Dental Implants – Cumming, GA
Get a Strong, Reliable Smile After Tooth Loss
Modern technology has made tooth replacements like dentures and dental bridges more natural-looking than ever before. Still, they don’t quite feel like the teeth you were born with. That’s what makes dental implants different. Because they also rebuild the root structure of the teeth below the gums, dental implants are the next best thing to your original pearly whites. You’ll be able to enjoy decades of confident smiles and easy chewing. If you’d like to learn more about this amazing tooth replacement solution, contact our office today to schedule a consultation for dental implants in Cumming, GA!
Why Choose Dentistry at Windermere for Dental Implants?
- Dental Implants Conveniently Placed & Restored In-House
- Masters of the American Dental Implant Association
- Fair Pricing with Zero Hidden Fees
What Are Dental Implants?
While traditional bridges and dentures merely sit on top of the gums, dental implants take it one step further by also bringing back the missing roots of your teeth. The implant itself is a small titanium cylinder that we surgically place in your jaw. There, it fuses to the bone, forging a foundation strong enough to support any number of replacement teeth with a crown, bridge, or denture. Essentially, dental implants function just like your real teeth, allowing you to smile, talk, and eat with the same ease as you did before tooth loss.
The 4-Step Dental Implant Process
Many general dental practices must refer their patients to outside experts for the surgical placement of dental implants, but that’s not the case at Dentistry at Windermere. Our very own Dr. Katherine Lee and Dr. Brian Lee have both achieved Fellowships of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists and Masterships of the American Dental Implant Association. This means that our team can perform every step of the dental implant process right here in one convenient location!
That said, getting dental implants requires more steps than getting a denture or dental bridge. We think you’ll find that this lengthier process is worth the wait, though! Each patient goes through a slightly different process, but the four basic steps are the same:
- Consultation – You meet with our dentists to discuss your candidacy for dental implant treatment.
- Surgery – We numb your mouth before surgically inserting the implant posts into your jawbone.
- Osseointegration – Over the next three to six months, the implants merge with the bone tissue in your jaw.
- Restoration – We secure your personalized crown, bridge, or denture to your implant via a metal abutment attachment.
Benefits of Dental Implants
Many patients who receive dental implants are surprised to realize just how much this advanced solution changes their life for the better. They come highly recommended by patients and professionals alike because they’re the only tooth replacement option that restores your missing teeth from the roots up. Because of this, they offer countless benefits. Continue reading to learn about the most prominent.
Day-to-Day Benefits
Dental implants feel just like natural teeth do, so you shouldn’t notice them too much in your day to day life. Ultimately, you should be able to enjoy all of the things that you did before losing your teeth. Here are some of the benefits that you can experience from day-to-day:
- Restored Bite Force: Your bite force can be restored by 80% or higher. This is much more than you can experience with dental bridges or dentures.
- Easy to Maintain: You care for your dental implants the same way you should for natural teeth. Brush, floss, rinse, and see your dentist for regular checkups.
- Increased Confidence: You don’t need to worry about visible gaps in your smile or ill-fitting restorations.
Health Benefits
In addition to the noticeable benefits that you will experience daily, your health will also be positively influenced by your new addition. Here’s what you can look forward to:
- Improved Oral Health: This means a lower risk of cavities, gum disease, infection, and additional tooth loss. None of your natural teeth need to be altered for this restoration either!
- Better Overall Health: Having excellent dental health has a positive influence on your overall health. It even lowers your risk of serious medical problems, like diabetes and heart disease.
- Prevents Bone Loss: When you’re missing teeth, jawbone deterioration will follow. Dental implants stimulate the jawbone just like natural tooth roots to keep it strong.
Long-Term Benefits
By choose dental implants, you are making a long-term investment in your smile. Here are some benefits that you can experience many years down the line:
- Implant Success: Dental implants are very successful with a success rate of over 95%. Your chances of experiencing an implant failure are very low.
- Permanent Restoration: Dental implants can last upwards of 30 years when you care for them properly.
- Save Money: You no longer need to worry about stocking up on adhesives or soaking solutions. There won’t be frequent repairs or replacements either. Dental implants also reduce your risk of many oral health issues, so you don’t need to endure costly treatments that will add up over time.
Who Dental Implants Can Help
Whether you’re missing a single tooth or an entire arch, suffering from having gaps in your smile will wear down your self-confidence and cause your quality of life to decline. When you visit our office for your dental implant consultation, we’ll develop a customized treatment timeline that may include one of the following plans.
Missing One Tooth
When replacing a single tooth with a dental implant, we’ll attach an all-porcelain crown directly to the implant post via a metal connector called an abutment. Because this new tooth will have the same root-crown structure as those surrounding it, it will resemble the neighboring teeth in every way and provide the same level of function.
Missing Multiple Teeth
Instead of replacing multiple consecutive missing teeth with several individual implant-supported crowns, we will craft you a customized bridge that will only require the use of two implants. Because they won’t be anchored to your altered natural teeth, they’ll be stronger and last longer.
Missing All Teeth
If you’re missing all of your teeth and don’t feel like dentures are the right choice for you, we can replace your entire smile using four to six implants on each arch. Implant dentures are more comfortable and stable than traditional ones, allowing you to eat, speak, and smile with confidence.
Missing All Teeth with Low Jawbone Density
Has it been several years since your teeth were lost? If so, your jawbone has likely deteriorated to the point where it cannot support dental implants without undergoing a bone graft first. Luckily, we offer mini dental implants to help our patients replace their teeth without having to go through another surgical procedure. These implant posts are smaller and can make use of the existing bone structure. Not to mention, they’re generally more affordable than traditional implants!
Understanding the Cost of Dental Implants
The cost of dental implants varies drastically based on each patient’s unique needs, because every mouth is different. Many patients are daunted by the fact that implants have a higher initial cost than traditional restorations; however, they can actually save you money in the long run by having nearly three times the lifespan. We’re also offering a limited time special to have a dental implant placed and restored for only $3,699! Schedule a consultation with us today to learn more!
Preliminary Treatments & Dental Implant Surgery
There are many different factors that go into the cost of dental implants in Cumming. For example, if you are not initially a good candidate for dental implants, you may need a preliminary treatment like gum disease therapy or a bone graft. These preparatory treatments will add to the final price of your dental implants, but they’re essential for ensuring your new smile lasts for decades to come.
There’s also the price of the dental implant surgery itself to consider. This cost can be influenced by factors like where in the mouth you’re getting dental implants and what kind of dental sedation is used. We’re proud to perform all steps of dental implant treatment in-office, including dental implant surgery, to save our patients the time, money, and hassle of seeing an outside specialist.
The Parts of Your Dental Implant
Next, let’s take a look at what influences the price of dental implants themselves.
- Number of dental implants: Naturally, the more dental implants you need, the more expensive your treatment will be.
- Type of restoration: Dental implants can support custom-made crowns, bridges, and dentures, each of which come at their own price points.
- Size or material: Some dental implants are made of zirconia instead of titanium, and some are shorter or longer than average. These details will also change how much the implant costs.
- Brand of dental implant: Like cars or cell phones, there are different companies that manufacture dental implants to fit specific needs of patients. We only use trusted, high-quality brands of dental implants to ensure our patients get the best results possible.
How Dental Implants Can Save You Money
The one-time upfront cost of dental implants can save you a tremendous amount of money in the long run. Dental bridges and dentures may have a lower initial price, but they need to be replaced every five to seven years. On the other hand, dental implants have the potential to last for decades or even a lifetime, which can save you thousands of dollars on replacements alone over the years. You also won’t need to buy extra cleaning products or adhesives, and you can expect to pay less for your oral healthcare costs as well. Most importantly however, patients agree that you simply can’t put a price on the confidence and quality of life dental implants can restore!
Does My Dental Insurance Cover Dental Implants?
