Marietta Dental Implants Specialist
Shining Smiles Family Dentistry provides high-quality dental implants at our family dental practice in Marietta. Losing a tooth is not something you want to happen, but your friendly family dentist in Marietta, Dr. Shaila Mohip-Chahwala, can provide the next best thing with a dental implant. After you get a dental implant, plus a crown or bridge, your teeth and your confidence can be restored.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are titanium screws that attach to your jawbone in order to make a secure, artificial tooth root. Dental implants not only provide structural integrity, they also lay the foundation for using crowns and bridges for aesthetic restoration.
Since the dental implants actually fuse to your jawbone, they provide a stable foundation that in many cases actually improves upon the teeth foundation you were born with.
When it comes to replacing missing teeth, dental implants are universally considered the gold standard for achieving the best and natural results. In fact, many patients decide to get dental implants after having already tried dentures – and not liking them. According to the NIH, dental implants have a success rate of 98% and can last a lifetime when cared for properly.
Common Problems Dental Implants Can Solve
Dental implants can solve a variety of issues both functionally and aesthetically. Here are a few of them.
Facial Structure
Missing teeth can cause facial sag on one side or both. Because dental implants restore the natural functionality of your teeth, they often can reduce or eliminate facial sagging.
Comfort
Missing teeth can feel awkward and uncomfortable. Dental implants provide you with permanent teeth that look and feel like natural teeth. In comparison, dentures can shift while eating and talking.
Self-Confidence
We’ve seen firsthand how dental implants can completely restore and renew someone’s self-esteem. If you avoid smiling because you are missing teeth, just know there is a solution out there that can take those feelings away and bring you the confidence you’re looking for.
Why Choose Dental Implants?
Dental implants provide a range of benefits to patients, but they won’t be right for everyone. The following examples are why dental implants may be the best treatment option for you.
- You want a long-lasting and durable solution.
- You have one or more missing teeth.
- You want an alternative to dentures.
- You want to chew food without pain.
- Your jawbone can support the implant.
- You are in good overall health.
The Process for Getting Dental Implants
After you’ve met with Dr. Mohip and decide to move forward with the dental implants procedure, the first step will be developing an individualized care plan that focuses on your goals and unique needs.
At Shining Smiles, we understand that every patient is different, and while all dental implant procedures are similar, no two are exactly the same. We ensure that you receive the care you need to get the perfect results for you.
Typically, the next step will be to place a small titanium post in the socket of the missing tooth. The jawbone will then begin the healing process, growing around the implant. This process is known as osseointegration and can take several weeks or months.
After the healing process has been completed, an abutment will be attached to the top of the titanium implant post. This abutment is what will hold your dental crown in place.
After the abutments are placed, the final step will be to place your new crown or dental bridge, which completes your dental implants transformation.
Patients are numbed during the implant procedure, so you will feel no pain while you’re in the dental chair. It’s entirely possible that you will feel some pain afterwards while your mouth adapts and your gums have time to heal.
The vast majority of patients who’ve had the implant procedure do not regret it, and typically say that overall the pain was not that bad.
Caring for Dental Implants
After completing dental implant treatment, it’s important that you still follow a healthy oral hygiene plan. These good practices will aid in the healing process for a dental implant.
Make sure you brush your teeth twice per day, taking care not to apply too much pressure on the crown or bridge immediately after the treatment. Flossing and mouthwash are also key components of looking after your teeth and gums. Finally, visit your dentist every six months for a dental checkup to ensure there are no issues with gum disease, cavities and other factors that lead to tooth loss.
Advantages of Choosing Dental Implants
- Long-Lasting Solution – Implants can last a lifetime when they are looked after properly.
- Prevent Bone Loss – Tooth loss is a common cause of bone loss, as the jawbone is not being stimulated through chewing.
- Natural Appearance – A customized crown is added to the dental implant, and can look like your natural surrounding teeth.
- Works Like a Normal Tooth – Chewing and speech can be a problem with missing teeth, but dental implants resolve this issue.
Common Questions About Dental Implants
How do I know if I am an appropriate candidate for dental implants?
During an appointment at Shining Smiles, Dr. Mohip will assess your general oral condition and bone density levels. A digital X-ray may be taken to see the amount of bone available for an implant.
Can I get dental implants if I don’t have enough surrounding bone?
If the bone required to support the tooth has deteriorated, it may be possible to use bone grafting techniques. The treatment is carried out at a dental practice with minimal discomfort. Gradually, new bone will grow where it has been lost and a dental implant can be supported.
Contact Our Marietta Office for Dental Implants
Shining Smiles Family Dentistry is dedicated to providing the highest level of restorative dental care for our patients. For help with dental implants and other restorative dental care treatments, contact Dr. Mohip-Chahwala at our Marietta office today. To find out more, call (770) 420-8550 or request an appointment now.
