Dental Implants Buckhead Atlanta, GA

Initial Dental Implant Consultation

Dr. Puskas examine your mouth, develop a tooth replacement plan, and complete necessary preparatory work (tooth extractions, bone grafting, etc.). When there is not enough available bone tissue for an implant to integrate, a bone graft may be recommended to ensure it can fuse properly. In other cases, if teeth are not viable enough to remain in the jaw or additional room needs to be made for a larger restoration (such as an implant denture), a tooth extraction may be completed before placement occurs.

Dental Implant Surgery

One of our trusted local specialists surgically places the implants in your jaw. This ensures that your implant treatment is not only as successful as possible, but comfortable as well. After creating a small incision in the gum tissue, a tiny hole is created in the jawbone to make room for the implant. Once the implant is placed, the gums are then stitched closed so it can begin to heal. Ahead of surgery, we’ll make sure to provide sufficient local anesthetic so you do not feel any sensations during treatment. At most, patients note they experience mild pressure.

Dental Implant Osseointegration & Abutment

The implant post fuses to the jawbone over several months. This process, known as osseointegration, is a crucial part of giving the implant the foundation it needs to remain stable for decades to come. We may have you come in for follow-up appointments to see how the implant is integrating and ensure no problems are present. After it has fully fused, you’ll come back to have the metal abutment attached. This metal connector is designed to give the permanent restoration stability and keep it from shifting out of place.

Delivery of Dental Restoration(s)

When the abutment is placed, an additional few weeks of healing are necessary before the restoration can be attached. Once this process is complete, we place your custom crown, bridge, or denture. Regardless of which type of restoration you receive, you can expect it to both look and feel incredibly lifelike. This is thanks to the ceramic materials we use to create your new restoration. Not only do they reflect light almost identically to natural enamel, but they are color-matched to existing teeth. Only you and our team will know that you had dental implants placed!

Day-to-Day Benefits

• No slippage – Dentures are known for slipping out of place when they don’t fit properly or if you eat particularly chewy foods, which can lead to embarrassing moments. On the other hand, replacement teeth that are anchored onto dental implants can be trusted to stay in place at all times.
• Enhanced chewing – Because traditional dentures and dental bridges don’t recreate the root structure of your teeth, they make it harder to chew certain foods. Dental implants restore your biting and chewing power to virtually the same as it was before your tooth loss, making it easier than ever to maintain a delicious and nutritious diet.
• Easy maintenance – Cleaning bridges and dentures can be somewhat of an ordeal. Not to mention, you often have to purchase specialized cleaning products. Implant-supported teeth can typically be brushed and flossed in the same way as natural teeth, so you won’t have to worry about learning a brand-new oral hygiene routine.

Health Benefits

• Fewer oral health problems – Since cleaning dental implants is so simple, it’s easier to keep harmful bacteria from building up in your mouth. Therefore, you’ll greatly reduce your risk of decay in your remaining teeth and infections in your oral soft tissue.
• Prevention of jawbone loss – After a tooth is lost, the section of the jawbone that once was supported by the tooth’s roots begins to deteriorate. Not only can this lead to an aged facial appearance, but it increases your risk of gum disease and further tooth loss. One of the main benefits of dental implants in Buckhead is their ability to stimulate the jawbone just like real teeth. As a result, you’ll continue looking youthful for years to come!
• No tooth sensitivity or gum irritation – In order to place a dental bridge, some enamel must be removed from the two healthy teeth on either side of the gap. These teeth are then weaker and more vulnerable to sensitivity. Dentures that rest on the gums can shift around and cause sores, especially if they don’t fit well. Dental implants do not cause either of these problems.

Long-Term Benefits

• Reliable results – Once your implant dentist in Buckhead has finished placing your new teeth and your mouth has finished healing, you can expect your results to last for quite some time. In fact, the average success rate of dental implants is around 95 percent.
• Long-lasting solution – Bridges and dentures typically have to be replaced every 10 years at most. However, dental implants can potentially last for the rest of your life if you take good care of them.
• Saved money – Traditional tooth replacements cost less initially, but they’re more expensive in the long run due to frequent repairs and replacements (as well as the specialized cleaning solutions and adhesives you’ll have to buy). In contrast, dental implants should be a one-time cost that ends up paying for itself after a few decades.

Missing One Tooth

Dental crowns are used to restore individual implants without requiring any significant modification of nearby healthy teeth. Our team will ensure that the restoration blends in beautifully with your natural enamel. In fact, you may even forget the tooth isn’t natural after some time has passed.

Missing Multiple Teeth

A dental bridge or partial denture is often ideal for patients in need of more extensive restoration. These prosthetics closely resemble their traditional counterparts, but they’re designed to securely attach over a set number of placed implants, creating a much sturdier result overall. Implant bridges and partials aren’t removable, which means that you’ll care for them like your natural teeth.

Missing All Teeth

Implant dentures are often a strong choice for patients who have a lower level of oral health and are dissatisfied with the looseness of a traditional denture. This dental prosthetic attaches to placed implants just like the fixed alternative does, but it can actually be removable for cleaning outside of the mouth while still providing improved speech, eating capabilities, and comfort.

Preliminary Treatments & Dental Implant Surgery

Before you can get dental implants, we must treat any preexisting issues that may be affecting your smile. Correcting problems like gum disease and decay can increase the overall price of your implants. Then, you’ll have your surgery, which will incur its own cost. This price can vary based on the type of anesthesia used during the procedure. We partner with local specialists who will perform your implant surgery. This means that you’ll have fees from our office in addition to your implant dentist in Buckhead.

