Missing teeth affect more than your smile. They change how you chew, how you speak, and how you feel about yourself. You might avoid certain foods or feel self-conscious in photos.
But replacing missing teeth can preserve your smile and restore mouth function. Compared to other tooth replacement options, dental implants feel and act like natural teeth.
Dr. Hieu Nguyen offers dental implants in Cary, NC, as a restorative dental treatment for patients with missing teeth. Dr. Nguyen is an oral surgeon and has even received a Student Award from the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons.
He understands the surgical and restorative sides of the procedure. Dr. Nguyen will explain every step of the treatment process so that you feel comfortable during this dental service in his Cary dental office.
What are Dental Implants?
Dental implants can replace one or more missing teeth. A tooth implant is a small titanium post that a dentist surgically inserts into your jawbone. Dental implants are usually made of titanium, a compound that can fuse with human tissue.
After placement, the bone heals and fuses with the post to replace the natural tooth root. This forms a strong base for a restoration, such as a durable crown or custom dental bridge. You will need a bone graft if your bones are too weak, have damage, or are too thin to heal properly on their own.
An artificial tooth implant is the best way to support a dental restoration and replace missing tooth roots. The implant post is one of three parts that make up the entire implant restoration. The posts, abutments, and artificial teeth work together to recreate your natural tooth structure.
Dental Implant Size Options
Dental implant fixtures are available in many shapes and sizes. They can accommodate different locations along the top and bottom arches:
- Standard: A standard dental implant ranges in size from about 3.4 mm to 4.2 mm in diameter. These are typically placed towards the front of the mouth because they are skinnier and shorter.
- Wide: A wide platform dental implant ranges in size from about 4.5 mm to 6 mm in diameter. The dentist primarily places them in the back of the mouth.
- Mini: A mini dental implant has a very narrow body, ranging in size from 1.8 mm to 3.3 mm in diameter. A dentist places these when there isn’t enough space in between the tooth roots and a standard implant will not fit. Dentists can also use them for patients who lack sufficient bone density or have bone tissue issues.
The Top Benefits of Dental Implants
Dental implants have a high success rate and provide patients with a permanent option for tooth loss. Compared to dentures and dental bridges, they offer even more benefits. Unlike bridges or dentures, dental implants provide a permanent solution that looks, feels, and works like natural teeth.
Here’s why patients choose implants:
- Natural look and feel: Implants blend seamlessly with your smile. No one will know you have one unless you tell them.
- Eat and speak with confidence: Implant posts keep crowns, bridges, and dentures securely in place. Once you’re used to your final restoration, you can enjoy your favorite foods and speak clearly without worry.
- Simple maintenance: You care for implants just like your natural teeth. You can brush, floss, and visit our dentist regularly. The only special tools you may need are interdental brushes or water flossers for a deeper clean.
- Protect your jawbone: Implants stimulate the bone like a natural tooth roots to prevent bone loss and maintain your facial structure.
- Preserve healthy teeth: Unlike bridges, implants do not require filing down adjacent teeth. Your natural teeth stay healthy and untouched.
Choosing dental implants is an investment in your smile and your long-term oral health. Dr. Nguyen will work with you to determine whether implants are right for you.
How The Dental Implant Process Works
Step 1: Consultation. Your implant journey begins with a comprehensive consultation. Dr. Nguyen will examine your teeth and gums, take X-rays or 3D scans, and discuss your goals. He’ll create a personalized treatment plan just for you.
Step 2: Bone grafting (if needed). If your jawbone is too thin or weak, Dr. Nguyen may recommend a bone graft to create a strong foundation for the implant.
Step 3: Implant placement. The implant placement is performed by a trusted specialist. Dr. Nguyen coordinates your care to ensure everything goes smoothly.
Step 4: Healing and osseointegration. After the implant is placed, you’ll need a healing period of 3 to 6 months or more. During this time, the implant fuses with your jawbone in a process called osseointegration.
Step 5: Final restoration. Once healing is complete, you’ll return to our office for your final restoration. Dr. Nguyen will attach your custom crown, bridge, or denture. You’ll leave with a beautiful, functional smile.
Affordable Dental Implants in Cary, North Carolina
You may be interested in implant dentistry but hesitate to proceed with the procedure because of cost concerns. At Kildaire Family and Cosmetic Dentistry, we offer a few different financing options. You don’t have to choose between a beautiful healthy smile and your wallet.
We accept most dental insurance plans and will gladly file your claim to maximize your benefits. However, please understand that insurance plans are different and you will be responsible for the balance of your dental implant treatment.
If you do not have dental insurance, we have our in-house KFD plan. This plan gives members 15% off implant restorations in addition to other perks. To learn more about our in-house dental plan, see Payment and Insurance. Additionally, we work with CareCredit financing for patients who qualify.
Patient Review
Dental Implants FAQs
Dental implants are a great way to replace missing teeth, but if you have questions about the treatment, you are not alone. Keep in mind that it’s a long process that involves surgery and a large upfront investment. To start, we suggest reading through our frequently asked questions about dental implants in Cary, NC. If you have more questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us during regular business hours.
Are dental implants permanent?
Dental implants are considered a permanent dental restoration because the implant itself fuses with the jawbone. This is what makes them quite durable.
With proper care, the implant post can last 30 years or more. The crown on top may need replacement after 10 to 15 years due to normal wear. Regular checkups help your implant last as long as possible.
Will teeth implants help my gums?
Dental implants need healthy gums to succeed. Your gums support the implant post and protect the bone around it.
Implants don’t improve gum health on their own. They do help your jawbone, though. Implants stimulate the bone the way natural tooth roots do. Without that stimulation, the bone can shrink over time.
Can dental implants fail?
Yes, but the failure rate is low. Implants succeed more than 95% of the time when properly planned and maintained. Risk factors include smoking, poor oral hygiene, uncontrolled diabetes, insufficient bone density, teeth grinding, certain medications, and infection after placement. Dr. Nguyen will review your health history and discuss ways to reduce your risk.
How painful is implant surgery?
Dental implant surgery can cause discomfort, but most patients don’t consider it painful. We perform the procedure under local anesthesia so you won’t feel pain during the process.
However, patients can expect some discomfort and swelling after the implant treatment. This post-operative pain is usually manageable with over-the-counter pain relievers and declines within a few days. Follow our post-operative instructions to minimize any complications or discomfort.
Can you still get tooth implants with bone loss?
Tooth implants are an option even with bone loss. If you don’t have sufficient bone to support the implant, your dentist will recommend bone grafting to increase the jawbone. This provides a stable foundation for the implant. However, the success and approach depend on the severity of bone loss and other individual factors.
Can you get dental implants if you have periodontal disease?
If you have periodontal disease, you can have a dental implant procedure. However, you must first work with a periodontist or dentist to treat and manage your periodontal disease. Active gum disease can compromise the success of the tooth implant. After treatment, sufficient healing time is vital before pursuing implants.
Schedule an Implant Consultation Today
Do you want to replace your missing teeth with a stable restoration? Your oral health is important to us. Call Kildaire Family and Cosmetic Dentistry at 919-823-7107 to receive dental implants today. Request an appointment with Dr. Nguyen on our website.
Visit our other dental implant pages to learn more about the number one recommended way to replace missing teeth. To learn more about our implant dentistry, see: