Dental Implants - West Cobb Periodontics & Implant Dentistry

How Often Do Dental Implants Need to Be Replaced?

January 30, 2022 by Admin

If you have been recommended for dental implants, you may wonder if they will ever have to be replaced. Implants are a permanent restorative solution for patients seeking that perfect smile. Dental implants look and feel natural in the mouth, and last upwards of 25 years if they are cared for properly.

At West Cobb Periodontics are one of the most common restorative options done in our dental offices in Marietta, GA! Many patients are leaning towards this permanent option to give them a durable smile that will last for years. Dental implants can last your entire life, and they are one of the most reliable tooth restoration options available to patients.

However, some patients have asked us if having their teeth cleaned regularly can damage the enamel on our teeth. We hope that this article can help address this common concern.

How Successful Are Dental Implants?

Implants have a 95% success rate, and we encourage patients to use good oral hygiene habits to keep the implants clean and free of plaque. This helps the implants to last, and prevents infection which can make them unstable in the mouth. Implants moving or needing replacement is rare. If an implant shifts out of place this could indicate the bone tissue is not providing enough support, and you should contact our dental office in Marietta, GA immediately.

TIPS TO ENSURE YOUR DENTAL IMPLANTS LAST A LIFETIME

Here are some helpful tips that you can start using to get the most out of your dental implants:

Floss daily using an implant specific floss or wax free floss to help keep the area clean and free of plaque. A Waterpik Water Flosser can be used to assist in removing plaque around the implants.
Use a low abrasive tooth brush such as a soft type brush on your implants.
Avoid any products, foods, or drinks containing any ingredients that may stain your teeth.
Anti-microbial rinses can be used to help reduce inflammation and prevent infection.
Avoid products that contain stannous fluoride, sodium fluoride, or baking soda. These ingredients can make the implants prone to corrosion.

Contact Implants & Periodontics Today!

Caring for your implants at home is similar to caring for your natural teeth. Practicing good oral hygiene habits at home will ensure your implants last for years and never need to be replaced. The West Cobb Periodontics team are here to help you achieve the smile you have always wanted. We are always available to answer questions and help you every step of the way.

If you are interested in finding out more about dental implants in Marietta, GA and how they may benefit you, contact West Cobb Periodontics to schedule your consultation with us today!

What is Considered a Dental Restoration?

October 26, 2021October 15, 2021 by Admin

If you have teeth that are decayed, injured, or missing you may require a dental restoration. Common types of dental restorations include crowns, fillings, implants, dentures, and bridges. Never hesitate to call the dentist if you have an issue with your tooth. In many cases our team can save your tooth with a restoration before the tooth damage progresses. It is always important to address any issues with your teeth promptly, or more serious complications may develop.

What Are Dental Restorations?

Dental restorations are various ways your dentist can help restore your teeth. If you are missing parts of your tooth, have an injury, or decay, restorations can help restore your tooth and prevent further damage. If you have a portion of your tooth missing due to decay, or have an old restoration that is in need of replacement, dental restorations can help fix these issues.

Following a good oral hygiene routine at home can help keep your teeth and mouth healthy and prevent decay. We recommend attending your regular exams twice a year to ensure your teeth and mouth look healthy. During your regular visits our doctor will check for cavities, and make sure we don’t see any serious issues.

What Are the Different Types of Dental Restorations?

Fillings: Fillings are the most common type of dental restoration and can help save teeth from decay. There are many filling types from tooth colored composite fillings, to silver amalgam, and composite fillings. Depending on the size of the cavity and location, will determine what type of filling material is used.
Crowns: Crowns are a cap that is placed over a tooth. Crowns restore the shape and size of a tooth, and are matched to blend in with your natural teeth. Crown are used with dental implants, or after a root canal to restore the functionality of a tooth.
Bridges: Bridges are false teeth and help to bridge the gap for missing teeth. Bridges are used along side crowns, and cement is used to permanently secure the bridge into place.
Dental Implants: Dental Implants are similar to a screw that is placed into the jaw. Implants are posts that are made of titanium and attached to a connector or abutment. The implant is then covered with a crown. Implants are permanent and are highly durable, lasting upwards of 15 years.
Dentures: Dentures are made of acrylic resin combined with metal and are a removable replacement for missing teeth. If you still have some of your natural teeth, partial dentures can be used to help bridge the gap and give a natural look.

What Are the Benefits of Dental Restorations?

Dental restorations provide many benefits and help restore your smile. If you are missing teeth or have decay, and are looking to get that perfect smile back, contact West Cobb Periodontics to help. Dental restorations can help you speak and eat easier, and give you a smile that restores your confidence.

