Norcross Dental Implants - Benefits, Costs, Procedures

Understanding Dental Implants in Norcross, GA

Dental implants have become an increasingly popular tooth replacement solution for many patients in Norcross, GA. As a long-term and natural looking solution, dental implants can restore your smile and allow you to eat, speak, and function like you did before tooth loss. If you're considering dental implants, here's what you need to know about the benefits, costs, procedures, and more regarding getting implants in Norcross.

What Are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are artificial tooth roots made of titanium that are surgically placed into the jawbone. After the titanium post fuses with the jawbone in a process called osseointegration, an artificial tooth is attached to the post. The result? Dental implants provide a strong, permanent foundation for fixed replacement teeth that look and function just like natural teeth.

There are also implant solutions for replacing multiple missing teeth. Bridge implants involve placing dental implants on either side of a gap and securing an artificial tooth in between. For larger gaps, dental implants can also anchor full dental implant bridges or implant overdentures. With their customized fit and strategic placement, bridges and overdentures stabilized by implants are far more stable and comfortable than conventional bridges and dentures.

Benefits of Dental Implants

There are many advantages to getting dental implants in Norcross, including:

• Improved appearance - Implants look and feel just like natural teeth. They prevent bone deterioration and sagging facial muscles for a youthful smile.
• Increased oral health - Since they fuse to the jawbone like tooth roots, implants prevent bone loss and don't require altering neighboring teeth like bridges.
• Improved speech - Unlike removable dentures that can slip around and cause mumbling or slurring, implants allow you to speak confidently and comfortably.
• Easier eating - Implants function like natural teeth, allowing you to eat your favorite foods with ease and confidence.
• Greater comfort - There are no slippages or discomfort from removable dentures.
• Convenience - No need to remove implants for cleaning like removable dentures.
• Restored confidence - Many patients report implants give them an added self-esteem boost and improve their quality of life.

In addition to these daily conveniences, dental implants are the only tooth replacement option that helps preserve the jawbone and surround structures. Avoiding bone loss helps prevent changes in facial appearance and support for your facial muscles and tissues.

Ideal Candidates for Dental Implants

To receive dental implants, patients need to have healthy gums and adequate bone to support the implant. Ideal candidates should have:

• Proper jawbone density and volume
• Healthy gums free of periodontal disease
• Good overall oral and general health
• An oral care routine to maintain implants

If your jawbone isn't thick or dense enough to anchor an implant, you may need a bone graft first. This small procedure builds up your jawbone and allows for successful implantation. Gum disease or other oral health issues will also need treatment before getting implants.

Patients should also commit to an oral hygiene routine at home. Implants require the same brushing, flossing, and regular dental visits as natural teeth.

Dental Implant Procedure

Getting dental implants involves multiple steps over a 4-6 month process:

1. Consultation - Meet with an implant dentist for an exam, x-rays, and treatment planning. The dentist will also discuss your health history, goals, and lifestyle needs for tooth replacement.
2. Anesthesia and incisions - After planning and designing your custom restoration, your dentist will numb the area and make small openings in your gums to expose the bone.
3. Placing the implant - The titanium post is carefully threaded or pressed into the prepared implant socket in your jawbone.
4. Healing time - The gums are closed and allowed to heal over 4-6 months to securely fuse the implant to the bone through osseointegration. Temporary replacement teeth may be worn during this period.
5. Abutment placement - An abutment is attached to the end of the implanted post to securely hold your new artificial tooth/teeth.
6. Restoration attachment - Custom crowns, bridges, dentures, or other tooth restorations are designed, fabricated, and securely attached to your implants.

Your new implants fuse to your jawbone to provide a steady foundation for natural looking and functioning teeth. With proper care, implants can last decades and preserve your smile for life.

Cost of Dental Implants in Norcross

The cost for dental implants in Norcross can range from $1500 - $6000 per implant. The total depends on how many implants are needed and other factors like:

• Number of missing teeth/implants needed
• Jawbone condition
• Need for bone grafting or other procedures
• Type of implant (custom or pre-made abutment)
• Implant material (titanium or zirconia)
• Type of implant restoration (crown, bridge, dentures, etc.)
• Insurance coverage - implants may be partially covered
• Clinic/dentist fees and experience

While implants incur an initial upfront investment, they are extremely durable and can actually save money in the long run when compared to bridges, dentures, and other tooth replacement options that need ongoing maintenance, repairs, and replacement.

Finding an Implant Dentist in Norcross

When choosing where to get dental implants in Norcross, look for an experienced implant dentist. Here are some top tips for finding the best implant dentist:

• Verify advanced implant training and credentials like fellowship certification from the International Congress of Oral Implantologists (ICOI).
• Look for an implant dentist who has placed hundreds if not thousands of implants, indicating years of experience.
• Schedule consultations to discuss your case and ask about specific implant experience, surgical approach, technologies used, etc.
• Consider reviews from other patients to gauge the provider's implant success rate, chairside manner, and overall service.
• Choose a provider you trust who communicates clearly and makes you feel comfortable throughout the process.

Working with a seasoned implant specialist you can trust will give you the confidence you need to proceed with a treatment that will transform your smile for life.

Frequently Asked Questions About Norcross Dental Implants

Are dental implants painful?

There is typically minimal discomfort from getting dental implants when performed by an experienced dentist. Anesthesia is used during the procedure for a pain-free experience. Mild soreness may follow surgery and when eating initially but this can be managed with over-the-counter pain medication. Within a week or two, pain levels should subside.

How long do dental implants last?

With proper placement, care, and maintenance, dental implants are designed to last a lifetime. The success and longevity of implants depend on effective osseointegration with the jawbone initially and a daily oral hygiene routine to prevent infection and complications. Overall, implants have a 10-year success rate of over 95% and many last 20-25 years or longer.

Do dental implants fall out?

When dental implants are properly placed and cared for, they effectively fuse to the jawbone and do not fall out. If an implant fails to integrate with the bone through osseointegration or becomes infected, it may need to be replaced. In rare cases, trauma may cause an implant to fracture or loosen. With good oral hygiene and regular dental visits, dental implants can remain stable for decades.

Can you eat with dental implants?

Yes, one of the many benefits of dental implants is the ability to eat all of your favorite foods comfortably and with confidence. Since they fuse to the jaw like natural tooth roots, you can bite, chew, and eat with implants just like your regular teeth. This stability and strength allows you to enjoy a healthy, varied diet without restrictions.

Do I need a bone graft for dental implants?

It depends on your existing jawbone density and volume. If your jawbone is too soft or thin in the area of your missing tooth root, a bone graft can reinforce it before implantation. A dentist will determine if you need a bone graft after taking x-rays and determining the quality and quantity of available bone during your consultation.

Bone grafting is a straightforward procedure and enables successful implantation after your jawbone heals and strengthens. For some patients, newer mini dental implants may be an option that doesn't require bone grafting even with minimal natural bone.

Transform Your Smile with Dental Implants in Norcross

If you're missing teeth or dealing with the inconveniences of ill-fitting dentures or bridges, dental implants can rejuvenate your smile. With their secure fit, natural look and feel, and long-lasting life span, implants restore full function to your mouth and give you renewed confidence. By choosing an experienced implant dentist in Norcross, GA, you can achieve excellent results from this life-changing tooth replacement option.

FAQs

What is the implant procedure like?

The implant placement procedure is done under local anesthesia and most patients report feeling only minor pressure and vibration sensations. Following the 30-90 minute procedure, patients may take OTC pain medication for mild swelling or soreness for a few days. Throughout the 4-6 month healing process, temporary replacement teeth can be worn until the implants are ready to be restored.

Can dental implants be placed immediately after tooth extraction?

Immediate implant placement after extraction is sometimes possible depending on the quality of available bone. But more commonly, a healing period of at least 8 weeks is needed to allow your jawbone to regenerate before attempting implant surgery. This helps ensure successful osseointegration and long-term implant stability.

Which teeth can be replaced with implants?

Dental implants can replace any missing permanent teeth - incisors, canines, premolars, and molars. Depending on your needs, implant restoration options include a single crown, multi-unit bridge, full dentures stabilized by implants, or other solutions to replace anything from one tooth gap to a fully edentulous arch.