Dental implants are a popular and effective solution for individuals who have lost one or more teeth due to injury or decay. At Gainesville Periodontics, we’ve helped thousands of Gainesville residents reclaim their bright smiles with dental implants so they can feel confident when they smile, eat, talk and more – without the embarrassment of missing teeth or cumbersome dentures.

What is a Dental Implant?

A dental implant is an artificial device that is permanently placed in a patient’s jawbone to act as an anchor to an artificial tooth, crown, or bridge. Dental implants allow you to replace missing teeth with artificial teeth that look and function just like real teeth.

Benefits of Dental Implants

Dental implants offer a range of benefits for patients, including:
Prevents bone loss: Dental implants help preserve the health of the jawbone and prevent shrinkage.
Enhanced appearance: Dental implants look and function like natural teeth, providing a more aesthetically pleasing smile.
Improved speech: Dental implants can help improve speech by preventing slurring or mumbling that can occur when teeth are missing.
Improved comfort: Dental implants are securely anchored into the jawbone, eliminating the discomfort and irritation of dentures.
Improved chewing and digestion: Dental implants provide a stable base for chewing, allowing patients to enjoy all their favorite foods while improving digestion and preventing nutritional deficiencies caused by a limited diet.

Dental Implant Surgery

Getting dental implants is the culmination of several steps that take place over a few months. At Gainesville Peridontics, our dental implant procedure works like this:
We start with an initial consultation. The first step in the dental implant process is coming to see us in person at our Gainesville office. During your consultation, periodontist Dr. Barclay will assess your oral health, take X-rays and 3D images of your mouth, and see if you are a good candidate for dental implants.
Dental implant placement surgery: The next step is the surgical placement of the implant into the jawbone. This involves creating a small incision in the gum, drilling a hole into the jawbone, and securing the dental implant in place. The “tooth” part of the implant is not secured in place at this step, only the lower section.
Osseointegration: After the implant is placed, the jawbone will gradually grow around the implant in a process called osseointegration. It can take several months for the implant to become fully integrated into the jawbone.
Abutment placement: Once the implant is firmly integrated into your jawbone, an abutment is placed on top of the implant. The abutment is a small connector that attaches the implant to the crown or bridge. This procedure is not painful. All you’ll feel is a little pressure.
Crown or bridge placement: The final step in the dental implant process is the placement of the crown or bridge. Dr. Barclay will permanently affix your replacement tooth, crown or bridge to your dental implant, creating a natural-looking and functional tooth replacement.

Recovery from Dental Implant Surgery

Recovery from dental implant surgery is generally well tolerated and involves some swelling, bruising, and discomfort that can be managed with over-the-counter pain medication and ice packs. Patients should also follow their periodontists’ instructions for post-operative care, including proper oral hygiene and follow-up appointments.
In most cases, patients can resume normal activities within a few days of the procedure, although strenuous activity should be avoided for a week or more. Patients may also need to modify their diet during the initial healing period to avoid putting pressure on the implant.

Interested in Dental Implants in Gainesville, Ga.?

Give Gainesville Periodontics a call today. We’d be happy to help you achieve a bright, strong smile that not only helps you have more confidence but enjoy a better quality of life, too. Schedule your initial consultation today.