Interested in Finding Out More About Dental Restorations?

If you are interested in finding out more about dental restorations contact West Cobb Periodontics. Our doctors have years of experience in dental restorations, and love to help patients get the smile of their dreams. Your oral health is important to us, and we make our patients a priority, and always have your best interests in mind. Let our team get you on the road to a great smile!

To schedule your appointment with us contact West Cobb Periodontics, and our friendly staff will be happy to assist you.

How Long Do Dental Implants Last?

October 26, 2021October 1, 2021 by Admin

If you are looking for that perfect smile and want a permanent solution to broken, missing, or cracked teeth, then dental implants may be the perfect choice. Dental implants are built to last, and give patients a permanent solution that restores your smile. Implants can help build confidence, and if taken care of can last upwards of 25 years.

At West Cobb Periodontics & Implant Dentistry, our passion is creating beautiful smiles. Our doctors have years of experience in implant dentistry, and love to help patients achieve the smile of their dreams. During our detailed implant process, our doctor will complete an evaluation of your teeth and mouth and create a customized treatment plan. We work directly with the patient to choose a treatment that best fits your needs. Our staff is available every step of the way to answer questions and support our patients through the implant process.

What Are the Benefits of Dental Implants?

Dental implants provide long lasting results, and allow patients to speak and eat normally like they would with natural teeth. Implants are comfortable and are attached to the tooth’s roots, providing a strong base for the crowns that are attached to the implant. Dental implants have a success rate of 95%, and can be life changing. Implants are just as strong as our natural teeth, and in most cases can withstand more pressure. Bone grafting can be done if the patient requires additional support in the jaw area prior to your implant procedure.

Caring for dental implants is similar to caring for your natural teeth. Patients should continue to practice good oral hygiene habits at home with brushing and flossing to keep your dental implants looking and feeling great. At West Cobb Periodontics & Implant Dentistry your oral health is our priority, and patients should never live with a smile they are embarrassed of. Let our team help you take control of your oral health, and get you started towards a new smile!

Interested in Finding Out More About the Benefits of Dental Implants?

If you are ready for a new smile, and would like to explore the benefits of dental implants, contact West Cobb Periodontics & Implant Dentistry. Our doctors have done thousands of implant procedures helping patients achieve that perfect smile. Our practice is equipped with state-of-the-art technology in a welcoming and relaxing environment. We are accepting new patients, and we welcome you to join our dental family.

To schedule your implant consultation, contact West Cobb Periodontics & Implant Dentistry, and our friendly staff will be happy to assist you.

Do All on 4 Implants Take a Long Time To Heal?

September 27, 2021September 15, 2021 by Admin

If you are looking at dental implants and want the process to be quick, then All-On-4 dental implants may be right for you. All-on-4 implants are also known as Teeth in a Day, and can be placed in a single appointment. All-on-4 implants are a fixed denture that is implant supported typically by 4 dental implants.

How Do All-on-4 Dental Implants Work?

All-on-4 dental implants can provide patients with dental implants in just one visit to our office. The implants are strategically placed in the top and bottom of the mouth. The benefit of this type of implant is that an implant is not needed for every tooth, making the process easier compared to traditional implants. All-on-4 dental implants are reliable and can last for years. During the healing process the implants fuse to the bone and this creates a stable base.

How Does the Healing Process Work?

Many patients wonder how the healing process works with All-on-4 implants compared to other options. The good news is the healing time is quicker with All-on-4 compared to traditional implants. Patients should still plan for a few months of healing as the implants fuse to the jawbone. Patients can experience the benefits of implants, and restore their smile in one day.

Once the implants are placed, we do recommend a liquid diet as the area heals. Patients can slowly incorporate soft foods into their diet, and be careful while chewing. Gradually patients can add normal foods back into their diet as your mouth heals. Patients are required to return for follow up visits to our office. This ensures the implants are healing properly, and allows our doctors to spot any potential issues. We also want to make sure the implants feel comfortable in the mouth, and listen to feedback our patients have about their new smile.

Interested in Finding Out More About All-On-4 Dental Implants?

If you are ready to take that next step towards a beautiful smile, contact West Cobb Periodontics. Our doctors have years of experience in implant dentistry, and love to give patients a smile they can show off. Dental implants restore confidence, and allow you to speak and eat normally. Implants are life changing, and can help you feel better about yourself and your smile. Let our team help you move towards that smile you have always wanted!

To schedule your implant consultation, or to find out more about the benefits of All-on-4 dental implants, contact West Cobb Periodontics, and our friendly staff will be happy to assist you.

Can You Get Dental Implants After Having Dentures For Years?

