Dental Implant FAQ
 Tooth loss is a serious issue that affects every aspect of your life. When you lose your teeth, basic functions like eating and speaking become very difficult. Your smile suffers, and your confidence plummets. Tooth loss also affects the health and strength of your jawbone. Replacing missing teeth is essential for restoring the functions of your missing teeth, and your quality of life. North Atlanta Family Dentistry can replace your missing teeth with dental implants.
What Exactly are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are a solution for tooth loss. This treatment uses small titanium posts to provide support for your replacement teeth. The posts are surgically placed into your jawbone. As you heal, the bone fuses to the posts, stabilizing them within your jaw. The posts essentially become replacement roots that hold your new teeth securely in place.
What Types of Dental Implants are There?
Dental implants are a very versatile treatment that can meet many different needs. There are several types of dental implants, including:
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Single tooth implants. A single tooth implant is used to replace an individual tooth. A single post supports a single crown.
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Multiple tooth implants. A multiple tooth implant replaces two or more consecutive missing teeth.
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Full arch replacements. A full arch restoration replaces an entire arch of teeth. This restoration typically uses 6 to 8 implants.
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All on 4. In many cases, a bone graft may be needed to restore strength to your jawbone. If you are missing a full arch of teeth and your jawbone is too weak, you may be able to avoid a bone graft with All on 4. This treatment uses only 4 posts to support your replacement teeth. |
How Long Does Treatment Take?
The actual surgery takes only about 30 minutes to complete. The process is done under a local anesthetic and sedation. Incisions are made in your gums, which provides us with access to your jawbone. Next, holes are drilled into your jawbone. The posts are placed directly inside. Your gums are sutured closed around the posts, and temporary teeth are placed.
Healing after surgery varies from patient to patient. Typically, it can take anywhere from several weeks to several months. There are many factors that determine how long your actual treatment takes, including how many implants are being placed and if you need a bone graft before your implants are placed.
Is Surgery Painful?
Your dental implant surgery is performed under a local anesthetic. This ensures that you will not feel any pain during your procedure. After surgery, some pain is common. In most cases, pain can be managed with over the counter pain relievers. You may also be prescribed stronger medication if your pain is more significant. Take any medications as directed. The pain subsides as you heal.
How Long Do Dental Implants Last?
Dental implants are meant to be a long-term solution to tooth loss. In many cases, they can last a lifetime. The posts function just like your natural tooth roots, restoring stimulation to your jawbone. This helps to stop and prevent bone loss in your jaw, helping to keep it strong and healthy. Even if your replacement teeth need to be replaced, this can typically be done without replacing the posts.
Are Dental Implants Covered by Insurance?
The cost of dental implants varies based on several factors, including how many posts are required, how many teeth are being replaced, and if you need a bone graft before implant surgery. Dental implants used to be seen as a cosmetic procedure, and therefore not covered by insurance. Today, however, more and more insurance companies are providing at least some form of coverage. To find out if implants are covered, and how much is covered, review your dental insurance policy or contact your provider.
Dental implants are an incredibly successful treatment that provides you with a long-term solution to tooth loss. If you have any other questions regarding dental implants or want to find out if they are the right solution for you, contact North Atlanta Family Dentistry at (470) 387-0500 today.
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