Common Questions

Dental Implants: What To Know Before You Decide

A dental implant replaces the root of a missing tooth with a small titanium post placed in the jawbone, topped with a custom crown. Unlike a bridge, it does not require reshaping the healthy teeth on either side, and unlike a denture it is fixed in place. The trade-off is that implants take longer and involve a minor surgical procedure. This page explains the timeline, who is a good candidate, and the honest comparison with the alternatives.

How an implant actually works

There are three parts: the post that integrates with your jawbone, an abutment that connects it, and the crown you see and chew with. The critical stage is osseointegration - the bone growing around the post to lock it in place. That biological process is why implants are not a single-appointment treatment, and it is also why implants help preserve jawbone that otherwise resorbs after tooth loss.

A realistic timeline

Most cases run over several months rather than weeks. After placement, healing and integration typically take a few months before the final crown is fitted, and a temporary tooth can often be worn in the meantime. Cases needing a bone graft or extraction first take longer. Anyone promising a permanent finished implant in a single visit for every case is oversimplifying - some immediate-load cases exist, but they are specific, not universal.

Who is a good candidate

Good candidates generally have healthy gums, enough jawbone to support the post, and are willing to maintain good hygiene. Uncontrolled gum disease should be treated first. Smoking meaningfully raises the risk of failure. Uncontrolled diabetes, some medications affecting bone, and a history of head and neck radiation all need to be discussed openly with your dentist. Insufficient bone is not automatically disqualifying - grafting is often an option.

Implant, bridge, or denture?

An implant preserves bone and leaves neighbouring teeth untouched, but costs more upfront and takes longer. A bridge is faster and does not need surgery, but requires reshaping the adjacent teeth and does not stop bone loss underneath. A denture is the least invasive and least expensive, but is removable and typically the least stable when chewing. The right answer depends on how many teeth are missing, your bone, your health, and your budget - which is a conversation, not a web page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is getting an implant painful?

Placement is done under local anesthetic, and most patients report less discomfort afterward than they expected - often comparable to an extraction. Sedation options are available for anxious patients.

How much do dental implants cost?

Cost varies substantially with how many teeth are involved and whether grafting or extraction is needed, so a specific quote requires an exam. Many plans cover part of the restoration. Ask for a written treatment plan before starting.

How do I care for an implant?

Brush and floss it like a natural tooth and keep regular checkups. Implants cannot decay, but the gum and bone around them can become inflamed - that condition, peri-implantitis, is the main cause of late implant failure and is largely preventable.

Considering an implant in Peachtree Corners? Call McDonald Dental at 678-304-4319 to find out whether you are a candidate.