Dental Implants

Dental implants are artificial tooth roots, typically made of titanium, surgically placed into the jawbone to support replacement teeth or bridges. They serve as a sturdy foundation for fixed or removable replacement teeth that are made to match your natural teeth. The importance of dental implants lies in their ability to provide a permanent solution for missing teeth, restoring both function and aesthetics. Unlike traditional dentures or bridges, implants are fused with the jawbone, preventing bone loss and maintaining facial structure. This integration ensures stability and durability and enhances oral health by preserving adjacent natural teeth and supporting a natural bite. Consequently, dental implants improve chewing and speaking abilities, boost self-confidence with a natural-looking smile, and contribute to overall well-being.  

Types of Dental Implants

Endosteal Implants 

Endosteal implants are the most common type of dental implants. They are typically made of titanium and are surgically placed directly into the jawbone. These implants are artificial roots supporting a crown, bridge, or denture. 

Benefits: 

• Known for their high success rate and reliability. 

• Made from solid materials like titanium, they are highly durable and can last many years with proper care. 

• Provide a stable base for crowns, bridges, or dentures, ensuring a natural look and feel. 

Subperiosteal Implants 

Subperiosteal implants are placed under the gum but on or above the jawbone. They are typically used for patients with insufficient jawbone density and are somehow unqualified for a bone augmentation procedure.

Benefits: 

• Suitable for patients who do not have a healthy jawbone and cannot undergo a bone augmentation procedure. 

• The procedure is less invasive than other types, leading to faster healing. 

• Excellent for patients with minimal bone height who cannot support endosteal implants. 

The Dental Implant Procedure 

The dental implant procedure typically begins with a consultation with the oral surgeon in Atlanta, GA, who will assess your oral health and determine if you are a suitable candidate for implants. During this initial visit, the surgeon will take X-rays and create a treatment plan tailored to your needs, which may include any necessary extractions of damaged or decayed teeth. If approved for the procedure, the first step involves placing a titanium implant post directly into the jawbone. This surgical procedure is usually performed under local anesthesia and sedation, which may also be used to ensure your comfort. The bone is then allowed to heal and integrate with the implant over several months through a process known as osseointegration, which is vital for establishing a solid foundation for the artificial tooth.

Once the implant has been successfully fused with the jawbone, our oral surgeon may perform a second minor procedure to attach an abutment to the implant. This abutment serves as a connector between the implant and the final restoration. After the gums have healed, a custom-made crown, bridge, or denture is fabricated and securely placed on the abutment. This final restoration is designed to mimic the appearance and function of natural teeth, providing both durability and aesthetic appeal. Throughout the process, follow-up appointments with the oral surgeon are essential to monitor healing, address any concerns, and evaluate the site of previous extractions, ensuring a successful outcome for your dental implant treatment.

The Uses of Dental Implants 

Replacing Single Missing Teeth 

The most common use of dental implants is to replace a single missing tooth. When a tooth is lost due to decay, injury, or periodontal disease, an implant can be placed in the jawbone to serve as an artificial root. A crown, custom-made to match the surrounding natural teeth, is then attached to the implant. This method provides a seamless, natural-looking replacement that functions like a real tooth, ensuring that adjacent teeth remain stable and preventing bone loss in the jaw. 

Supporting Multiple Tooth Replacements 

Dental implants in Atlanta, GA, can also support multiple teeth replacements, such as implant-supported bridges. Traditional bridges rely on adjacent teeth for support, which can compromise their structure. In contrast, an implant-supported bridge is anchored directly into the jawbone, providing a stable and durable solution without affecting neighboring teeth. This approach is particularly beneficial for patients who have lost multiple teeth. 

Full Arch Replacement 

For patients who have lost all their teeth in the upper or lower jaw, total arch replacements using dental implants, such as the All-on-4^® technique, are a viable option. This method strategically places four to six implants in the jawbone to support a complete set of replacement teeth. The result is a stable, natural-looking arch that restores full functionality, allowing patients to eat, speak, and smile confidently. 

Preserving Jawbone Health 

One critical benefit of dental implants is their ability to preserve jawbone health. When a tooth is lost, the underlying bone deteriorates due to a lack of stimulation. Implants mimic the natural tooth root, stimulating the bone and preventing resorption. This helps maintain facial structure and prevents the sunken appearance that can occur with bone loss, contributing to a more youthful appearance. Contact us today to learn more.

Improving Oral Health 

Dental implants improve oral health by preventing the shifting of adjacent teeth, which can lead to misalignment and bite issues. Unlike traditional bridges that require the alteration of healthy teeth, implants do not compromise the integrity of neighboring teeth. This preservation of natural tooth structure and the ease of cleaning around individual implants promote better oral hygiene.

Enhancing Aesthetic Appeal 

Implants are tooth replacements that look and feel like natural teeth, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of your smile. The custom-made crowns are designed to blend seamlessly with your existing teeth, making them a cosmetic solution that improves self-confidence and overall appearance. The stability and permanence of implants enable patients to smile, speak, and eat without worry.

Dental implants offer a reliable, long-lasting solution for missing teeth, restoring both functionality and aesthetics to your smile. Visit Donald Phillips Oral Surgery, LLC at 2295 Parklake Dr. NE Suite 240, Atlanta, GA 30345, USA, or call (770) 723-9965 to learn how dental implants can improve oral health and overall well-being.