September 25, 2021September 1, 2021 by Admin

If you have been using dentures for years and are ready for a change, dental implants may be the perfect solution. You may be wondering if you can switch from dentures to implants, and the good news is that this is an option. Many patients get frustrated with dentures, but in the beginning they were the easier choice. Dentures are easier to get and do not require the recovery time that implants require. Cost is much lower and this attracts patients to dentures.

Patients tend to get frustrated with dentures over time, and do not like the slipping or clicking that comes with them. Dentures have to be taken out and cleaned, adding another item to your oral hygiene routine. Over time our faces tend to sag, and dentures do not provide the support that implants do.

Why Should I Switch to Dental Implants?

Dental implants can improve your dental health, and can give you a better quality of life. Implants are permanent and last for years restoring your smile. Patients do not have to worry about slipping or clicking, and can eat the foods they love without worrying their device will fall out. Implants are comfortable and feel like natural teeth. You don’t have to worry about sore spots or raw gums, and patients can feel confident around others.

Taking care of dental implants is similar to caring for your natural teeth. Following a good oral hygiene routine at home can ensure your dental implants always look and feel great. You will feel like you have your natural teeth again with dental implants.

Is Bone Grafting Needed?

In some cases when patients switch from dentures to implants, they may need a bone graft. Over time your jawbone shrinks, and you may not have enough bone to support the implants. As part of the evaluation, we will check to see if you have sufficient bone in the jaw. If needed bone grafting can be done to provide the support needed prior to you starting the implant process. The recovery period for a bone graft is a few months, and this can vary between patients.

Ready to Find Out More About Switching to Dental Implants?

The majority of patients are great candidates for dental implants, and our team at West Cobb Periodontics, strives to help patients achieve a smile they love. You don’t have to suffer with dentures, and implants can give you a permanent solution that lasts for years.

Our doctors have years of experience in implant dentistry, and we love to help patients achieve the smile of their dreams. Let our team at West Cobb Periodontics help you start the implant process today!

To schedule your implant consultation contact West Cobb Periodontics, and our friendly staff will be happy to assist you.

How Painful is the Dental Implant Process?

March 24, 2021March 15, 2021 by Admin

Patients that choose to move forward with the dental implant process wonder how painful the procedure will be. Dental implants look and feel natural in the mouth, and are a great restorative solution for those that have missing, cracked, or broken teeth. Our customized treatment plans work for each patient’s needs, and we work closely with our patients every step of the way.

Overall, the implant process is not painful. Many patients say that the dental implant process is less painful than having a tooth pulled. To keep patients comfortable we use local anesthesia and numb the gums around the implant area. Our team also checks to make sure each patient has enough bone present in their jaw to support their new implants. If necessary, bone grafting can be done to give patients the bone required in their jaw. This is an extra step in the process and does require additional healing.

How Is the Implant Healing Process?

The healing process for dental implants takes between 4-6 months. Antibiotics may be recommended to patients, as well as pain relievers to help with the healing process.

After Your Implant Procedure You May Have the Following

Minor bleeding that should subside after a day or two.
Minor swelling or bruising around the face and implant area.
Some pain or sensitivity around the implant area.

If patients notice any pain, swelling, or bleeding that does not subside, or gets progressively worse we encourage you to contact our office immediately. You will need to be seen in our office as soon as possible. During the healing process soft foods are recommended, and patients should stay away from foods or drinks that may stain your teeth.

Dental implants can last up to 25 years or a lifetime if they are cared for properly. The pain associated with the dental implant process can be kept at a minimum by following the at home care instructions. Implants are a great choice for patients seeking a beautiful smile that is permanent and will last for years.

Interested in Finding Out More?

To find out more, scheduling your implant consultation is the first step towards a beautiful smile. Our team is available to answer any questions, and our detailed consultation process allows our team to take a close look at your mouth and teeth. We will build a customized treatment plan and get you on the road to a beautiful smile.

To schedule your implant consultation contact our office, and our friendly staff will be happy to assist you!

What are the Types of Dental Implants?

December 30, 2020 by Admin

If you have been recommended for dental implants you may be overwhelmed with all of the implant choices available. Our team can help you choose which implant works best for you and discuss what your options are.

What Are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are similar to an artificial tooth root that is placed in the jaw bone. The implants serve as a base for one or many artificial teeth or crowns. Implants can be used to help patients with missing teeth and can be personalized to fit each patient’s needs.

What Are The Types of Dental Implants?

Endosteal Implants

Endosteal implants are the most common type of dental implant used today. This type of implant acts like an artificial tooth root that is placed in the jaw bone. These implants create a base for one or many artificial teeth or crowns that are affixed on top. During the implant process healing time is needed for the implant to fuse to the jawbone. This type of implant is durable, long lasting, and a popular choice.

