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770-840-9500 1568 Indian Trail Lilburn Rd., Ste. 201, Norcross, GA
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iCare Orthodontics & Dentistry

Dental Implants in Norcross, GA

Dental implant consultations in Norcross, GA begin with a careful review of oral health, bone support, bite forces and replacement options so you can understand whether implant dentistry is appropriate for your smile.

iCare doctors in the Norcross office Norcross, GA Orthodontics, dentistry, implants and smile esthetics in one practice.

A dental implant is a titanium post that is placed into the jawbone to serve as an artificial tooth root. Once the post integrates with the bone over a healing period of several months, a crown is attached to the top to complete the restoration. The result is a tooth replacement that does not move, does not rely on adjacent teeth for support and maintains the bone volume in the jaw that would otherwise resorb over time after a tooth is lost. Dr. Aaron Manela leads implant planning and surgical care at iCare and works closely with the orthodontic team when space management or bite alignment is part of the overall plan.

How the implant process actually works

  1. Consultation and imaging: We review the site of the missing tooth, take digital x-rays and, when needed, cone beam CT imaging to evaluate bone volume and density, nerve locations and root positions of adjacent teeth. This imaging is essential for safe and accurate implant placement. Without it, placement decisions are based on estimates rather than measurements.
  2. Treatment planning: We discuss whether bone grafting is needed, how long the healing phases will take, what the final crown will look like and how implant timing fits with any orthodontic treatment that is planned or ongoing. If your teeth need to be positioned before the implant site is finalized, we address that first.
  3. Implant placement: The titanium post is placed into the prepared bone site under local anesthesia. Most patients describe the procedure as more manageable than they expected. The site is then allowed to heal.
  4. Osseointegration: Over three to six months, the implant integrates with the surrounding bone through a biological process called osseointegration. The titanium surface is designed to encourage bone cell attachment. During this period we monitor healing and you continue routine dental care around the site.
  5. Crown placement: Once integration is confirmed, an impression or digital scan of the implant is taken and a custom crown is fabricated to match the color and contour of the surrounding teeth. The crown is attached to the implant via an abutment. This is the final step of active treatment.
  6. Long-term maintenance: Implants require the same home care as natural teeth: brushing, flossing around the restoration and regular professional cleanings. The gum tissue and bone around the implant must stay healthy for the implant to remain stable over time.

What affects whether you are a good candidate

Several factors influence whether an implant is the right choice and how predictable the outcome will be. Bone volume at the missing tooth site is one of the most important. When a tooth has been missing for a long time or was lost due to infection, the bone may have diminished and a grafting procedure may be needed to build it back before an implant can be placed. Gum health matters as well. Active gum disease is treated before implant surgery because the same bacteria that cause gum recession can threaten implant stability. Systemic factors like uncontrolled diabetes, heavy smoking and certain medications can also affect healing and are discussed honestly during planning.

Why the orthodontic connection matters

When a tooth is missing, the adjacent teeth can drift into the space over time and the opposing tooth can over-erupt into the gap. This movement narrows or changes the space available for the implant and crown and can make the restoration more complicated. When the missing tooth is addressed before significant drift occurs, implant placement and crown design are more straightforward. In cases where space has already closed or shifted, orthodontic treatment can re-open and prepare the site before implant placement. iCare is one of the few practices in Gwinnett where that orthodontic step and the implant step are managed in the same building with direct communication between providers.

Dental implant consultations near Duluth and Norcross

Dental implant planning begins with understanding the missing tooth site, gum health, bone volume, bite forces and the patient's overall health. iCare helps patients in Norcross and nearby Gwinnett communities compare implants with other tooth replacement options in plain language and explains the full process before any decision is made.

Restorative dentistryOral surgeryGeneral dentistryFinancing optionsDr. Aaron Manela, Dentist

Common questions about dental implants

Who is a candidate for dental implants?
Candidacy depends on bone volume, gum health, overall health, medical history and bite factors. Patients with insufficient bone may still be candidates after a grafting procedure. A consultation with imaging is the only accurate way to evaluate candidacy.

How long does the dental implant process take?
The process typically takes six months to a year from placement to final crown, depending on whether grafting is needed and how long the osseointegration phase takes. We give you a realistic timeline before treatment begins.

Do dental implants feel natural?
Most patients report that a well-placed implant crown feels very similar to a natural tooth in terms of biting force and sensation. The crown is custom fabricated to match the shape and color of the surrounding teeth.

Do dental implants need maintenance?
Yes. Implants require daily brushing and flossing around the restoration and regular professional cleanings. The gum tissue and bone around the implant must remain healthy for the implant to stay stable over the long term.