Traditional forms of tooth replacement typically need to be replaced after 10 years or so, and they lack much of the strength and stability of natural teeth. Dental implants in Rome, GA provide a revolutionary solution for gaps in your smile, giving your new teeth that look, feel, and act like the real things. Dr. Weldon is highly experienced in using dental implants for many different cases of tooth loss; please call today to schedule a dental implant consultation and take the first steps towards restoring your smile.
A dental implant doesn’t actually look like a tooth; it’s a metal post that closely resembles a screw. It’s designed to be inserted into the jawbone in the area where a tooth was lost so that it can bond with the surrounding bone. Once this process is complete, it can act as the foundation for a dental prosthetic. Implants are used to support crowns, bridges, and dentures, depending on how many teeth have been lost.
The dental implant process takes place across several months and requires multiple appointments. Although it takes more time than placing a bridge or denture, the end results are well worth it! Plus, since Dr. Weldon and our team are able to handle both implant placement and restoration in-house, you can look forward to an efficient and smooth treatment experience. Here is an overview of the four steps that are involved in how dental implants work in Rome:
The state of your mouth and your overall health can affect the ultimate success of your dental implants, so the first thing we’ll need to do is examine your mouth and determine what sort of preparations might be needed in order to make you a viable candidate for the procedure. For example, some patients require a bone graft, gum disease therapy, or extractions. If you are already a good candidate, we will start planning your implant placement surgery right away.
If you have questions during your consultation, don’t hesitate to ask! We want all of our patients to be well-informed about the treatments we recommend for them.
Many dentists must refer patients to another practice for the implant placement surgery. However, Dr. Weldon is an experienced implant dentist in Rome who is able to perform it right here in our office, so you won’t have to worry about dealing with an outside specialist. During the procedure, our team will first numb your mouth and possibly sedate you. Next, incisions will be made in your gums, and the implants will be inserted at precise, pre-planned positions. Once the incisions are closed, you can go home to begin your recovery. Most patients are able to return to work within a day or two of their procedure.
Osseointegration is the remarkable biological process through which your dental implants in Rome will bond with your jawbone. It is what enables the implants to serve as sturdy prosthetic tooth roots. Osseointegration typically requires a few months. Afterward, you may need to undergo a second minor surgery. Your implants will be exposed, and healing caps will be placed on them. After a brief recovery period, you will receive abutments, which are small connector pieces that will keep your restorations in place. (Some patients receive abutments on the same day as their initial implant surgery.)
To design your restoration, our team will take impressions of your mouth. Dr. Weldon will send those impressions, along with detailed design notes, to a dental laboratory. Once the lab fabricates your new crown, bridge, or denture, you will return to our practice. We will make sure that your new teeth look good and will provide you with a sturdy, comfortable bite before we secure them on your implants. There may be a bit of an adjustment period as you get used to using your prosthetic, but most patients find that in virtually no time at all, they are fully enjoying all the benefits of their restored smile.
There’s a good reason why dentists around the world consider dental implants to be the gold standard of tooth replacement – they offer countless advantages that you simply don’t get with regular dentures or dental bridges. As the closest option to recreating what Mother Nature gave you, dental implants look and feel so lifelike that you might eventually forget they’re not your “real” teeth! Below are some examples of the benefits of dental implants in Rome that you might not have considered.
Before any phase of the process can begin, our team at Weldon Dental of Rome will need to perform a detailed examination of your mouth and bone structure to confirm you can receive dental implants safely. Additionally, if you require certain procedures for implants to become viable (like gum therapy or bone grafting), we will make sure you receive these beforehand to ensure successful treatment. Following your exam, we’ll design your dental implant treatment plan around the number of missing teeth you have.
The truth is almost any healthy adult with missing teeth is a good candidate for dental implants in Rome. Nevertheless, there are three basic criteria you must meet to be considered for this tooth-replacement solution, such as:
Even if you don’t meet all the criteria above, preliminary dental treatments may help you be eligible to get implants. Some patients will need procedures like tooth extractions, periodontal therapy, or even bone grafting. At Weldon Dental of Rome, we’ll help you schedule these preparatory services to get you on the right track for a new smile.
On its own, a dental implant can support a crown. This is a good alternative to traditional bridges that would require us to remove enamel from your remaining teeth. The crown will be carefully shaped to fit seamlessly into the gap, and it will be shaded to match the color of the surrounding teeth.
