Do you have one or more missing teeth? Restore your smile with dental implants and implant-supported restorations. Dental implants are a high-quality dental restoration. A single dental implant is made of a titanium screw, abutment, and crown.
Dental implants are also highly versatile because they can replace one lost tooth or support complete dental bridges or dentures. At Sea of Pearls Dental Boutique, we restore dental implants in East Cobb, GA. Dr. Daniela Oliveira collaborates with local oral surgeons and dental laboratories to provide dental implants to patients with one or more missing teeth.
Dental Implant Treatment in East Cobb, GA
Dental implants are considered the “gold standard” of tooth replacement. They are uniquely designed to mimic both parts of the lost tooth: the tooth root and the tooth. Replacing lost tooth structure below and above the gum line better supports long-term oral health than traditional options. The implanted post stimulates natural bone tissue growth and minimizes the loss of bone in the jaw where a tooth has been lost or removed.
Dental implants enable normal biting, chewing, and speaking functions. Patients with implants enjoy a 98% success rate and significantly improved quality of life after losing teeth or suffering from a slipping denture.
Before implant treatment, Dr. Oliveira ensures that patients have enough healthy bone tissue to support the implant posts. She will recommend bone grafting for patients requiring a stable implant foundation.
Next, Dr. Oliveira works with a local oral surgeon to place the dental implants. The surgeon will create a gum flap to place the titanium posts in the jaw bone beneath the gums. During a healing period of three to six months, the implants fuse with the natural healthy bone tissue. This period, called osseointegration, is integral to healthy implants.
Additionally, Dr. Oliveira takes dental scans of teeth to create dental crowns, dental bridges, or dentures. The dental restorations are custom-made for each individual. Once the implants are healed, Dr. Oliveira places the permanent restoration on the connecting implant abutment.
All On Four
Do you have a full arch of teeth to replace? Do you suffer from the effects of a slipping denture? Dr. Oliveira can give you a secure new smile using the All On Four process to secure a beautiful new denture with implants. Using several strategically placed dental implants, All On Four restores stability and comfort to your smile.
The All On Four procedure is typically completed in one visit due to advanced treatment planning. On the scheduled day of your procedure, we will place the dental implants and secure a temporary cosmetic denture, enabling you to leave with a functional new smile. The temporary denture will allow your soft tissues to adjust and the implants to complete healing. After several weeks, a new set of dental impressions will be taken to create a final restoration that will provide a secure fit and complement your appearance.
How many implants are used in All On Four?
The number of implants placed to secure your denture will depend on your oral health condition and unique oral structure. Dr. Oliveira will use 3-D imaging to evaluate and treatment plan for the best possible outcome.
Am I a candidate for All On Four?
Most patients can be considered a candidate for this tooth replacement option, even those who have been using a traditional denture. If there are other dental health concerns, such as bone loss or periodontal disease, Dr. Oliveira can work with you to resolve these issues and establish a healthy oral foundation.
How long does an implant-supported denture last?
Implant dentures are designed to last for many years with good oral health habits and regular dental care. Implants can last a lifetime, while the denture may need to be replaced after ten years or so, depending on wear and your dental health condition.
Caring For Dental Implants
Dental implants require different care at different stages. Your post-operative care will differ from care once you get your final restoration.
Post-Operative Care
After your implant surgery, we provide a detailed list of instructions for you to follow for best results. Many patients have some pain and swelling after placement. Use a cold compress for 15-minute increments to minimize swelling. Most of the time, patients only require over-the-counter pain relievers to ease the pain, but we may also prescribe stronger painkillers. Call our office if the pain worsens or persists for more than a week.
For the first 24 hours, don’t aggressively rinse or spit, as this can impact healing. After this time, ensure you’re regularly rinsing with an antimicrobial mouthwash or saltwater solution to keep the surgery site clean and assist with healing. You should also avoid strenuous activity for the first few days. Allow your body time to relax and begin to heal.
For the first few days, stick to foods that are soft and cold. Hard, spicy, and hot foods can irritate the surgical site. As you heal and feel more comfortable, you can slowly introduce more solid foods. You should avoid tobacco and alcohol use, as these both can delay the healing process. They also increase the risk of implant failure and can contribute to reactions with prescribed pain medication.
Long-Term Implant Care
Dental implants are a lifelong restoration, but they rely on you maintaining them properly. Brush your teeth at least twice daily and floss at least once daily. Use non-abrasive toothpaste and a soft-bristled brush to ensure you don’t scratch the restoration. Continue to visit the dentist regularly. Even though bacteria can’t penetrate the porcelain material, it’s essential to keep up with your oral health. It ensures implant success and fewer complications.
While dental implants withstand daily wear and tear, protect them from excessive force. Biting down too hard on things like popcorn kernels or opening a package can damage the implant and jawbone. If you’re a teeth grinder, we can provide you with a custom mouthguard to protect your implants while you’re grinding your teeth in your sleep. A mouthguard can support the implants and protect them while playing impact sports as well.
The Benefits of Dental Implants
Dental implants are the tooth replacement option that we recommend the most. They carry benefits that no other restoration option provides. They’re the only restoration that replaces the tooth root as well as the crown. When you lose the tooth root, the jawbone immediately starts deteriorating. Implants are the only restoration that stops this process. They mimic the tooth root, fusing with your jawbone and encouraging jawbone regeneration.
Because of this, implants give you unmatched stability. You get back almost 100% of your bite function. There’s no need to eliminate favorite foods from your diet or worry about your restoration falling out. They also give you a lifetime restoration. Other solutions require frequent readjustment or replacement because your jawbone continues to deteriorate. You must constantly alter the restoration to ensure it’s still effective, while this doesn’t happen with implants.
The failure rate of implants is incredibly low, making them a solution you can rely on. They’re one of the easiest restorations to take care of. You only have to brush and floss like you would your normal teeth. There’s no need for messy adhesives or
Dental Implant FAQs
Do you want to know more about implants? Read the following questions and answers about dental implants.
Am I a candidate for dental implant treatment?
Patients need to be in good oral health for restorative treatment. The best implant candidates also have sufficient jaw bone tissue to support the implant posts. We can treat gum disease or recommend grafting procedures to prepare patients for implant surgery.
How long do dental implants last?
The implant posts themselves are permanent. Therefore, most patients will not need to replace their implant posts once they fuse with the jawbone. However, patients will still need to clean their gums and dental crowns that cap off their implants. Patients who clean their implant-secured restorations and visit the dentist for regular cleanings will also have a longer-lasting crown, bridge, or denture.
Can dental implants fail?
Dental implants have a low rate of failure. However, tooth decay, gum disease, and tobacco use are the top causes of implant failure. Tooth and gum infections destabilize the bone and gum tissue surrounding the implant post. Implants may come loose if patients develop these problems after implant placement.
In addition, nicotine constricts blood vessels and prevents oxygen flow through the bloodstream. Patients who smoke, vape, or use tobacco products during their implant treatment are at higher risk of implant failure.
Replace Missing Teeth Today
Do you want to create a stable, comfortable smile? Call Sea of Pearls Dental Boutique at 470.795.6677 so we can start planning your implant treatment today. You can also request a dental appointment with us online. Feel free to ask our dentists if you have questions about your candidacy for treatment. We will be happy to help answer your questions during your consultation. We serve dental patients from East Cobb, Roswell, and Sandy Springs, GA.