Dental Implants

The Benefits of Dental Implants

The implant post is a biocompatible titanium screw that acts as an artificial tooth root, providing a replacement structure for the lost root and the missing crown of the tooth. When a tooth is lost, the bone in the jaw melts away because the area is no longer being stimulated. Over time, this causes the shape of the face to change as the patient loses bone mass in their jaw. 

When an implant is surgically placed in the jawbone, it provides stimulation to the bone where the tooth is missing. This prevents bone loss from occurring in the first place and stimulates the growth of new bone tissue so that the shape of the face doesn’t change over the years. In addition, having the restoration in place with the implant post will restore your ability to enjoy everyday activities like eating and speaking without struggling to chew and speak clearly.  

The Dental Implants Procedure

Dental implants are placed into the jawbone during a minor surgical procedure that usually requires only local anesthesia. During the process, small incisions are made in the gum line, and small holes are drilled into the jawbone. The implants are then placed in these holes in the jawbone beneath the gums.  

Patients may experience minor swelling and discomfort for a few days following the surgery. Fortunately, these symptoms are usually manageable with over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen.  

After getting dental implants placed, patients must allow several months for the implants to heal and fully integrate with the bone and surrounding tissues before they can receive their final restorations. During this healing period, patients should practice diligent oral hygiene and attend regular checkups with their dentist to monitor their implant recovery and ensure they receive adequate nutrition to support the healing process.  

Once healed, the dental implant process is similar to getting dental crowns, except the whole tooth is replaced instead of only the visible portion. Once the implant is placed and healed, the dentist prepares the crown, attaches it to the implant post with an abutment, and makes any necessary adjustments to ensure a comfortable fit. 

All-on-4 (Same Day) Teeth

With an All-on-4/Teeth in a Day procedure, our dentist can replace your entire arch of teeth in a single day using only four dental implants! All-on-4 is a treatment concept for patients who are missing all or most of their teeth. It involves surgically placing four dental implants into the jawbone, which then supports a custom-made bridge or dentures. This treatment allows patients to restore a full smile after tooth loss.

Who is a Candidate for All-on-4 / Teeth in a Day Procedure?

Many patients are good candidates for Teeth in a Day (All-on-4) implants! All-on-4 dental implants rely on four stable implant posts rather than one, as with conventional dental implant procedures. The ideal candidate for this procedure has healthy gums with adequate bone support and healthy oral tissues. Candidates should be in good overall health to have realistic expectations for their procedure. 

This procedure can be done on patients who have lost all of their teeth on the top or bottom arches of their mouth or who are missing an entire arch of teeth. Patients whose jawbones are no longer strong enough to support a full set of dentures are also great candidates for All-on-4 implants.

Dental implants are a popular restoration option for patients with missing or damaged teeth. If you’re considering dental implants, visit Dental Images of Gwinnett at 916 Lawrenceville Hwy #201, Lawrenceville, GA 30046, or call (770) 746-7233 to learn more about dental implants.