What to Expect in Terms of Dental Implants

What Are Dental Implants?

A dental implant replaces the root of a natural tooth. After placing the post, a dental prosthesis is used to replace the crown (i.e., the visible portion of the tooth). If multiple teeth are missing, several posts may be placed. These posts can hold a bridge or a denture. Once implants are surgically placed, they fuse with the jawbone; thus, providing a sturdy support system for the new artificial tooth/teeth. After a bridge or denture is mounted on the dental implants, the prostheses remain secure, which allows the individual to feel confident while eating and speaking.

Who is a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?

Dental implants are a great choice for individuals who have had a tooth/teeth removed due to decay, infection or injury, as well as for those born missing a permanent tooth/teeth. While there are removable prostheses available to address these issues, there are people who have difficulty wearing acrylic appliances: Some of the reasons these removable appliances may be difficult to contend with include: a sensitive gag reflex; sore spots and/or jawbone deterioration. Jawbone deterioration (i.e., bone resorption) occurs even if an individual wears dentures, a partial, a flipper or a bridge. The only way to prevent bone resorption is by stimulating the jawbone the way the natural roots of the teeth did: At this point in time, the only prosthesis able to stimulate the jawbone is the dental implant.

In order to receive traditional dental implants, you must have an adequate amount of bone remaining in your jaw as well as the healthy gums necessary to ensure the implant has the support it needs to remain strong. Furthermore, since the long-term success of your dental implants rests solely on your meticulous daily oral hygiene practices and regular dental visits, you must be committed to abiding by these practices as well as to keeping your biannual professional cleaning appointments.

About Dental Implants

Endosteal implants are placed into the patient’s jawbone. After the gum tissue has healed, a second procedure is performed to connect the implant and post. Once the post(s) is connected, a crown, bridge or denture is attached to the post(s).

Dental implants are fabricated from Titanium. For decades, this metal has been used for a variety of issues in the medical industry. The most common issues titanium is used to address include hip and knee replacements. Titanium is lightweight, strong, corrosion resistant, and non-toxic. The dental implants that are made from titanium have a long-term success rate of approximately 95 percent.

The Initial Consultation: What to Expect

Information about your medical history, including medication allergies, will be collected. In addition, your mouth will be examined, 3D images and/or X-rays may also be taken at this time. Once this information has been reviewed, implant options will be discussed. If you decide to go ahead with the dental implant procedure, a custom-designed surgical plan will be created. Once any pre surgical testing is complete, your dental implant procedure can be scheduled.

The Dental Implant Procedure

Implant Insertion

A dental implant procedure can be carried out in one of two ways:

Regardless as to the procedure used, each procedure involves creating a small incision within the gum, exposing the bone. Using a special drill, the implant site is shaped.

• A One-Stage Procedure – the implant is placed in the prepared jawbone and then a healing cap is placed on top of it. This healing cap protrudes through the gum. After 3 to 6 months, the cap is removed and an abutment is placed. The crown is cemented over the abutment.
• A Two-Stage Procedure – if there is not enough bone available at the site, a bone regenerative technique or a bone graft may be necessary. When the two-stage procedure is performed, during a follow-up procedure, a dental implant will be placed in the jawbone where the tooth is missing.

Recovering After Your Dental Implant Surgery

The discomfort you may experience following dental implant surgery is similar to that felt following any other dental surgery procedure. This discomfort may include minor bleeding, bruising, pain and/or inflammation. Most patients are able to manage their pain using over-the-counter medications. While every patient’s experience is unique, the majority of people find that they are able to return to work the following day.

Dr. Daily has extensive experience in not only placing the dental implant, but restoring it with a crown as well. This ideal treatment choice has now become part of a single process at a single office, Carolina Implant, a branch of Williams and Daily Dental. We love placing dental implants and restoring smiles! Contact us at (919) 846-9070 or info@carolinaimplant.com for a free consult and hear how excited we are to put this new technology to work for you!