Two or three dental implants can act as the base for a bridge or partial denture. That way, you can replace multiple teeth at once with a minimal number of dental implants. Both bridges and partial dentures are far more stable when they use dental implants for support instead of your teeth.
You will only need about four to eight implants to support a full denture. Most of the time, implant dentures are permanently fixed in place, so you’ll never have to deal with the inconvenience of them slipping at the wrong moment or having to take them out at night.
We’re also proud to be able to offer the All-on-4 technique as an efficient option for patients who have lost all or most of their teeth. The technique involves four dental implants placed in a way that potentially eliminates the need for bone grafts, and it often allows a temporary denture to be attached on the day of surgery.
You’ll probably have a hard time finding an accurate estimate for dental implant treatment online. The main reason for that is that the cost of dental implants in Rome can vary dramatically based on the number of teeth missing, the type of restoration required, and the need for preparatory procedures. The initial cost will likely be higher than that of other treatments, but this will be balanced out by the fact that dental implants last for decades. At your consultation, we’ll discuss specific prices based on your unique dental implant journey and provide a personalized cost estimate so you know what to expect.
Do you need preliminary treatment before dental implant placement? Procedures like gum disease therapy, tooth extractions, and bone grafting are sometimes necessary to ensure the long-term success of your new smile. Although these procedures will add to the overall final cost of the process, they are usually partially covered by dental insurance, so you don’t have to worry about breaking the bank.
The cost of your dental implant surgery itself is normally affected by the location of the surgical site and the type of sedation needed. At Weldon Dental of Rome, we complete the entire treatment in-house, meaning you don’t have to worry about receiving a bill from a different practice.
The final cost of your dental implants is affected by the following:
To save money, some patients may be tempted to opt for traditional dentures or bridges over implants. However, even though dental implants have a higher upfront cost, they end up paying for themselves in the long run. Since they’re one of the most permanent methods of tooth replacement, you don’t have to replace them regularly as you would other solutions. Plus, implants are easier to take care of, meaning you can expect to pay less for your overall healthcare costs too.
Most dental insurance plans will not cover implants – but there are some exceptions. Some parts of the final restoration or preliminary treatments may be covered at a certain percentage. To ensure your benefits are being maximized, we’ll carefully review the details of your insurance policy and help you make the most out of your coverage.
If you have dental insurance, we’ll gladly file claims on your behalf to help you maximize your benefits and reduce your out-of-pocket expenses significantly. For those who don’t have insurance, we offer additional financing through our trusted, third-party financer called CareCredit. With this method, you can make flexible, budget-friendly monthly payments that have little to no interest. To learn more about your options, don’t hesitate to reach out for more information!
Although you now know a bit more about the process for getting dental implants in Rome, you probably still have several lingering questions about the treatment. Since it’s a major procedure that requires surgery, it only makes sense that you want to be well-informed before committing to anything. That said, we’ve answered some of the most common questions we get from patients to help you confidently move forward with your decision. If you don’t see your question below, don’t hesitate to contact our team for an answer!
The longevity of your new smile depends heavily on factors like your health, lifestyle, and oral hygiene practices. The good news is that proper dental implant maintenance doesn’t require special care beyond what’s needed to keep your natural teeth in good condition. To ensure they last as long as possible, you must brush and floss every day, visit your dentist every six months for a checkup and cleaning, and avoid poor habits that can damage your implants (i.e., chewing on ice, smoking, using teeth as tools). With proper care, you can expect them to last well over 30 years!
Since the procedure requires surgery, many patients are worried that it will be painful. However, it may surprise you to learn that the process is much more comfortable than you think. Before the procedure begins, you will be numbed with a local anesthetic and given a sedative to lower your body’s ability to register pain. Although the surgery itself shouldn’t hurt, your mouth will be sore for a few days afterward. Luckily, you can minimize discomfort by taking medication as directed and using cold compresses.
Dental implants have a 95% success rate, but it’s still entirely possible for them to fail. The two most common causes are peri-implantitis and failed osseointegration (fusion of the implant to the jawbone). Peri-implantitis is a form of gum disease that develops from poor oral hygiene, damaging the bone and gums supporting the implant. Other causes that increase your risk of failure are chronic teeth grinding, tobacco use, poor oral hygiene, certain medications, and health conditions. At your initial consultation, your implant dentist in Rome will provide guidelines for lowering your chances of implant failure.
For the first couple of weeks following your surgery, you should avoid hard foods and alcoholic, sugary, or acidic beverages. Do not use a straw either! It can dislodge the blood clot and lead to a dry socket, which can be very painful. After your recovery, you’ll be free to indulge in all the foods you could eat with your natural teeth. Just make sure you exercise caution with hard, sticky, and chewy foods because they can damage your implants.
After your surgery, you’ll need to take special steps to promote the healing of your dental implant and avoid any complications. The good news is this is a relatively simple process. Our team will go over your post-op instructions with you before you leave, but you’re encouraged to read over the tips below before your implants have been placed. That way, you can be fully prepared to have the smoothest recovery period possible.
Do not touch the blood clot that has formed over your implant site. If it becomes loose or falls off, it can lead to dry socket. This painful condition is easily avoided when you do the following:
Mild side effects after dental implant surgery are relatively normal, especially over the first several days. These can be mitigated with painkillers and cold compresses as you rest. Common side effects include:
Stick to softer foods after surgery to prevent disturbing the implant site. It’s best to have these items in your fridge or pantry ahead of time so you don’t have to head to the grocery store after your treatment. We recommend the following:
Once you’re feeling comfortable, you can return to a normal diet. However, we do advise against eating any tough or crunchy foods until we examine your implant at your follow-up visit.
You should practice brushing and flossing the day after your surgery. Just make sure to use caution when cleaning around the implant site. To keep the area clean, use either a prescription mouthwash or a saltwater mixture. Rinse your mouth two to three times a day or after eating. Do not use any oral rinses that contain alcohol.
By the time you’re ready to receive the permanent restoration, the hardest part of your recovery is well past you! Your personalized crown, bridge, or denture will be attached to the implants. This may trigger some minor sensitivity in the nearby gum tissue, however, that’s easily managed with painkillers. You should not experience any swelling or bleeding after placement. Enjoy your new smile and eat the foods you love!
Dental implants are capable of lasting for an incredibly long time, making them the most ideal long-term solution for those with missing teeth. Of course, just like your natural teeth, it’s important that you take the right steps to maintain and protect them. This ensures they last for as long as possible, (potentially for the rest of your life). Take note of a few tips from Dr. Weldon below to get a good idea of how to get started!
Just because the implant or the restoration attached to it cannot develop decay doesn’t mean poor oral hygiene can’t cause your tooth replacement to fail. For this reason, you’ll need to practice strict oral care every day to keep your dental implant healthy. This should include brushing twice a day with a fluoridated toothpaste and flossing once daily, especially around the implant’s dedicated restoration. That way, you can prevent plaque buildup as well as gum disease, ensuring your dental implant remains healthy.
Diet plays a much bigger role in the health of your dental implant than you may have previously thought. While you’ll be able to eat just about any foods you want, that doesn’t mean you should have an unhealthy diet. For example, keeping a balanced diet that consists of fruits, vegetables, dairy products and proteins is important for both your oral and overall health. Avoiding foods high in sugars and starches will help reduce the risk of plaque production.
Bad habits that harm teeth can also harm your dental implants, so do your best to break them as soon as possible. Chewing on ice cubes, pens, pencils, and other inedible objects can easily damage the restoration attached to your implant and even cause the implant to fail. Additionally, you should always have the right tool for the job nearby should you need to open a package, bottle, or other container. Trimming your nails should also be done with a nail clipper, never your teeth.
Both your natural teeth and your dental implants need protection if they are at risk of injury or erosion. One of the most common examples of this is when playing contact sports like football, basketball, baseball, and hockey, to name a few. If you have a teeth grinding habit while you sleep, a nightguard can provide additional cushion and help you avoid cracking or wearing down your dental implant as well as your natural teeth. It’s best to consider a custom mouthguard over store-bought ones as well since they are longer-lasting, more comfortable, and provide the best protection overall.
A checkup once every six months gives Dr. Weldon a chance to make sure no problems are present with your dental implant since it was placed. Not only can we examine the restoration and the titanium post that extends underneath the gum tissue, but we can clear away any harmful plaque or tartar that’s developed on the crown since your last visit. Our team will gladly go over the best oral care tips to keep your crown healthy for many years to come.
Weldon Dental of Rome can be found along Martha Berry Blvd NE, near the intersection of N 5th Ave and W 11th Street. We’re only minutes away from the Publix Super Market at Charles High Square, Atrium Health Floyd Medical Center, and Heritage Park. If you see Divine Salon & Spa or The Medicine Shoppe Pharmacy, you’re in the right place! We can’t wait to welcome you in soon and help you get started on a brighter, healthier smile.
