With over a 95% success rate, dental implants are the most natural-looking and long-lasting solution for missing teeth. They offer many long-term overall and oral health benefits for patients. Whether you are missing one tooth or several, dental implants offer you the opportunity to smile with comfort and confidence again. Schedule a consultation today with Dr. Radha Patel, a Sandy Springs, GA dentist, to learn more about dental implants and how they can restore your oral health.
What is a Dental Implant?
Dental implants are popular dental restorations that replace one or more teeth. There are many different types of implants available. The dentist performs an in-depth oral examination and review of your general health to determine the type of implant to use. We can use them as part of a comprehensive cosmetic dentistry treatment plan, or as a stand-alone restorative dental procedure. There are three main parts that typically make an implant restoration; the implant post, the abutment, and the dental prosthesis.
Parts of a Dental Implant
Implant Post
The dental implant is a titanium, screw-like post that is surgically placed in the jaw bone. Dr. Patel will work with a local Atlanta, GA oral surgeon or periodontist who will surgically implant it. The metal rod will replace the missing tooth root which will help prevent bone loss. Over a period of a few months, the implant will fuse with the jaw bone during a process called osseointegration.
This is what makes a dental implant durable enough to support a dental prosthesis. Implants come in a variety of shapes and sizes to accommodate the location they are placed in the jaw bone. The number and location of missing teeth determine how many dental implants are needed.
Abutment
The abutment is a small metal piece that the dentist connects to the implant post after it has fully fused with the jaw bone; about three to six months. After that, the next step is a minor surgery where your dentist will uncover the implant and attach the abutment. The dentist places a healing abutment immediately on the implant and this second minor surgery is not necessary. Instead, the permanent abutment replaces the healing one.
Prosthesis
A dental prosthesis is a custom-made device that will resemble natural teeth. The dentist attaches the prosthesis to form a complete smile. The implants will serve as an anchor for the prosthesis. If you have only one missing tooth, Dr. Patel will restore the dental implant by using a dental crown. If you are missing multiple teeth, she will restore them with a dental bridge or partial denture, depending on their location. A full set of dentures will be used if an entire row of teeth is missing.
Schedule an Appointment
Contact Proud Smiles Dental today to schedule a consultation and learn more about dental implants. You can contact us at (404) 418-7734 or request a consultation online. Dr. Patel can restore your smile with dental implants that will look, feel, and function like natural teeth.