Missing teeth can cause a decline in the appearance of your smile and your oral function. Even if the root cause of your tooth loss is cured, you should talk to your dentist about tooth replacement treatment to protect your oral health. A permanent way to replace lost teeth is with dental implants.
Many dental patients worry that the implant process is lengthy and invasive. But you should discuss how implants can benefit your unique case with your dental professional during a consultation. Lanier Family and Cosmetic Dentistry, a dental practice located in Buford, GA, outlines the dental appointments and procedures that you will experience if you receive dental implants.
Oral Health Evaluation
If you are considering tooth replacement treatment with dental implants, your dentist will first want to examine your teeth, gums, and jaw to ensure you are a good candidate to receive these fixtures. They will evaluate the structure of your smile, checking that your jawbone is stable enough to support an implant.
Jawbone may deteriorate after tooth loss, so if too much bone has been lost, your dentist may need to find alternative ways to replace your teeth. They may also suggest a bone graft to create more of a foundation that can support a dental implant.
Anchor Placement Surgery
Whether you hope to replace a single tooth or an entire arch of teeth, your dentist can find the best type of implant to restore your smile. The first procedure of the implant process is oral surgery where your dentist will place an anchor into the jawbone that will ultimately support a prosthetic tooth.
A single dental implant uses one anchor, or titanium post, to replace one missing tooth. An All-on-Four implant features four anchors that will ultimately support an arch of prosthetic teeth.
Once your anchors are in place, you will return home and allow these surgical sites to heal and adjust to their position. This recovery period usually lasts for a few months.
Securing Permanent Prosthetic Teeth
When your implants are healed, you will return to your dentist’s office to receive permanent prosthetic teeth. For single implants, this will feature a dental crown secured to an abutment above the gumline that attaches to the titanium-post anchor.
Dental patients may also receive implant-supported dentures, bridges, and other fixtures, depending on their unique aesthetic and structural dental goals. These implants can offer a lifetime of benefits with little additional maintenance beyond your usual routine. Ask your dentist about aftercare guidelines to get the most out of your dental implants.
Dental Implants and Other Tooth Replacements in Buford, GA
Lanier Family and Cosmetic Dentistry offers dental implants and other tooth replacement solutions to patients in Buford, GA. Dr. Alla Brown and Dr. Amanda Newberry specialize in cosmetic, restorative, and general dentistry, including preventative dental care, for patients of all ages. To schedule a consultation with our practice, contact our staff online or reach us by phone at 678.359.4707.