The Parts of Your Dental Implant

The number of dental implants that you need will affect your cost, however the price also depends on the material used. As with most purchases, certain materials work better and last longer than others, which is why it’s vital to get quality implants for lasting results. We are always transparent about the types of implants we have to offer. We want to ensure that our patients have access to the best treatment options for strong and beautiful smiles.

Final Dental Implant Restoration

The type of restoration that you require will also impact the cost of dental implants in Buckhead. For a single missing tooth, we can use an implant-retained crown to seamlessly complete your smile. If you’re missing multiple teeth consecutively, we can use an implant-retained bridge to literally “bridge” the space in your teeth. Lastly, if you’re missing all or most of your teeth, we may recommend an implant denture. This is the most stable and sturdy full smile replacement available.

Does My Dental Insurance Cover Dental Implants?

Typically, dental insurance does not cover dental implants. However, it’s possible to get coverage for certain aspects of the process like your consultation and part of your restoration. This will all depend on your provider, which is why it’s important to check with them first before making any decisions. Our friendly front desk team is always happy to help you maximize your dental benefits while minimizing your out-of-pocket costs for the best value.  

Making Dental Implants Affordable

Don’t have insurance? There’s no need to worry. We want to make our dental implants in Buckhead as affordable as possible so patients can enjoy their many benefits. That’s why we have our own in-office savings plan. For a simple annual fee, you can get all the dental services you need in addition to 10% off more advanced treatments like dental implants. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact our office to schedule a consultation!

How Long Do Dental Implants Last?

Dental implants are the most reliable treatment for tooth loss. Unlike traditional prosthetics, like bridges and dentures, dental implants have the potential to last for decades with the right aftercare, so you’ll never need to worry about paying to have them replaced. There are several things you can do to ensure your new smile thrives, like brushing twice daily, flossing before going to bed, and using an antibacterial mouth rinse. Don’t forget to visit your dentist at least every six months for a cleaning and checkup.

Are Dental Implants Removable?

A titanium implant post is surgically placed into your jaw to act as a new root. Your bone will fuse to the post through a process called osseointegration. As a result, only an implant dentist in Buckhead can remove it. Some implant dentures can be taken out for cleaning, but the posts will remain in place.

How Successful Are Dental Implants?

When placed by a qualified dentist and used on the ideal candidate, dental implants have over a 95% success rate. The location of the posts can also affect their success, like the molars because they undergo more strain and pressure from chewing. Although they are proven to last for decades, their longevity depends on how well you maintain your oral hygiene, your lifestyle, and routine care from your dentist. Generally, the risk of implant failure is less than 5%. If you develop any concerning symptoms, it’s important to contact our office right away, such as the implant feeling loose, pain, or swelling.

Do Dental Implants Feel Natural?

Your jawbone provides a stable foundation for your restoration, so they will closely feel like your real teeth. You’ll never need to worry about any slipping or irritation while regaining as much as 70% of your natural biting force. Since the implants don’t have any nerve endings, you won’t feel any sensitivity to pressure, heat, or cold to enjoy your favorite foods again; however, you’ll want to stick to a soft diet until after your jaw has healed.

Do I Need a Bone Graft Before Getting Dental Implants?

Bone grafting and dental implants often go hand in hand; however, not everyone needs the additional procedure. During your consultation, we’ll review a CT scan of your jaw to ensure there’s enough bone to support your posts. If we find any weakened areas, we’ll recommend bone grafting, which involves transplanting bone tissue to strengthen your jaw. Although it may add another step to your treatment plan, it’s time well spent to ensure your new smile has the strong foundation it needs to thrive.

Make Oral Hygiene a Priority

The good news is that your dental implants can’t get cavities. However, oral health is still integral. Make sure that you brush twice a day and floss once a day to prevent common dental issues like gum disease or infection. These problems can cause implant failure if you’re not careful, plus they can hurt any remaining natural teeth that you have left. Additionally, you can use a non-alcoholic mouthwash to clean hard to reach areas of your smile.

Eat a Healthy Diet

Brushing and flossing are important, however your diet also matters. Do your best to avoid foods that are heavy in sugar. The bacteria in your mouth interact with sugars to create acids that eat away at your gums and teeth. Instead, consume foods that give you a full, nutritious diet while also caring for your teeth. Items rich in calcium and Vitamin D are great for your grin and they help maintain the strength/health of your jawbone.

Break Bad Habits

Bad habits and lifestyle choices can cause dental implants to fail. If you smoke cigarettes or use other tobacco products, it’s in your best interest to stop! Tobacco slows down the effects of healing while also encouraging infection. Additionally, do not use your teeth for anything other than smiling and speaking. Opening packages or bottles with your teeth are quick ways to damage your implants, leading to more time and money spent on dentistry!

Protect Your Dental Implants

Do you play sports or physical activity? If so, always wear a mouthguard to protect your implants. Even if you participate in non-contact sports like baseball or basketball, wear a mouthguard! This will help prevent damage and reduce your risk of dental injury. Also, wear a nightguard if you suffer from bruxism. This tooth grinding puts unnecessary wear and tear on your smile, leading to jaw pain and dental implant damage.

Schedule Regular Dental Checkups

Regular checkups are even more significant after you get dental implants. While this tooth replacement has a success rate of 95% even after 10 years, Dr. Puskas will always ensure your health and comfort during routine checkups. She will see that everything looks good, and she can make recommendations as well as catch issues early on to prevent more severe problems down the road. In other words, a little time visiting our office for a couple appointments a year can save your scheduling and money by avoiding dental problems.