Missing teeth can impact more than just your smile. They affect how you eat, speak, and even how your face looks over time. Additionally, when a tooth is lost, the jawbone in that area begins to deteriorate due to lack of stimulation, which leads to premature aging and a sunken facial appearance.
Fortunately, dental implants offer a permanent, natural-looking solution to replace missing teeth, restore function, and prevent jawbone loss. At Cobb Center for Advanced Dentistry, we are experts in implant dentistry, and we are here to help you regain a complete, healthy smile.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are artificial tooth roots made of surgical-grade titanium that are placed into the jawbone to support a replacement tooth. Over time, the implant fuses with the bone in a process called osseointegration, thereby creating a strong and stable foundation for a crown, bridge, or denture.
Unlike traditional bridges or dentures, dental implants function like natural teeth, offering stability, durability, and aesthetics. As a result, they are the most advanced and long-lasting solution for missing teeth, with a success rate of over 90%.
Why Do Missing Teeth Cause Jawbone Loss?
The primary function of the jawbone is to support and anchor teeth. When a tooth is lost, the bone no longer receives stimulation from chewing, which leads to gradual resorption. Eventually, this process results in:
- Bone loss and structural weakening of the jaw
- A sunken, prematurely aged facial appearance
- Shifting of remaining teeth, leading to misalignment
- Difficulty with chewing and speaking
- Bone loss and structural weakening of the jaw
- A sunken, prematurely aged facial appearance
- Shifting of remaining teeth, leading to misalignment
- Difficulty with chewing and speaking
Dental implants prevent bone loss by restoring this stimulation, keeping the jawbone strong and healthy.
Benefits of Dental Implants
Dental implants offer a range of benefits, which is why they are the preferred choice for tooth replacement.
Restores Natural Functionality
Unlike traditional dentures, implants function like natural teeth. They allow you to eat, chew, and speak comfortably.
Prevents Premature Aging
Missing teeth can cause facial sagging and a sunken appearance. Implants help preserve jawbone density, maintaining facial structure.
Long-Lasting and Durable
With proper care, dental implants can last a lifetime, making them a long-term investment in your smile and oral health.
No Risk of Cavities or Root Canals
Since implants are made of biocompatible titanium, they do not decay or require root canal treatments.
More Secure Than Dentures
Implants are fixed in place and do not shift or slip, eliminating the discomfort and maintenance of traditional dentures.
Enhances Confidence
A full, natural-looking smile can restore self-esteem and allow you to speak and laugh without hesitation.
Restores Natural Functionality
Unlike traditional dentures, implants function like natural teeth. They allow you to eat, chew, and speak comfortably.
Prevents Premature Aging
Missing teeth can cause facial sagging and a sunken appearance. Implants help preserve jawbone density, maintaining facial structure.
Long-Lasting and Durable
With proper care, dental implants can last a lifetime, making them a long-term investment in your smile and oral health.
No Risk of Cavities or Root Canals
Since implants are made of biocompatible titanium, they do not decay or require root canal treatments.
More Secure Than Dentures
Implants are fixed in place and do not shift or slip, which eliminates the discomfort and maintenance of traditional dentures.
Enhances Confidence
A full, natural-looking smile can restore self-esteem, allowing you to speak and laugh without hesitation.
How Are Dental Implants Placed?
The dental implant process involves four main steps to ensure long-term success.
Step 1: Consultation and Planning
The first step is a comprehensive evaluation, including digital imaging and a thorough oral exam, to determine if implants are the right solution.
Step 2: Implant Surgery
The implant is placed into the jawbone under local anesthesia or sedation. Typically, the procedure is minimally invasive, and most patients experience little to no discomfort.
Step 3: Healing and Osseointegration
Over the next two to six months, the implant naturally fuses with the bone, creating a strong, permanent foundation for the replacement tooth.
Step 4: Final Restoration
Once the implant is fully integrated, a custom-designed crown, bridge, or denture is attached to complete your smile.
What If Multiple Teeth Are Missing?
For patients missing several teeth or even an entire arch, dental implants can be used in various ways.
Implant-Supported Bridges
Instead of relying on natural teeth, implant-supported bridges use implants for added stability, preventing bone loss and reducing strain on existing teeth.
Implant-Supported Dentures
Unlike traditional dentures, implant-supported dentures are secured to implants, which eliminates the need for adhesives and prevents slipping or discomfort.
Full-Arch Implant Solutions
Full-mouth implants or All-On-4 implant solutions provide permanent, natural-looking teeth in as little as one day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Procedure Hurt?
The implant placement procedure is performed under local anesthesia to ensure comfort. Sedation options are also available for patients with dental anxiety. Most patients experience only mild soreness, which subsides within a few days.
How Long Do Implants Last?
With proper care, dental implants can last a lifetime, making them the most durable tooth replacement option available.
Are Dental Implants Covered by Insurance?
Coverage varies depending on your insurance provider. Our office offers financing options to make implants affordable for all patients.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?
Most healthy adults with missing teeth are candidates for implants. However, adequate jawbone density is required for successful placement. Patients with gum disease or other oral health concerns may need additional treatment before receiving implants.
How Do I Care for My Dental Implants?
Dental implants should be cared for just like natural teeth, including:
- Brushing and flossing daily
- Attending regular dental check-ups
- Avoiding excessive force or grinding
Who Is a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?
Most healthy adults with missing teeth are candidates for implants. However, adequate jawbone density is required for successful placement. Patients with gum disease or other oral health concerns may need additional treatment before receiving implants.
How Do I Care for My Dental Implants?
Dental implants should be cared for just like natural teeth, including:
- Brushing and flossing daily
- Attending regular dental check-ups
- Avoiding excessive force or grinding
Does the Procedure Hurt?
The implant placement procedure is performed under local anesthesia to ensure comfort. In addition, sedation options are also available for patients with dental anxiety. Most patients experience only mild soreness, which subsides within a few days.
How Long Do Implants Last?
With proper care, dental implants can last a lifetime, making them the most durable tooth replacement option available.
Are Dental Implants Covered by Insurance?
Coverage varies depending on your insurance provider. Our office offers financing options to make implants affordable for all patients.
Why Choose Cobb Center for Advanced Dentistry?
At Cobb Center for Advanced Dentistry, we take pride in providing exceptional implant dentistry, focusing on patient comfort, precision, and long-term success.
Expertise You Can Trust
Dr. Patel is accredited by the American Academy of Implant Dentistry and has extensive experience in placing and restoring implants.
Commitment to Patient Comfort
We offer sedation dentistry to help patients feel relaxed and at ease throughout their treatment.
Comprehensive Care Under One Roof
Unlike many dental offices that refer patients to multiple offices, we provide the entire implant process in-house, ensuring a seamless experience.
State-of-the-Art Technology
We use advanced imaging and digital planning for precise implant placement, ensuring the best possible results.
Expertise You Can Trust
Dr. Patel is accredited by the American Academy of Implant Dentistry and has extensive experience in placing and restoring implants.
Comprehensive Care Under One Roof
Unlike many dental offices that refer patients to multiple offices, we provide the entire implant process in-house, ensuring a seamless experience.
State-of-the-Art Technology
We use advanced imaging and digital planning for precise implant placement, ensuring the best possible results.
Commitment to Patient Comfort
We offer sedation dentistry to help patients feel relaxed and at ease throughout their treatment.
Schedule Your Dental Implant Consultation
If you’re ready to restore your smile with permanent, natural-looking dental implants, Cobb Center for Advanced Dentistry is here to help. Our experienced team will create a customized treatment plan to meet your needs and goals.
Call (770) 578-1331 today to schedule your consultation.