While dental implants are typically not covered under dental insurance, you can likely expect your policy to cover parts and percentages of your treatment. For example, the consultation, preliminary treatments, and restoration all usually receive some form of partial coverage. Our knowledgeable team would be happy to review the details of your insurance plan to ensure your benefits are being maximized.
Making Dental Implants Affordable
We truly believe that dental implants are the best way to replace missing teeth, which is why we’re proud to offer a variety of ways to make them more affordable, like:
- Discounts for uninsured patients: We are proud to offer a variety of discounts and special prices for our patients without dental insurance.
- CareCredit financing options: Low- to no-interest plans from CareCredit can break up the cost of your dental implants into smaller, more manageable monthly payments.
- Our own in-office dental plan: Our dental plan acts like dental insurance without all the confusing terms and frustrating limitations. You’ll even get discounts on treatments dental insurance doesn’t usually cover, like dental implants!
- Limited-time special offers on dental implants: With our dental implant special offer, you can have a dental implant placed and restored for only $2,699!
Dental Implant FAQs
Are you still wondering about dental implants and how they may fit into your life? At Dentistry at Windermere, we want all of our patients to have the information they need to make a confident decision in their treatment. That’s why we’ve included the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about dental implants in Cumming. Keep reading to learn more about this premier tooth replacement option.
What happens if I don’t replace a missing tooth?
If you’re missing a few teeth, especially less visible parts of your smile, you may have avoided getting a replacement. However, missing teeth can affect much more than just your appearance. When you lose even just a single tooth, your jawbone loses some of the stimulation it was once getting, causing it to deteriorate. This can lead to even more tooth loss because the jaw can no longer accommodate them. Plus, it speeds up the aging process of your facial appearance, causing it to become thinner.
Am I a candidate for dental implants?
During your search for smile restoration, you’ve probably wondered about whether or not dental implants are right for you. The best way to know with certainty is to visit our office for a consultation. Dr. Brian Lee and Dr. Katherine Lee will carefully examine your smile, the condition of your oral health, the number of teeth you’re missing, and the strength of your jawbone. After, they will be able to make a proper recommendation with a personalized treatment plan. Typically, patients will be missing at least one tooth, have a healthy jawbone, and are committed to positive oral health. However, treatments like bone grafting and/or periodontal disease can often help more patients become candidates, which is why a consultation is so important.
Can I get multiple dental implants?
The number of implants that you need will directly depend on how many teeth you’re missing. We can place multiple dental implants but the number you need will vary. The only way to know the precise number of implants that your smile requires is to visit our office for a consultation. For most cases, one implant can support one dental crown. However, we can also use multiple implants to support dental bridges or dentures based on your needs.
Can dental implants replace front teeth?
Yes! While many times, dental implants are used to replace molars and bigger teeth used to chew, we can still replace your front or visible teeth with dental implants. We can place a single dental implant in your jawbone before mounting a dental crown that matches the look and feel of the rest of your smile. In fact, a dental implant allows the crown to appear as if it’s emerging from your gums just like your natural teeth.
Maintaining & Caring For Your Dental Implants
Once your new teeth are officially in place, you’ll need to make sure you abide by proper dental implant care in Cumming, GA. While your prosthetics and customized restorations are durable and can withstand day-to-day pressures, you’ll need to make sure you adhere to the necessary steps to avoid potential damage and infection that can cause your dental implants to fail.
Making Oral Hygiene a Priority
Regular brushing, flossing, and rinsing can do wonders for your smile. Not only can it eliminate bad bacteria that can negatively impact your teeth and cause cavities, but it can also keep your gums from becoming inflamed as a result of accumulating plaque. Because your dental implants in Cumming, GA cannot decay, you do not need to worry about cavities forming on these teeth. However, a good oral hygiene routine will keep gum disease from forming, which can have a serious impact on the future of your implants.
Eating a Healthy Diet
The foods you eat make a big difference when it comes to your oral and overall health. If you stick to leafy greens, lean proteins, low-fat dairy, fruits, and vegetables, you’ll continue to feed your body the nutrients it needs to stay fueled and energized. These foods will also have a positive impact on your teeth and gums. Just make sure to limit your consumption of sugars and starches and rinse your mouth with water after you finish eating.
