Norcross, GA
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
Implant treatment happens in clear, separate stages. Here is what each one involves and why it matters.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
What to expect while your implant heals
Most patients are surprised by how routine the recovery feels. For the first few days after placement, some tenderness or mild swelling around the site is normal and usually settles with the simple measures your provider recommends. Soft foods early on and gentle cleaning around the area help the tissue settle. The longer phase is the quiet one: over the following months the implant and bone fuse through osseointegration, and there is nothing you need to do during that time except keep up your normal brushing, flossing and routine visits. We check the site as it heals so the timing of the final crown is based on how your bone is actually responding, not a fixed calendar.
Why patients choose iCare for implant care
What sets implant care at iCare apart is that the planning, the surgical step and any orthodontic preparation happen under one roof. When the space for a missing tooth needs to be opened or aligned first, the implant provider and the orthodontic team are talking to each other directly rather than mailing records between offices. Planning is guided by imaging rather than guesswork, the restoration is designed to match the teeth around it, and the options are explained in plain language so you can decide what is right for you before anything begins.
Dental implant consultations near Duluth and Norcross
Dental implant planning begins with understanding the missing tooth, gum health, bone support, bite forces and restoration options. iCare helps patients in Norcross and nearby Gwinnett communities compare implants with other restorative choices in plain language.
Common questions about dental implants
Who is a candidate for dental implants?
Candidacy depends on oral health, bone support, medical history, gum condition and bite forces. A consultation helps determine whether implant treatment is appropriate.
How long does the dental implant process take?
Timing varies depending on extraction needs, healing, bone support and the final restoration. The team will outline the expected steps before treatment begins.
Do dental implants need maintenance?
Yes. Implants need daily home care and regular professional monitoring to protect gum health and long-term stability.
How much do dental implants cost at iCare?
Dental implant cost depends on the number of teeth being replaced, bone support, any graft needs and the final restoration type. iCare provides a clear cost estimate at the consultation, including how insurance may apply and what financing options are available.
Does iCare serve dental implant patients from across Gwinnett County?
Yes. iCare sees implant consultation patients from across Gwinnett County — including Duluth, Peachtree Corners, Lilburn, Lawrenceville, Suwanee and Tucker — from our Norcross office on Indian Trail Lilburn Road.