Missing teeth can affect your long-term dental and emotional health. Replacing your missing teeth will help to maintain the function of your smile as well as its appearance. With any amount gaps along the arch, you are at a higher risk for further dental problems in the future.
By replacing your missing teeth, you are preserving your smile and helping maintain your oral function. Dental implants are a great way to replace teeth. They feel and act most like natural teeth compared to any other tooth replacement solution.
Dr. Elise Brace provides dental implants in Cary, NC, as a restorative dentistry treatment for patients with missing teeth. Dr. Brace will review every step of the treatment process beforehand so that you feel confident in her care. Our Cary dental office also provides comprehensive dental services to patients who have other dental problems.
What are Dental Implants?
Dental implants can replace missing teeth, from one to many. A tooth implant is a small titanium post that a dentist surgically inserts into your jawbone. With tooth implants, you can replace missing teeth with artificial teeth that look and feel like your natural teeth.
After placement, the bone heals and fuses with the post in place of the natural tooth root. This creates a solid anchor for a restoration like a crown or 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.
A tooth implant is the best dental prosthetic that supports a dental restoration and replaces the missing teeth roots. The implant itself is one of three parts that make up the entire implant restoration. Working together, the posts, abutments, and false teeth are the components that will recreate the natural tooth structure.
A dental implant typically consists of titanium, a compound that is capable of fusing to human tissue. The dentist creates a stable foundation for the dental restoration by placing them in the jawbone. As your mouth heals over the titanium post, the bone will grow around the implants.
Dental Implant Size Options
Dental implant fixtures are available in many shapes and sizes. They can accommodate different locations along the top and bottom arch.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 Benefits of Implant Dentistry: The Better Option for Your Oral Health
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. Some of the main reasons our patients choose dental implants include:
- Natural look, feel, and function
- Long-lasting
- Ease when eating and speaking
- Simple maintenance
- Secured in place (no taking them in and out)
- Confidence boost
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.
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 to learn more about them. If you have further concerns or questions, please feel free to contact us during regular business hours.
Are teeth implants permanent?
Dental implants are permanent dental restoration because the implant itself fuses with the jawbone. This is what makes them quite durable. Some patients have dental implants for their lifetime. In general, dentists consider them a permanent option, unlike other restoration solutions.
Will teeth implants help my gums?
Rather than saying that dental implants will help your gum, the reverse is truer. Dental implants require healthy gums because the gums need to support the implant post. Dental implants do help your jawbone, though, because they stimulate the bone to grow as natural tooth roots do. Without that stimulation, the bone can deteriorate.
How are dental implants fitted?
The dental implant process is a two-step process. First is the surgical portion, where the dentist places the implant post (the part that acts as a tooth root) into the jawbone. This post will attach to the bone to create a healthy, stable foundation.
Once that occurs, it’s time for phase two. This is where Kildaire Family and Cosmetic Dentistry comes in! We’ll create a custom implant restoration and prosthetic that matches the appearance of natural teeth. Then Dr. Brace will attach the prosthetic on top of the post and complete the procedure.
How painful is tooth implant surgery?
Dental implant surgery can cause discomfort, but most patients don’t consider it painful. A dentist or oral surgeon will perform the procedure under local anesthesia. This ensures the patient doesn’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 your dentist’s 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 Appointment 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. Brace 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: