Dental Implants

A dental implant replaces both the root and the crown of a missing tooth, which sets it apart from options like a bridge or a removable denture. A small titanium post is placed into the jawbone, where it fuses with the bone over the following months to create a stable foundation. Once that foundation is secure, we attach a custom crown that is shaded and shaped to blend in with the teeth around it.

This two-part design is what allows an implant to support the jawbone underneath it the way a natural tooth root does, rather than letting the bone shrink over time. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly 13 percent of adults 65 and older have lost all of their natural teeth, and untreated tooth loss earlier in life is often part of that picture. Replacing a missing tooth with an implant early on can help protect the bone and the health of the teeth around the gap.

Not everyone missing teeth needs the same solution, so we walk you through the options that fit your situation. A single tooth implant replaces one missing tooth without altering the healthy teeth beside it, making it a strong long-term choice compared to a traditional bridge. For patients missing several teeth in a row or an entire arch, All-on-X implants use a small number of strategically placed posts to support a full set of replacement teeth in one streamlined approach.

If you already wear a denture and want more stability, implant-supported dentures snap securely onto implant posts instead of relying on suction or adhesive, giving you a firmer bite and more confidence while eating. Complex implant cases stay in-house here rather than being referred out, because Dr. Watts has hands-on experience with these procedures and is currently working through the AAID MaxiCourse toward fellow status.

Some patients are ready for an implant right away, while others need a bit of preparation first. If the jawbone in the area is too thin or soft to support an implant, bone grafting can rebuild that foundation before placement. Patients considering implants in the upper back jaw sometimes also need a sinus lift, which creates the additional height needed near the sinus cavity.

We also offer sedation for patients who feel nervous about the procedure itself. Level 1: Nitrous Oxide keeps you awake and aware with just enough ease to take the edge off, and it wears off quickly enough to drive yourself home afterward. Level 2: Relaxation Medication is a single pill taken before your visit that keeps you calm and responsive while requiring a ride home, and Level 2 and Level 3 can be combined for longer or more involved implant procedures.

Cost is one of the first questions most patients ask, and it depends on factors like how many teeth need replacing and whether bone grafting is part of your plan. As a PPO office, we accept many insurance plans, and our team is happy to walk you through your specific coverage before treatment begins.

For patients without insurance or with out-of-pocket costs remaining, Cherry offers 0% financing for 24 months, and we also work with CareCredit and Alpheon so a payment plan can fit almost any budget. Implants are a meaningful investment, and we want the financial side of your decision to feel just as manageable as the clinical side.

A missing tooth is not something most people want to sit with for long, and the team you choose matters just as much as the procedure itself. Patients tell us the difference shows up in the small things, like a front desk team that remembers your name and a doctor who answers every question before moving forward. That kind of consistency is part of why our patient reviews have climbed past 500 five-star ratings on Google, alongside a 2026 Business to Watch honor from the Cobb Chamber of Commerce.

None of that comes at the expense of clinical skill. Dr. Watts continues to build on her implant training through the AAID MaxiCourse on her path to fellow status, and Dr. Thachil brings that same level of care to every case that comes through our doors.