Dental implants are revolutionizing how people restore their smiles, and Dr. Riccardi is overjoyed to bring the latest in implant technology to Americus, GA. Implants provide a secure foundation for replacement teeth that look, feel, and function just like natural teeth. For those who have lost teeth, implants bring back the ability to eat comfortably and confidently, while also preserving facial contours. With dental implants, patients can smile with renewed confidence, knowing their teeth appear completely natural.

What Are Dental Implants, Exactly?

Dental implants are small titanium posts that are surgically placed into the jawbone where teeth are missing. These posts act as artificial tooth roots, bonding with the bone to create a stable foundation for replacement teeth. Once the implant fuses with the jawbone, a small post protrudes through the gum line, serving as a secure anchor for artificial teeth. In addition to replacing teeth, implants help prevent bone deterioration, maintaining the structure of the face and jaw.

The Surgical Procedure

Dental implants are precisely placed in the jawbone by your surgeon based on a detailed plan from your dentist. During the first three to six months after surgery, the implants bond with the jawbone beneath the gums. During this period, you can wear temporary dentures or teeth while the process is underway. At the same time, your dentist will be creating your permanent replacement teeth.

Once the implant has bonded to the jawbone, your dentist will attach a small post to the implant, which will hold the artificial teeth securely in place. These posts are hidden once the teeth are placed, and the entire process usually takes six to eight months with minimal disruption to daily life.

Recent Surgical Advances

Thanks to recent advancements in dental implant technology, some implants can be placed in a single stage. In certain cases, the implant can be placed during the same visit as a tooth extraction, reducing the need for multiple surgeries.

Dental implant placement involves close collaboration between an oral and maxillofacial surgeon and a restorative dentist. Your surgeon handles the implant surgery, tooth extractions, and any necessary bone grafting, while your dentist designs and fits the permanent prosthetic teeth, as well as any temporary prosthetics needed during the process.

Types of Prosthetics Available

  • Single Prosthesis (Crown): This option replaces a single missing tooth, with each crown attaching to its own implant.
  • Partial Prosthesis (Fixed Bridge): This solution can replace two or more missing teeth, usually requiring two or three implants.
  • Complete Prosthesis: A full set of artificial teeth for the upper or lower jaw, attached to implants. The number of implants depends on the type of complete prosthesis recommended:
    • Removable Prosthesis (Overdenture): Attaches to a bar or ball-and-socket mechanism.
    • Fixed Prosthesis: Permanently attached and only removable by a dentist.

Dental implants offer a versatile and long-term solution for missing teeth, improving both function and aesthetics while protecting the overall structure of your jaw.

We would love to talk with you about the possibility of restoring your smile with dental implants. Please give us a call at (229) 924-2224.