With just two treatments provided by Dr. Thomas at Smile Envy Dental Group, dental implants can restore the form and function of your smile. Dental Implant treatments are performed in Dr. Thomas conveniently located Atlanta, GA clinic, serving the communities of Smyrna, Vinings and Atlanta.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are a permanent solution for one or more missing teeth. Made from surgical grade titanium, the metal allows the natural healing power of the body to restore oral function after losing one or more tooth.
Dental Implants vs. Dental Bridge
While a dental bridge temporarily restores oral function from tooth loss as well, dental implants may be a better option. The implant prevents tooth decay, increases facial bone health and is a stronger, more permanent solution.
Dental Implant Options
We offer three different dental implant treatment options. Dr. Fields chooses the best option for you by examining your mouth during your consultation. These options include:
- Root Form Implant, the most common procedure for patients with a strong jaw. The implant is shaped like a tooth root to ensure sturdy implantation and long-term functionality.
Benefits of Dental Implants
The benefits of dental implants are immediately noticed as you smile for the first time with confidence. Other benefits that Dr. Thomas patients enjoy include:
- Natural appearance
- 98% rate of success
- Minimal invasiveness to surrounding areas
Are Dental Implants Right for Me?
A consultation with Dr. Thomas will help you decide if you are a good candidate for dental implants. However, you may consider dental implants if you are missing one or more of your teeth or would like an alternative to a dental bridge or dentures.
How Dental Implants Work
Dental Implant treatment is customized to suit your specific needs during a consultation with Dr. Thomas. Unlike other dental practices, at Smile Envy Dental Group, Dr. Thomas completes all his own procedures — ensuring your shared vision for treatment is carried out perfectly. The treatment involves three steps: implanting a screw into the jaw, adding a post that connects the implant to the permanent crown and installing the permanent crown.
During your first appointment, you will be given a local anesthetic to ensure minimal pain is felt during the procedure. Dr. Thomas then inserts the chosen implant screw or plate into the jawbone where the missing tooth or teeth are located. Dr. Thomas then skillfully smooths surrounding gum tissue over the implant, and a protective cover is placed over the incision site which allows the jaw bone and implant to properly fuse together and heal.
After 12 to 16 weeks of recovery, you will return to Dr. Thomas for the second step of adding the connecting post, called an abutment. The protective cover is removed from the implant site, and the abutment is attached. The abutment will hold the new tooth called a permanent crown. Once it is installed, Dr. Thomas makes a mold of the area that is used to customize the permanent crown. A temporary crown is installed until the permanent crown is ready.
The third visit occurs usually a week or two later and is the quickest step. During this treatment date, the temporary crown is removed, and the permanent crown is placed.
Recovering From Dental Implants
After the first treatment, your mouth will be sore for five to 10 days, and we encourage our patients to follow a soft food diet during this time. Ice packs on your cheeks may also help with any swelling and discomfort.
To ensure success of the treatment, be sure to care daily for your dental implants by flossing, brushing your teeth and cleaning the areas around the implant area.
How Much Do Dental Implants Cost?
Dental implants are a highly customized treatment plan so the cost varies based on your needs. After consultation with Dr. Thomas, a friendly member of the Smile Envy Dental Group can answer any questions you may have, including if your dental insurance covers the cost of treatment. To ensure dental implants are affordable for our patients, we offer to finance through CareCredit®. To learn more about our many payment methods, contact our office today.
Please contact Dr. Thomas at his Atlanta, GA office today to schedule a consultation to find out if dental implants, dental bridges or other cosmetic dentistry options are right for you.