Columbus, GA, dentist Dr. Albert Caves offers dental implant treatment for patients with one or more missing teeth. If you need to replace lost teeth, Dr. Caves will prepare your entire treatment plan. He coordinates the surgical placement with local oral surgeon Dr. William Campbell. Treatment with dental implants in Columbus, GA, is a collaborative effort, from placing the post to the final restoration.
Dr. Caves offers 48-hour placement for dental implants using advanced digital design and technology for the most predictable results possible. Working with Dr. Campbell, he can permanently secure a single implant or implant dentures to restore function and aesthetics. He can provide implants to patients with missing teeth or as part of a complete mouth reconstruction treatment plan.
What is a Dental Implant?
A dental implant is a titanium screw or post a surgeon places in the jaw bone. This titanium material is biocompatible. This means that once the surgeon places the post, it quickly becomes part of the body. Then, our surgeon places an abutment, or connecter piece, between the implant anchor and restoration.
Dental implants are a permanent and natural-looking solution for tooth loss. While there are a variety of treatments to replace missing teeth, none are proven as effective and durable as dental implants. Dental implants have a success rate of 95% and are quickly becoming a standard in modern dentistry for replacing missing teeth.
The Benefits of Dental Implants
Dental implant treatment offers many advantages to patients. Implants offer:
- Natural-Looking Restorations: We use tooth-colored materials to create your implant restoration. Our office will color-match any remaining natural teeth to your restoration. We will use your desired tooth shade if you replace all your natural teeth.
- Permanent Results: You may need to replace a crown, bridge, or denture over time. However, the implant post itself is permanent. As long as you care for your implants, they can last many years.
- Improved Bite Function: Removable restorations lay on the gums, which makes it hard for patients to bite and chew properly. Because dental implants act as artificial tooth roots, they restore your full bite function. This means eating more foods you love without worrying about slipping dentures.
Waiting to replace missing teeth can lead to problems like shifting teeth, infection, and overcrowding. Restoring missing teeth with implants ensures a lasting and natural-looking restoration.
What Can Dental Implants Do?
There are many uses for dental implants. Implants can:
- Replace a single tooth that is either missing or broken
- Restore a tooth with significant decay that can not be corrected with a dental crown or other restoration
- Replace multiple teeth where we usually use a dental bridge
- Anchor a fixed denture to replace all of a patient’s teeth
- Provide All On Four and Implant Secured Dentures
Once a tooth is lost, the bone begins to deteriorate. If you don’t take measures to replace missing teeth quickly, the bone will continue to recede. This makes replacement options more and more difficult.
If you experience jaw bone recession, we recommend bone grafting. Grafting takes healthy bone from another part of the mouth or an outside source and places it in the jaw. Building up healthy bone ensures the implant has a stable foundation.
Treatment with Dental Implants in Columbus, GA
The dental implant process takes place over several months and requires multiple visits. First, Dr. Caves will comprehensively evaluate the head, mouth, and jaw. He will provide X-rays and screenings to determine if you are a candidate for dental implants.
We can achieve high success rates with our patients because of the care and time we put into treatment planning. Part of the planning process may include photographs and models to demonstrate the final results of your treatment.
Dental implants are successful, in part, because they are fused to living bone. This ensures the implant is successful.
An oral surgeon will place a tiny titanium post into the jaw bone to serve as an artificial root. Then, the jaw bone grows around the implant over three to six months. This process is called osseointegration.
Once the implant has healed, the surgeon places the abutment. This piece will connect the implant post to the restoration. There will be a short healing period as the gums heal. Finally, Dr. Caves will place the restoration to renew the natural beauty and function of the tooth.
Dental implants are virtually indistinguishable from natural teeth due to modern advances in technology and material. Implants are highly durable and long-lasting. You won’t have to worry about special care when you get implants.
You can gently brush and floss your new implant-supported crown, bridge, or denture twice a day. Visiting our office every six months will ensure your restoration stays clean.
Financing Your Implant Dentistry
Dr. Caves offers the opportunity to apply online and pre-qualify for dental financing. We participate with Green Sky, which offers unique payment plan options for financing your dental implant treatment cost to suit your budget.
Contact our front desk to discuss your financing options; we will gladly assist you.
Dental Implants FAQs
Learn more about dental implants with answers to these common patient questions:
How much do dental implants cost?
The cost of dental implants can vary greatly from one patient to another. Though not inexpensive, implants offer the best long-term solution. Implants are also less likely to need future maintenance or repair compared to alternatives like bridges or dentures.
The cost of a dental implant will depend on the following:
- Health of the patient
- Location of the missing tooth
- Number of implants needed
Dr. Caves will review all costs associated with the dental implant procedure before starting your treatment. In many cases, Dr. Caves can assist you with the cost by filing for dental insurance benefits. Our office offers third-party financing options and can phase your treatment.
How long do dental implants last?
Dr. Caves designs dental implants to last a lifetime. You can ensure your implants last by maintaining good oral health, visiting the dentist regularly, and eating a healthy diet.
Patients with dental implants should not smoke or use tobacco products. Tobacco can impact the life of your implant.
What are denture implants?
Denture implants, “all on four,” and “teeth in a day” are all names for a procedure that replaces all of a person’s missing teeth. Dr. Caves may use as few as four dental implants to support a denture. Compared to a removable denture, implant-supported dentures offer better retention, improved health, and a higher quality of life.
Get Dental Implants Today
Replace your missing teeth for a more functional smile. Call for dental implants in Columbus, GA, at (706) 407-4851. You may also schedule an appointment with Dr. Caves online.
Please let Dr. Caves know if you have questions about implant treatment. He will ensure you are an implant candidate if you need to replace missing teeth.