Subperiosteal Implants

Subperiosteal implants are a good alternative to endosteal implants. This type of implant sits on top of the jawbone, but is still under the gum line. Using a metal frame the post is attached and the gum then heals around the frame. This allows the implant to be held securely in place. Artificial teeth or crowns are then placed on top of the poles that are in the gum area. In many cases this type of implant is used if patients do not have enough jawbone to support endosteal implants. Bone grafting can be done to provide the additional bone needed, but some patients choose to not go through that process.

What Are My Alternatives?

If a patient’s jawbone cannot support dental implants there are techniques available to help rebuild the jawbone and create a stable foundation for implants.

Bone Augmentation – This procedure helps to restore or regenerate bone in the jaw when a patient does not have enough to support an implant. This process is very successful, and many patients choose this process in order to get those implants they have always wanted.
Sinus Lift – A sinus lift can add bone below the sinus cavity to help that area if bone has deteriorated.
Ridge Expansion – Bone grafting material can be added along the top of the jaw or small ridge to help make your jaw wide enough to support dental implants.

What Are Other Dental Implant Options?

Mini Dental Implants – Mini dental implants are similar to traditional dental implants, but they are used for smaller spaces. Patients that have naturally smaller teeth may find that mini dental implants fit them best. This procedure is less invasive and tends to be less expensive compared to other options. Mini dental implants are made of one solid piece that is screwed into the jawbone. Each implant has a ball on top and this allows the crown to be secured.
Immediate Load Dental Implants or Teeth In a Day – This type of implant process allows the placement of the crown or temporary tooth at the same time as the dental implant. Patients that have sufficient bone structure in the jaw are good candidates for this option.
All-On-4 Implants – All-on-4 implants provide patients with implants in just one appointment. With this option implants are not required for each tooth. Four implants are placed, and this makes the process easier and less invasive. Bone grafting is not needed with this option, and temporary teeth can be placed that same day. With this option there is a healing process while the implants fuse to the bone. Once the healing process is complete, permanent teeth can be placed.

Are You Interested in Learning More About Dental Implants?

Our staff is here to help you choose which dental implant option works best for you. With our high-end technology and implant surgical software, the implant process is faster and more efficient. Our team provides the very best care to our patients, and we are here to support you throughout the implant process.

To find out what dental implant option is best for you, contact our office and our friendly staff can schedule your consultation. Let us help you take that first step to a beautiful smile!

What are All-on-4 Teeth Implants in Dentistry?

September 15, 2020September 14, 2020 by Admin

All-on-4 implants provide patients with dental implants in just one appointment. This type of implant process is also known as Teeth in a Day, and is a fixed denture that is typically supported by 4 implants. All-on-4 implants are placed strategically, and implants are not required for each tooth making this an easy process. Implants are a permanent restorative solution that lasts for years. Implants fuse to the jawbone, and create a stable base allowing them to withstand more pressure than our natural teeth.

At West Cobb Periodontics and Implant Dentistry in Marietta, GA, we provide our patients with many restorative options, and help them choose which option best fits their needs.

Who Is a Good Candidate for All-on-4 Implants?

Any patient can be considered for All-on-4 implants and scheduling a consultation with us is the first step towards beautiful teeth. Typically candidates for All-on-4 implants are missing some or most of the teeth along the dental ridge. Other candidates may be struggling with their dentures and are looking for a quick solution.

During our examination process the dentist will check to make sure the patient has enough gum tissue and jaw structure to support the implants. If needed, bone grafting can be done to provide the additional support required. All-on-4 implants are a great option for patients that want a quick restoration solution to improve their smile and overall mouth function.

What Can I Expect During the Healing Process?

Patients can expect a one to two month healing process after their All-on-4 procedure. With All-on-4 implants the healing process tends to be quicker compared to other options. The healing period gives the implants time to fuse to the jawbone. After your implants are placed we recommend patients follow a liquid diet for the first few days. Patients can move to a soft food diet, and eventually resume normal activity. We do require patients to return to our dental office in Marietta, GA for periodic follow up visits. This ensures the implants are healing properly.

Looking for Dental Implants Near You?

Our team of doctors and staff can help you get that perfect smile you have always wanted. We provide our patients with many restorative options, and help you choose the option that best fits your needs. Our patients are our priority, and our team will go above and beyond to make your experience the very best.

If you are interested in finding out more about dental implants in Marietta, GA and what your dental implant options are near you, please contact West Cobb Periodontics and Implant Dentistry friendly staff to set up your initial implant consultation.