If you have lost a tooth and are wondering whether you will ever get a replacement close to your natural tooth, you can relax because dental implants from Atlanta Center for Dental Health, Alpharetta, Georgia, are designed to feel, look, and perform like your natural teeth. When your teeth develop, they form roots deep into the jawbone to stimulate the bone and provide stability when biting or chewing. Dental implants perform like your natural teeth because they replace your entire missing tooth from the crown to the root!
The Dental Implant Procedure
Since you are getting something designed to “mimic” your natural teeth, don’t expect the procedure to be done in a day! Patience is a virtue if you have decided to go the implant route. The procedure takes about six months, but it’s well worth the wait.
Like every dental procedure, getting an implant starts with a consultation with Dr. Bradley Hepler. Here, we use physical examination and X-rays to establish the state of your oral health. Usually, we want to ensure you don’t have gum disease, cavities, and other oral challenges that may impede the success of the implant placement. Plus, we want to establish that you have a sufficient jawbone to support an implant.
After the consultation, the dental implant process may follow the steps below:
- Pre-placement preparation: We recommend bone grafting or a sinus lift if you have insufficient jaw bone. Where you have a severely damaged or decayed tooth, we extract it first to create room for the implant.
- Anesthesia: To minimize discomfort during the implant process, we administer a precise amount of anesthesia. For increased comfort, we can discuss sedation dentistry options suitable for you, especially if you have dental fear.
- Implant placement: This is the “heart” of dental implant treatment. Our dental team surgically inserts a titanium screw into a precise location in your jawbone and protects it with a temporary crown. Over the next 3-5 months, jaw bone grows around the implant post (through osseointegration) to create a solid anchor for tooth prosthesis.
- Abutment placement: Once healing has taken place, we uncover the implant and place an abutment (connector) onto which a crown will be placed. The gums need about two weeks to heal after the abutment placement.
- Crown placement: Finally, the most exciting stage of implant treatment. We install a natural-looking dental crown to complete the process. Sometimes, we can install a bridge or dentures — it all depends on the number of teeth missing.
Once the dental implant is complete, you will have full oral functionality, as if you have 100% natural teeth. See why we said the dental implant procedure is worth the wait?
Benefits of Dental Implants
Thinking of replacing missing teeth with dental implants? You are on the right track. This “gold standard” of replacing lost teeth yields numerous benefits:
- They prevent bone loss.
- They restore full oral functionality.
- They are natural-looking.
- They last for a lifetime.
- Taking care of dental implants isn’t cumbersome.
Looking for a reliable tooth replacement in Alpharetta, Georgia? You can’t go wrong by choosing dental implants. Please dial (866) 687-1992 to book an appointment with Atlanta Center for Dental Health for affordable, long-lasting dental implants.
Dr. Roy McDonald
Dr. Roy McDonald, a dedicated Georgian dentist, has served the North Fulton community since 1983. A graduate of
Emory University Dental School, he blends state-of-the-art technology with a patient-focused approach. Dr. McDonald is an active member of prestigious organizations, including the
Academy of General Dentistry and the
International Congress of Oral Implantologists. Known for his commitment to advanced sterilization and adherence to
CDC and
ADA guidelines, Dr. McDonald ensures every patient receives exceptional, personalized care in a welcoming environment. His emphasis on modern techniques and effective communication underscores his dedication to superior dental service.
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