Losing a tooth affects more than your smile. Without a root in the jaw, the surrounding bone can gradually shrink, nearby teeth can drift, and chewing can become uncomfortable enough that you start avoiding foods you enjoy. A dental implant replaces the root as well as the tooth. A small titanium post is placed in the jawbone, and a custom crown, bridge, or denture attaches to it, giving you a replacement that feels and works much like a natural tooth. Implants are a core part of restorative dentistry.
Dr. Mila Poznyak places and restores dental implants at A1 Dental in Cumming, GA. Her training includes implant placement certification and live implant surgery through the Implant Pathway course in Arizona, osseodensification training, and implant overdenture training. Because most of your care happens under one roof, you do not have to be sent to several offices to finish treatment. The same dentist plans the surgery and the final restoration, so placement is guided by how the finished tooth needs to look and function. Learn more about Dr. Poznyak.
An implant has three parts. The titanium post sits in the jawbone and acts as the root. A connector called an abutment joins the post to the visible restoration. The crown, bridge, or denture is the part you see and chew with.
The American Dental Association describes the healing phase, called osseointegration, as the period when the bone grows around the post and holds it firmly in place. This bond is why an implant can feel stable for eating, speaking, and daily activities. You can read the ADA’s overview of dental implants on MouthHealthy.org.
Implants are often recommended because they address the root as well as the visible tooth. These are the benefits patients ask about most.
An implant-supported tooth is firmly anchored, so it does not slip or shift the way a removable appliance can. Most patients find it easier to eat a wider range of foods, speak clearly, and smile without worrying about movement.
Bone needs stimulation to stay strong, and a missing tooth root stops providing it. An implant carries chewing forces into the jaw, which may help preserve bone and support the shape of your face over time. Bridges and dentures that rest only on the gums do not do this.
A traditional bridge requires reshaping the healthy teeth on both sides of the gap so they can hold the crowns. An implant stands on its own, so neighboring teeth are left untouched. Surgery and healing time are the trade-off, and we review both options with you.
Implant treatment happens in stages, and the total time varies from person to person. Most treatment takes about 3 to 6 months from placement to final restoration, and it can take longer when grafting is involved.
We review your health history, examine your gums and bite, and take 3D images to measure bone density and locate nerves and sinuses. We then plan the implant position around the crown that will go on top, and decide whether gum treatment or other preparation should come first.
If a tooth still needs to come out, we plan the tooth extraction carefully and use piezosurgery to protect the surrounding bone. When bone is thin, grafting or other preparatory procedures build a stronger foundation first, as described below.
The implant is placed under local anesthetic, with attention to bone anatomy, neighboring teeth, and the restoration that will follow. Many patients also choose sedation dentistry to feel more relaxed during treatment.
Over several months, the implant fuses with your natural bone. This is the stage that gives the implant its strength and stability, so we monitor healing before moving forward. Some soreness and swelling in the first few days is common and can be managed with the medication we recommend.
Once healing is confirmed, a custom dental crown, bridge, or denture is made to match your bite and your smile and attached to the integrated implant. This final stage completes the replacement and restores full function.
The right plan depends on how many teeth are missing, how much bone supports the area, and how you want the final result to feel.
Dr. Poznyak will explain which option fits your bone, bite, and budget during your consultation, and why the others may not. When a case calls for additional specialty care, we coordinate with trusted specialists.
Careful imaging and planning help reduce surprises during surgery. Our dental technology includes 3D imaging and digital scanning that support implant planning from the first visit.
3D imaging (CBCT) and computer planning show bone height, bone width, nerve locations, and sinus position in detail. This allows us to choose an implant position that avoids anatomical structures and supports a natural-looking result, which can improve predictability and reduce the chance of complications.
When it is appropriate, computer-guided placement can add precision and help limit surgical trauma. We work with established implant systems that have a documented clinical track record and are designed for stable integration with bone.
In suitable cases, an implant can be placed and a temporary restoration attached without a long wait. This is not right for everyone, since it depends on bone quality and stability, so we evaluate each case individually.
Dr. Poznyak has trained in osseodensification, a technique that can help condition bone at the implant site, and she uses a piezoelectric instrument for extractions to help preserve bone. Studies suggest piezosurgery may mean less pain and swelling, although surgery can take a little longer and long-term data is still limited.
An implant needs enough healthy bone to hold it. When bone has been lost to tooth loss, gum disease, or time, Dr. Poznyak can rebuild it with grafting that uses graft material and a protective membrane. These procedures are done before or together with implant placement.
Bone grafting can restore bone volume in the jaw ridge when natural bone is too thin or too short for an implant. The graft creates a stable base so the implant can be positioned where the final tooth needs it.
