Dental Implants: A Permanent Solution for Missing Teeth

Losing a tooth can affect how you eat your favorite foods, how clearly you speak, and even how confident you feel in everyday moments. No one deserves to live that way, and fortunately, there are solutions. 

If you’ve been thinking about how to replace that missing tooth for good, dental implants offer a dependable, long-lasting fix. 

At Jones & Copeland Smiles in Buford, Georgia, we’re dedicated to helping you restore not only your smile but also the natural function of your teeth. With dental implants, many of our patients find a permanent replacement teeth option that feels and looks just like their own natural teeth, giving them the freedom to live life with confidence again.

Think dental implants might be right for you? Here’s what you need to know.

What Exactly Are Dental Implants?

If you’re new to the idea, dental implants are small titanium posts surgically placed into your jawbone to act as artificial tooth roots. 

Think of them as sturdy anchors for new teeth. Once the implant has bonded with your bone — a process called osseointegration — it provides a solid foundation to support replacement teeth such as crowns, bridges, or implant-supported dentures.

What makes dental implants stand apart from traditional dentures or bridges is their ability to mimic the stability of natural tooth roots. Because they fuse with the bone, implants offer a secure, permanent tooth replacement option that doesn’t slip or require adhesives.

As such, this tooth replacement option is booming in popularity. The U.S. dental implant market was at $1,522.37 million in 2024 and is projected to reach more than double that ($3,696.53 million) by 2032, according to Polaris Market Research. 

What to Expect During The Dental Implant Procedure

Many patients find the idea of implant surgery intimidating, but understanding the process can help ease those concerns. Here’s how dental implant placement typically works at our Georgia dental office: 

1. Comprehensive Evaluation

Your journey begins with a thorough dental exam and a review of your medical history. We’ll take detailed images of your jawbone to make sure there’s enough bone to support the implant. If needed, bone grafting can be performed to build up the area, providing a stronger base for the implant.

2. Surgical Implant Placement

During implant surgery, your oral and maxillofacial surgeon or dental professional will place the titanium implant into your jawbone. This is usually done under local anesthesia, so you’ll feel minimal discomfort.

3. Healing and Osseointegration

Over the next few months, your jawbone will gradually fuse to the implant, securing it firmly in place. This natural process is a big part of why dental implants offer such a lasting solution.

4. Attaching the Replacement Tooth

Once the implant has fully integrated, an abutment connects the implant to the new artificial tooth. Whether it’s a single crown or an implant-supported denture, your replacement teeth will be designed to blend flawlessly with your natural teeth.

Sometimes, patients receive a temporary prosthesis during healing so they can maintain normal function and appearance throughout the process.

Why Choose Dental Implants Over Other Tooth Replacement Options?

Dental implants come with a range of benefits that make them the preferred choice for many patients:

Permanent Replacement Teeth That Feel Natural

Dental implants act like your natural tooth roots, providing a stable foundation for replacement teeth that look and feel just like your own. Unlike removable dentures that can shift or cause discomfort, implants stay firmly in place, allowing you to eat, speak, and smile confidently without worrying about slippage or irritation.

Protect Jawbone and Facial Structure

When a tooth is missing, the jawbone underneath can begin to shrink over time because a tooth root no longer stimulates it. Dental implants help prevent this bone loss by mimicking natural tooth roots and encouraging the bone to stay healthy and strong. This support helps maintain your facial shape and prevents the sunken look that sometimes happens after tooth loss.

Preserve Adjacent Teeth

Traditional tooth replacement methods like bridges often require trimming down neighboring healthy teeth to support the restoration. Dental implants don’t rely on adjacent teeth for support, which means those natural teeth remain untouched and healthy. This helps preserve your overall smile and reduces the risk of future dental problems.

Long-Term Oral Health Benefits

Implants make it easier to maintain good oral hygiene compared to removable dentures, which can trap food and bacteria. Because implants are fixed in place, brushing and flossing feel more natural and effective, helping you avoid gum disease and maintain a healthy mouth over the long term.

High Success Rates

Dental implant surgery has a reported success rate of 95% when performed by experienced professionals. Thanks to advances in technology and surgical techniques, implants have become one of the most reliable tooth replacement options available, providing patients with a solution they can trust to last for many years.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?

Most healthy adults who have missing teeth and adequate jawbones are candidates for dental implant placement. Good oral health, including healthy gums, supports successful implant surgery.

Certain health conditions or habits, like smoking, may affect healing, so it’s important to discuss your full medical history with your dental professional. If your jawbone is too thin, bone grafting can often prepare the site to support implants.

At Jones & Copeland Smiles, we take the time to carefully evaluate each patient’s individual needs, oral health, and medical history before recommending any treatment. Not everyone’s mouth is the same, and things like bone density, gum health, and the number of missing teeth all factor into the best approach for you. 

Whether you need a single dental implant, multiple implants, or an implant-supported denture, we’ll guide you through your options with clear explanations and thoughtful recommendations so you can feel confident about your care every step of the way.

About the Cost of Dental Implants

Dental implants cost vary based on several factors, including how many teeth you need to be replaced, whether bone grafting is required, and the type of restoration you choose.

While implants typically have a higher initial cost than removable dentures or bridges, their durability often translates to better value over time. Implants don’t usually require replacements or adjustments like traditional dentures, which can save money and hassle in the long run.

A single dental implant may cost between $3,000 and $5,000 on average. Full arch replacements, like a fixed denture supported by four dental implants, involve a higher investment but restore multiple teeth with a natural look and function.

At Jones & Copeland Smiles, we work with many insurance plans and offer financing options to make this permanent tooth replacement option accessible. If you’re worried about pricing, just reach out, and we’ll talk about it. 

Implant-Supported Dentures: A Stable Alternative for Multiple Missing Teeth

For patients missing several teeth or a full arch, implant-supported dentures combine the security of implants with the convenience of dentures. Unlike traditional dentures that rest on gum tissue and can move, implant-supported dentures attach directly to dental implants for a fixed, comfortable fit.

This option improves chewing ability and eliminates many common issues with removable dentures, such as irritation or slipping.

Caring for Your Dental Implants

Taking care of your dental implants is easier than you might think — and it’s very similar to how you care for your natural teeth. Brushing twice a day and flossing regularly helps keep the area around your implants clean and your gums healthy. Regular dental check-ups also give your dentist a chance to make sure everything is looking great and address any concerns early.

It’s also a good idea to avoid habits that could put extra stress on your implants, like chewing on ice or hard objects and smoking, which can affect healing and long-term success. With a little everyday care, your dental implants can stay strong and comfortable for many years to come.

Why Choose Jones & Copeland for Dental Implants in Georgia?

We understand the impact missing teeth can have on your life, and we’re here to help you reclaim your smile with expert care and personalized attention. 

Our experienced team includes skilled oral and maxillofacial surgeons when complex surgical procedures are needed. From your initial consultation to your final restoration, we guide you through every step, making sure your implant-supported teeth look natural and feel comfortable.

Plan Your Visit to Our Buford Dental Office

If you’re ready to explore dental implants as your permanent replacement teeth, contact Jones & Copeland Smiles today. We’ll help you enjoy the confidence and comfort of a complete, healthy smile for years to come.