Missing teeth can affect your dental and emotional health. Replacing your missing teeth will help to maintain the function of your smile as well as the 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 to maintain your oral function. Dental implants 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 any number of missing teeth. Dr. Brace will review every step of the treatment process beforehand so that you feel confident in her care.
What are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are used to replace missing teeth, from one to many. A tooth implant is a small titanium post that a dentist will surgically insert into the jawbone. The bone heals and fuses with the post in place of the natural tooth root, creating 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 an advanced dental prosthetic that is designed to supported a dental restoration and replace the missing teeth roots. The implant itself is one of three parts that make up the entire implant restoration. Working together, the implants, abutments, and false teeth are the components that will create the natural tooth structure.
A dental implant is typically made from titanium, a material that is capable of fusing to human tissue. The dentist creates a stable foundation for the dental restoration by placing them in the jawbone and the bone will grow around the implants.
Dental Implant Size Options
Dental implant fixtures are available in many shapes and sizes to 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. These are primarily placed 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. These are typically placed when there is not enough space in between the tooth roots and a standard implant will not fit. They can also be used in patients who lack sufficient bone density or have bone tissue issues and a standard implant cannot be supported.
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 more benefits. If you still need convincing that implant dentistry is the best option for replacing missing teeth, here are some of the main reasons people choose dental implants to restore their smile:
- 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 so that 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 your maximize your benefits. However, please understand that everyone has different insurance plans 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 that gives members 15% off implant restorations in addition to other perks. To learn more about our in-house dental plan, see Payment Insurance. Additionally, we work with CareCredit financing for patients that 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. It is a complicated process that involves surgery and 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?
Dental implants are fitted in 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. Then 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 that matches the appearance of your other teeth to place 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 very 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 dental implants with bone loss?
Tooth implants are an option even with bone loss. If you do not have sufficient bone to support the implant, your dentist will recommend procedures like 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?
You can get dental implants even if you have periodontal disease. 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 for Dental Implants in Cary, NC
Do you want to replace your missing teeth with a stable restoration? Your oral health is very 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.