Dental Implants
Start-to-Finish Dental Implants in North Carolina
When you’re missing teeth, you tend to shy away and miss out on those life moments that normally make you smile. Missing teeth also limits your chewing ability, making it harder to eat your favorite foods. The great news is that one of our CarolinasDentist locations can get you back to a full, confident smile and traditional dentures aren’t your only choice in doing so. At CarolinasDentist, we proudly offer dental implants for patients seeking replacement or denture stabilization!
Dental implants are a more permanent tooth replacement option that closely mimics the look, feel, and function of your natural teeth. A dental implant post acts as a strong root with a restoration on top, like a dental crown, that looks like an actual tooth.
Many dental offices out there only provide the second phase of the dental implant procedure, which is the restoration, and have to refer you out for the actual placement of the dental implant. At all of our CarolinasDentist locations, we conveniently provide computer-guided implant placement and natural-looking restorations, so you can get the entire procedure in-house from a team you trust.
Types of Dental Implants to Choose From
Dental implants can be used to replace one tooth, multiple teeth, or even all of the teeth in an entire arch. We’re happy to sit down with you to discuss your options and what we’d recommend to ensure you have a beautiful, healthy smile.
Do you have a missing tooth? We can place a dental implant along with a custom-made dental crown to fill in the space.
Have three or more teeth missing? We can place a row of replacement teeth supported by dental implants on either side.
Missing many or all of the teeth in an arch, or tired of dealing with ill-fitting dentures? We can stabilize a set of dentures that snap into place, so you don’t have to worry about slipping or discomfort.
Dental implants must be cared for and checked regularly, just like your natural teeth. After surgery, it is normal to experience discomfort. However, you will see improvement within a couple of days. You may want to stick to soft foods and gradually introduce moderate to hard foods as your implants fully heal. Proper oral hygiene is essential to the success of your implants. We encourage you to brush and floss daily and visit our dentist every six months or more frequently if you are advised to do so.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the dental implant process?
The dental implant process takes several weeks, from the first procedure to the final appointment. During your implant placement, a small incision will be made in your gums so the jawbone can be accessed. If your jawbone is strong enough to accommodate a dental implant, a small hole will be created in the bone, and the implant will be placed securely. The gums will be replaced around the implant, and a temporary crown may be attached.
Over the next couple of weeks, an important process called osseointegration will take place, and the implant will fuse with the jawbone. The final step in the dental implant process involves making sure the implant is securely in place and attaching the permanent implant crown.
Am I a candidate for dental implants?
Though dental implants are a great tooth replacement option, there are a few factors that go into determining whether or not a patient is a candidate for dental implants. One of the main things that we assess is the health of your jawbone; patients need to have strong and healthy jawbone tissue that can support a dental implant. Patients should also be in general good health and be nonsmokers or willing to quit smoking for several weeks.
Are dental implants expensive?
Dental implants are mostly made of titanium alloy. Titanium offers an incredible biocompatibility, allowing for the promotion of growth and osseointegration with the jawbone. This allows it to form a powerful and lasting bond. Due to the material, long-lasting bond, and surgical placement, dental implants tend to be more of a financial investment than other restorative treatments.
How do dental implants compare to dentures?
Dental implants are fixed in place and feel more like natural teeth, while dentures are removable. Implants provide greater stability, improved chewing ability, and help prevent bone loss.
What happens if I don’t replace a missing tooth?
Leaving a missing tooth untreated can lead to bone loss, shifting teeth, and changes in your bite. Over time, this can affect both your oral health and facial appearance.