In the upper back jaw, the sinus can sit close to the bone where implants go. A sinus lift adds bone height in that area so posterior implants can be placed when natural bone is limited.
Placing bone graft material and a membrane right after an extraction helps preserve the shape of the ridge as the socket heals. This keeps more bone available and often simplifies later implant treatment.
Implant treatment fits within Dr. Poznyak’s comprehensive approach, where care is done in the right order. Gums are healthy before cosmetic work starts, and bite or tooth position is addressed before final restorations are made.
When several treatments are needed, such as gum therapy, clear aligners, or crowns, the implant is timed within the overall plan. We also consider how replacing a tooth affects your bite, your gum health, and your facial appearance, so the result supports the rest of your mouth.
An implant crown cannot get a cavity, but the gums and bone around it can still become inflamed or infected. Brush twice a day, clean around the implant daily with floss or an interdental brush, and keep your dental cleanings and exams on schedule. We may recommend special implant care tools.
Do not smoke, and tell us if you notice bleeding, swelling, or a loose crown. With good care, an implant post can last many years, and the crown on top may eventually need to be replaced after normal wear, often after 10 to 15 years or more. Regular professional monitoring helps us catch small problems early.
Many healthy adults with enough jawbone and healthy gums can be considered for implants. Dr. Poznyak reviews bone health, gum condition, overall health, and your treatment goals before recommending anything, and she tells you plainly when a different option would serve you better.
Active gum disease needs to be treated first, which is why we may recommend gum disease treatment before surgery. Smoking can slow healing and raise the risk of complications. Conditions such as poorly controlled diabetes, and certain medications, can also affect healing, so we review your medical history and may coordinate with your physician to keep treatment safe. If your jawbone has thinned after tooth loss, bone grafting may be needed to create enough support.
Age is rarely a limiting factor. Adults from young adulthood through their senior years can be considered, and your individual health and goals matter more than the number. Teens who are still growing generally need to wait. A visit with 3D imaging shows us your bone and tells us whether an implant is a good fit.
The cost of an implant depends on how many teeth are being replaced, whether bone grafting or an extraction is needed, and the type of restoration placed on top. Coverage varies widely. Many dental plans pay little or nothing toward the implant itself but may cover part of the crown or the extraction.
We participate with most major PPO plans, accept Medicare for covered services, and can review your benefits before treatment. Out-of-network benefits, FSA and HSA funds, and financing through Cherry may also help. Patients without insurance can ask about our membership plan, which is $150 for six months and includes a comprehensive exam, cleaning, and all necessary X-rays, with discounted pricing on dental treatments. Visit our insurance and financing page for details.
The implant post can last many years when the gums and bone stay healthy. The crown on top is subject to normal wear and may need replacement after 10 to 15 years or more. Daily cleaning, regular exams, and not smoking all help.
The procedure is done with local anesthetic, and sedation is available. Most people describe soreness and swelling for a few days afterward that can be managed with the medication we recommend. We give you clear aftercare instructions.
Many healthy adults are, provided they have enough jawbone and healthy gums. Gum disease, smoking, and some medical conditions may need to be addressed first, and bone grafting can help when bone is thin. A consultation with 3D imaging is the only way to know for sure.
Healing usually takes about 3 to 6 months before the final restoration is attached, and it can take longer if bone grafting is needed. In suitable cases, immediate placement and a temporary restoration may be possible. Dr. Poznyak will give you a timeline based on your bone and health.
Implants need care similar to natural teeth, including regular brushing, flossing, and professional cleanings. Dedicated tools such as interdental brushes may be recommended to keep the gum and bone around the implant healthy.
An implant does not require reshaping the neighboring teeth and helps preserve jawbone, while a bridge is usually faster and avoids surgery. Implants can also hold dentures more securely. The best choice depends on your bone, your neighboring teeth, and your goals, and we review all options with you.
Dr. Mila Poznyak provides general and restorative dental care in Cumming, including implant placement, bone grafting, crowns, bridges, and minimally invasive treatment, all in the same place. A1 Dental is located at 1580 Market Place Blvd and welcomes patients from Cumming, Alpharetta, Roswell, and Johns Creek. See the areas we serve.
Call 470-680-1030 or request an appointment online to find out whether implants are right for you. We offer Saturday hours from 8 am to 2 pm, and our team speaks Russian as well as English.
Accepting New Patients
Dr. Mila Poznyak looks forward to serving the Cumming community with comprehensive dental care that prioritizes your long-term oral health and satisfaction. Contact us to learn more about our services and schedule your consultation.
