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Dental Implants
Dental implants are not typically painful during or after the procedure. During the procedure, we ensure the treatment site is thoroughly numb before implanting your root replacement. We also offer sedation dentistry if you’re feeling anxious.
After the procedure, you may experience mild discomfort and swelling during the first week, but this is easily treated with an over-the-counter pain reliever.
Your dental implant journey starts with a consultation, so your Augusta dentist will let you know what to expect and what to do at home to promote prompt healing.
If you experience intense pain or swelling during the healing period, always contact our dental office immediately.
About Dental Implants in Augusta, GA
Dental implants consist of:
- A durable tooth replacement
- An abutment or connector piece
- A restoration, such as a dental crown
Dental implants also include implant-supported prosthetics, such as fixed dentures and bridges.
First, your dentist implants the tooth root replacement, which integrates into the bone. After integration is complete, we attach your abutment and replacement tooth.
Dental implants represent a long-term solution to tooth loss; they can last for decades and sometimes for life.
Restore Your Smile with Dental Implants in Augusta, GA
For more information or to begin your dental implant journey, call us today.
We are happy to accept third-party financing through CareCredit.
Healing after dental implant placement surgery is typically between three and six months.
During this time, we're allowing your biocompatible dental implant to fully fuse and integrate with your jawbone through a process called osseointegration. When your implant is fully integrated with your bone, it is completely stable, just like your tooth root, and ready to support your restoration, a custom porcelain crown.
It is this process that makes dental implants so unique because they are the only procedure that replaces both your tooth and root. This is important because without a root to support, your jawbone begins to deteriorate, which can impact support for your facial structure and neighboring teeth, resulting in more tooth loss.
Why Choose Dental Implants?
Dental implants offer several advantages for patients that make them the gold standard in tooth replacement.
- Excellent Aesthetics — A dental implant looks and feels like a natural tooth.
- Superior Function — Chewing and eating are comfortable and easy because your implant is just like a natural tooth.
- Exceptional Longevity — A dental implant can potentially last for a lifetime with the proper care.
- Bone Protection — An implant keeps your jawbone healthy.
- Bite Stabilization — Dental implants protect bite alignment, which promotes jaw joint (TMJ) health.
Would you like to learn more about dental implants in Augusta, GA? Contact West Augusta Dental Associates at (706) 738-8070 and book an evaluation with one of our dentists. We can complete the entire process from start to finish in the comfort of our dental office.
Recovery after dental implant surgery is important for successful healing and long-term success. At West Augusta Dental Associates, we want your dental implants in Augusta, GA, to heal properly and last for decades. Following proper dietary guidelines during your recovery is essential for the best results.
Immediately After Surgery
During the initial healing phase, stick to soft, cool foods that won't irritate the surgical site. Avoid anything that requires excessive chewing or could dislodge the blood clot forming around your implant. Cold foods like smoothies, yogurt, and ice cream can actually help reduce swelling and provide comfort.
Foods to Avoid During Early Recovery
Hard, crunchy, or sticky foods can interfere with healing and potentially damage the implant site. Skip items like nuts, chips, popcorn, and hard candies. Spicy foods may cause irritation, while extremely hot beverages can disrupt the healing process. Carbonated drinks should also be avoided as they can cause discomfort and interfere with clot formation.
What You Can Enjoy
Focus on nutrient-rich soft foods that support healing. Warm (not hot) soups, mashed potatoes, and protein smoothies are excellent choices. According to the American Dental Association, maintaining a diet of soft foods and warm soup during the healing process helps ensure proper recovery.
Gradual Return to Normal Diet
As your implant heals and integrates with your jawbone through osseointegration, you can gradually reintroduce firmer foods. This process takes time, and we'll guide you through each stage of your recovery.
Questions about your post-implant diet? Call our Augusta dental office at (706) 738-8070 for personalized guidance on your recovery journey.
At West Augusta Dental Associates, we understand that insurance coverage is an important consideration in your dental care decisions. Our practice has chosen to remain out-of-network with many dental insurance plans for several key reasons.
Prioritizing Patient-Centered Care
Being out-of-network allows us to prioritize quality care over insurance company requirements. Insurance networks often impose limitations on treatment options, materials used, and time spent with patients. By remaining independent, your Augusta dentist can recommend the best treatments based solely on your oral health needs rather than insurance restrictions.
We believe in transparent pricing and personalized care. Insurance networks typically negotiate reduced rates that can sometimes lead to compromises in service quality or rushed appointments. Our dental practice maintains fair pricing while ensuring we dedicate appropriate time and attention to each patient.
While we don't participate directly in many networks, we still work with your insurance. As a courtesy, we file claims for you and help maximize your benefits. Many insurance plans offer out-of-network coverage, often covering a significant portion of your treatment costs and reimbursing you directly.
We're happy to provide pre-treatment estimates and discuss financial arrangements that work for your budget. Our team is experienced in helping patients understand their insurance benefits and optimize their coverage.
Contact West Augusta Dental Associates for More Information
If you have questions about how your specific insurance plan works with our practice, please contact our Augusat, GA, dental office at (706) 738-8070. We're committed to making quality dental care accessible while maintaining our high standards of excellence.