Breaking Bad Habits
Unhealthy habits like smoking, eating ice, biting your nails, using your teeth as tools, and chewing on pens and pencils can be damaging to both your real and artificial teeth. If you want your investment in your dental implants to last for decades, make sure you give up these bad habits early on in the process. All it takes is for you to bite down the wrong way and suddenly, you’re faced with a serious crack in your restoration. Or, if you continue to smoke, you may not thoroughly heal, causing your implants to fail.
Protecting Your Dental Implants
Along with breaking your bad habits, you should also inquire about a customized mouthguard. These oral appliances are a worthwhile investment, especially if you enjoy playing sports or suffer from bruxism (teeth grinding). As a protective cushion, it absorbs any immediate hit or excessive pressure, preventing serious injury to your teeth and gums. Whether you’re out on the field or lying in bed trying to sleep, a custom-made mouthguard can keep your dental implants looking their best and free of damage.
Scheduling Regular Dental Checkups
When receiving these permanent prosthetics, you will find that your implant dentist in Cumming, GA is one of your biggest advocates. Not only will we provide exceptional care throughout the placement process, but we’ll continue to monitor and evaluate your smile long after your implants are firmly in place. By keeping your six-month dental checkups and cleanings, you are committing the future of your smile, allowing us to examine your real and artificial teeth, check for gum disease, and make sure there are no minor or major damages that might require replacement.
Dental Implant Post-Op Instructions
The dental implant post-op instructions in Cumming you receive from our dental team are essential to ensuring you recover without experiencing any complications. The placement of your new prosthetics requires necessary healing, which means following various guidelines to avoid potential dental implant failure now or in the future. Below is a breakdown of the general instructions you can expect to receive when undergoing dental implant surgery. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to call and schedule an appointment.
What to Do Directly After Dental Implant Surgery
Immediately following your dental implant surgery, you will be encouraged to get plenty of rest. Allowing the body and mouth to heal without distractions or much movement will be the best thing you can do in the hours and days after your procedure.
Depending on how many teeth your implant dentist in Cumming needs to remove, you’ll want to take at least 2-3 days off work, if not 4 or 5.
Some of the key takeaways you’ll want to know about the initial recovery process are:
- You’ll need to have someone take you home after your appointment, as the anesthesia takes time to fully wear off
- You will experience some soreness but taking over-the-counter pain medication will help
- You will need to avoid smoking for at least 24 hours
Common Side Effects
You may become concerned by the side effects that you experience following your implant placement so knowing which ones are common can help to alleviate your fears. These often include:
- Slight swelling
- Bruising
- Minor pain
- Bleeding that can be off and on for a few days
Our team may prescribe antibiotics to help reduce your chances of an infection, but you should also plan to keep a pain medication nearby should the discomfort become too much.
Diet
Your stomach may be telling you it’s extremely hungry, but your mouth may be discouraging you from eating anything that will cause much chewing. It is best to listen to your mouth during this time and opt for softer foods in the weeks and months after your surgery.
Mashed potatoes, warm soup, pudding, ice cream, yogurt, scrambled eggs, and pasta are just a few of the many food options that will help you through your recovery.
Health & Oral Hygiene
The day you arrive home from your surgery, do not plan to brush or clean your teeth and gums. Instead, it’s best to wait until the following day, as you will be able to resume your normal brushing routine. You will, however, need to be careful around your surgical sites to avoid irritating your gums and dental implants in Cumming. This is also true when flossing.
To keep your mouth fully clean of bacteria, make sure to rinse with warm salt water multiple times each day and avoid any mouthwashes that contain alcohol.
What to Do After Your New Teeth Are Attached
Some slight sensitivity is normal once your new teeth are properly secured into place but should dissipate after a few days. Any other potential side effects such as bleeding, soreness, and swelling should be non-existent. If you do experience any of these, make sure to call our office right away. Otherwise, feel free to begin enjoying your new smile for a lifetime!