Losing a tooth impacts more than just the appearance of your smile. Without a tooth replacement, you also experience bone loss, shifting teeth, and bite misalignment, all of which can seriously impact your long-term oral health.
If you are looking for dental implants in Augusta, we provide a reliable, permanent solution. They replace missing teeth while protecting your jawbone from the deterioration that naturally occurs after tooth loss. At West Augusta Dental Associates, Dr. Clepper has completed extensive advanced training in implant dentistry. This means he can guide you through the entire process and place your implants right here in our office, from start to finish.
Medically Reviewed by Dr. Gregory Clepper. Dr. Gregory Clepper is an Augusta native with over 20 years of clinical dental experience. He holds an Associate Fellowship in the American Academy of Implant Dentistry and has completed the Augusta University Implant Maxi-Course. He is a Fellow in the Academy of General Dentistry and a past president of both the Augusta Dental Society and the Eastern District of the Georgia Dental Association. At West Augusta Dental Associates, Dr. Clepper focuses on helping patients rebuild their smiles and regain their confidence through comprehensive implant dentistry.
A dental implant relies on three integral parts to create your new tooth:
Many denture wearers struggle with a secure fit, dealing with frustrating slipping and sliding when they talk or eat.
The good news is that we can use two to six dental implants to securely anchor your dentures. Your denture is designed to snap right onto the implants, eliminating embarrassing slippage.
Because the implants stimulate the jawbone, denture wearers also enjoy better bone health and avoid the facial sagging that accompanies traditional removable dentures. A healthier bone structure means your denture will fit better and last much longer.
Most patients who are missing one or more teeth are great candidates for dental implants. Generally, the two main requirements are having healthy gums and enough jawbone density to securely hold the titanium post.
If you have been missing teeth for a while and have already experienced some bone loss, don't count yourself out just yet. During your initial visit, Dr. Clepper will check your bone levels and let you know whether a preparatory procedure, such as a bone graft, can help build up the area so you can safely get an implant.
Contact your West Augusta Dental Associates team at (706) 738-8070 to book an evaluation with Dr. Clepper and learn more about getting dental implants in Augusta.
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.
Dental implants consist of:
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.
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.
Dental implants offer several advantages for patients that make them the gold standard in tooth replacement.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
If you have questions about how your specific insurance plan works with our practice, please contact our Augusta, GA, dental office at (706) 738-8070. We're committed to making quality dental care accessible while maintaining our high standards of excellence.
Dental implants in Augusta are the most reliable way to replace missing teeth. They look natural, feel secure, and function like real dental roots. While they’re an excellent solution for many patients, they are, unfortunately, not an automatic solution for everyone. The best way to know is through a personalized evaluation with a qualified implant dentist.
Strong candidates for dental implants typically have healthy gums, adequate jawbone density, and good overall health. These “prerequisites” exist because implants fuse with the jawbone, and sufficient bone and periodontal support are essential for their success. Also, patients with untreated gum disease or certain medical conditions may need additional care before moving forward.
That said, advances in modern dentistry mean more people qualify than ever before. Bone grafting and other preparatory treatments can often make implants possible, even in cases where bone loss has occurred. Dr. Robert Turner carefully evaluates each patient’s oral health, goals, and lifestyle before recommending treatment. For some patients, bridges or dentures may be more appropriate.
If you’re in Augusta and want to learn more about the many benefits of dental implants and other long-lasting tooth replacement options, contact Dr. Robert Turner and the caring and skilled West Augusta Dental team to schedule a consultation.
Dr. Greg Clepper is a native of Augusta with deep roots in the local community. After graduating from Lakeside High ...
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Our state-of-the-art CBCT (Cone Beam Computed Tomography) scanner at West Augusta Dental Associates provides detailed 3-D images of your teeth, bones, soft tissues, and airways.
This revolutionary technology allows our Augusta dentists to view your oral structures from every angle, leading to more precise treatment planning for dental implants, root canals, and other complex procedures. Unlike traditional x-rays, these detailed 3-D scans give us the most complete view of your oral health, helping us provide you with the highest standard of dental care.
West Augusta Dental Associates and Dr. Clepper restored my smile. For too many years I lived with the loss of some teeth. I was ashamed to smile or talk showing my teeth. Dr. Clepper developed a treatment plan to provide tooth implants and crowns. Now I can smile showing my beautiful teeth. Even better I can eat apples, corn on the cob, asparagus... lots of foods I couldn't bite or chew well because of missing teeth. I highly recommend Dr. Clepper. He is patient, understanding, and very gentle. Throughout all the appointments, I never felt any pain (and I am a big dental coward) or discomfort. They are simply amazing!!!!
-Stephen
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