experience and training in dental implant placement, and we are happy to share our expertise with you. If you think you may be a candidate for a dental implant and want to learn more about the procedure, we encourage you to visit our office for an initial implants consultation.
Drs. Aiken and Shessel have been extensively trained to administer hospital-level anesthesia.
Our office offers multiple anesthetic options, including:
Local Anesthesia. A numbing injection that is applied directly to the surgical site.
Nitrous Oxide. This anesthesia option, also known as “laughing gas”, is used to calm and relax patients who elect to be awake during their procedure.
General Anesthesia. Anesthesia is administered through an intravenous (IV) line, suppressing your consciousness and allowing you to “sleep” during the procedure.
