Innovative Implants in Marietta
One or more missing teeth can impact the function and beauty of your smile. At Gilreath Family Dentistry Marietta, we offer innovative dental implant options to replace missing teeth with convenient treatments for all levels of tooth loss. Using the most advanced technology and imaging available, dentists in Marietta can provide our patients with cutting-edge tooth replacements through dental implants, including:
A dental implant replaces a missing or lost tooth. The restored implant consists of a titanium screw that is placed in your jawbone. It replaces the root portion of a tooth. An abutment is then used in which a crown or other dental device is placed.
- Natural tooth
- An implant that would replace the natural tooth root.
- Crown on top of the implant that would replace the natural tooth.
Implants have been used for over three decades and have become commonplace in dental practices. If you lose a tooth and don’t replace it, several things can happen:
- The tooth on the opposite jaw will move into the space which can cause gum and bone problems for that tooth as well as biting interference
- Your surrounding teeth will endure more wear and use
- Teeth will shift, causing your bite to become unstable
Marietta, GA Teeth Implants
If you have a missing tooth in between other teeth, a dental implant is often the best option for the replacement since it does not require that any other teeth are modified or crowned. By placing a tooth implant when a tooth is extracted, the bone in the area will not reabsorb away, which would normally leave a large defect in the jaw and gum tissue. When done correctly, a crown placed using a dental implant looks and acts like a normal tooth, except that it won’t decay. For patients who have full and partial dentures, dental implants can be used to provide excellent stability and retention. Additionally, we provide other types of restorative dental care services including:
Dental implants are an ideal treatment option for most healthy patients. Implants are not an ideal option for patients with uncontrolled diabetes, heavy smokers, or patients who have bisphosphonate treatment for bone loss.
The only drawback to patients is the time it takes to complete the procedure. Dental implants have three phases – 1) a surgical phase, 2) a healing phase, 3) a restorative phase. The surgery is minor and is typically completed by an oral surgeon in his or her office. After surgery, the healing phase begins and can last between 4 and 8 months. During this critical time, the implant “integrates” into the jaw as the bone grows around and through the implant. After this process is complete, the surgeon places an abutment into the implant that protrudes into the mouth, and the restorative dentist restores the dental implant using a crown.
From an aesthetic standpoint, dental implants can be more challenging for the dentist and sometimes, like when the missing tooth is in the front part of the mouth, using a conventional bridge is a better option. Dr. Gilreath IV and Dr. Gilreath III have restored hundreds of implants, from simple single implants to complex multiple-unit cases.
If you live in Marietta or the surrounding area and are interested in tooth replacement options, contact our Marietta Dental Implants Specialists at Gilreath Family Dentistry Marietta today to schedule a consultation. We thank you for allowing us to take care of your dental care needs and look forward to serving you.