Restorative Dentistry Services
Dental implants are a great way to replace missing teeth and also provide a fixed solution to having removable partial or complete dentures. Implants provide excellent support and stability for these dental appliances.
The procedure to place an implant takes 30 to 60 minutes for one implant and only 2 to 3 hours for multiple implants. The number of appointments and time required, vary from patient to patient. The surgeon will bring great precision and attention to the details of your case.
Prior to surgery, you may receive antibiotics and for greater comfort, intravenous
sedation or nitrous oxide (laughing gas). These options are discussed with you at your consultation appointment. A local anesthetic will be administered to numb the area where the implant will be placed.
When you are comfortable, the surgeon makes a small incision in the gum tissue to
reveal the bone, creates space using special instruments, and gently inserts the
titanium implant. The top of this implant is often visible through the gum.
Now the healing begins. The length of time varies from person to person, depending upon the quality and quantity of bone. The surgeon will advise you on follow-up care and timing. After the initial phase of healing, the surgeon places a healing cap onto the implant during a brief follow-up visit. This allows gum tissue to mature and provides access to the implant. How long your mouth needs to heal is determined by a variety of factors. Follow-up care (one to four appointments) is usually needed to ensure that your mouth is healing well and to determine when you are ready for the restorative phase of your treatment.
Whether it’s one tooth or all of your teeth that are being replaced, your surgeon will complete the restoration by fitting the replacement tooth (crown) to the dental implant.
Implants are often placed several months after extraction. At times, an implant may be placed immediately after extraction of a tooth. This may involve a little more risk, but it simplifies the process—you won’t have to wait for another appointment to place the implant. When infection or other problems with the bone are present, immediate implant placement is not the best treatment.
If your tooth has been missing for some time, the adjacent support bone is likely to grow thinner and shrink. This occurs because the root of the natural tooth has to be present to stimulate the bone. As much as one third of your jaw’s thickness can be lost in the year following tooth extraction. If you are missing enough bone, you may benefit from having additional bone grafted into the area. This ensures the implant will be adequately supported when it is placed in the jaw.
Almost anyone with one or more missing or damaged teeth may benefit from dental implants in Fayetteville and Griffin, GA. Dr. Ferrara will examine your teeth and let you know if implants are right for your situation.
Dental implants look and function like natural teeth; which also means they may be affected by sudden trauma or similar circumstances. Otherwise, it is entirely possible for implants to last a lifetime.
In some instances, dental implants may be covered to some extent by dental insurance. Every situation is different, however, so you will want to check with your insurance provider to determine what applies to your coverage for dentistry in Fayetteville and Griffin, GA.
Dental implants are fixed to the bone and not removable, so they are not an exact substitute for dentures. But if there is a need to stabilize existing dentures, it might be possible to insert implants underneath them. Whether or not this is appropriate for your situation can be discussed during your initial visit to our surgeon in Fayetteville and Griffin, GA.
An initial consultation with an oral surgeon of your choice is the first step. We will be glad to refer you to a qualified doctor in your area if necessary. The initial phase of treatment begins with the oral surgeon. Your implant will be surgically placed, and our practice will fit and place the crown restoration for you. An implant generally takes several months to finish but is in most instances the healthiest, most reliable and longest lasting restoration option.
No matter what your needs or goals for your smile may be, our surgeons and teams are here to help. We look forward to meeting you and every member of your family and helping you take your first steps to better smiles.
Take some time to learn more about the services we provide at Southern Oral Surgery. When you are ready to schedule an appointment with our surgeons, contact our dental offices in Fayetteville and Griffin.
Our compassionate and skilled team is committed to restoring the health and function of your smile, no matter your age. We offer a full range of restorative dentistry services to address various dental concerns and help you regain a confident, healthy smile. From children to seniors, we provide personalized care tailored to meet the unique needs of every family member.
Whether you’re dealing with cavities, damaged teeth, or missing teeth, our restorative treatments—such as fillings, crowns, bridges, and dental implants—are designed to bring back the strength and appearance of your natural teeth. Our goal is to make the process smooth and comfortable, ensuring your dental visits are as stress-free as possible.
If you’re facing any dental issues, we are here to help restore your smile and improve your oral health for years to come. Contact us today to learn more about our restorative dentistry services and how we can help you achieve a beautiful, fully functional smile.
Visit the Patient Center to learn what to expect from your first visit, forms, financial policies, and frequently asked questions!
