Are you missing a permanent tooth or teeth? Try dental implants. Dental implants are high-quality dental restorations that replace one or multiple missing teeth. Dr. Cynthia Elderkin and Dr. Claudel Giggey provide custom dental implants in Raleigh, NC.
At Stonehenge Family and Cosmetic Dentistry, our dentists create high-quality dental implants with the help of oral surgeons and dental labs. Implants are tooth replacements that create lasting smiles.
What Are Dental Implants?
A dental implant is a titanium metal post a surgeon places in the jaw bone. Single implants consist of a titanium post, abutment, and crown. Implants can also secure bridges and dentures. Dental implants offer the perfect solution for patients with one or more permanent missing teeth.
The Benefits of Dental Implants in Raleigh, NC
Dental implants are the gold standard of tooth replacement for a reason. Implant treatment comes with many advantages. Implant restorations look and feel natural and implant posts provide a solid foundation for artificial teeth. Dental implants:
Prevent Facial Sagging and Bone Loss
Because implants replace teeth at the root, they help prevent many problems caused by missing teeth. After you lose a permanent tooth, you begin to experience jaw recession. Losing your natural jawbone can create a sunken-in appearance. Replacing missing teeth with implants can restore the facial structure and combat facial sagging.
Restore Bite Function
Dental implants are stable tooth restorations that support improved bite function. Compared to removable restorations, implant restorations can significantly improve the bite force. Implant-supported restorations also last longer due to the implant post’s durability. With implants, patients experience fewer speech problems and less difficulty eating.
Last For Years
Implants act as artificial tooth roots. They are biocompatible and support the health of the surrounding teeth and gums. The implant posts themselves are permanent. If you brush, floss, and visit the dentist regularly, implant posts should stay in your mouth.
Preparing for Dental Implant Treatment
Before implant treatment, we must ensure that patients are good candidates for dental implants. Patients who don’t have enough healthy jaw bone in their mouth may require bone grafting. Patients with cavities, gum disease, or other infections will also need treatment. Tooth and gum infections can impact implant stability. We will prepare treatment once we determine if tooth implants are right for you.
Can I Get Implants If I Have a Bridge or Denture?
Yes. You can still receive dental implants if you already have a traditional bridge or removable denture. If you notice problems with your restoration, like slipping dentures or bite problems, we may recommend implants. We’ll also recommend them if you need to replace an old restoration.
Dental implants ensure bridges and dentures last longer without constant rebasing or replacement. Implants also make it easier to eat harder foods without discomfort or difficulty.
Treatment with Dental Implants in Raleigh, NC
The dental implant process takes multiple steps to create a natural-looking and beautiful end result. Before treatment, we will visit Dr. Elderkin for an implant consultation.
Dr. Elderkin will take the time to understand your dental needs and goals. She’ll carefully examine your mouth, including your teeth, gums, and jawbone. This step is essential to determine if dental implants are the right solution for you.
Dr. Elderkin may also take X-rays or 3D scans of your mouth to get a clear view of your jawbone structure and surrounding teeth. This helps her plan the best placement for a strong and secure foundation.
Pretreatments
You may need additional treatments before the dental implant procedure to ensure the best outcome. If you have a damaged or decayed tooth that needs to be replaced with an implant, it may need to be extracted first. Once the tooth extraction site heals, we can place the implant post.
If you have gum disease, it can damage the bones and tissues that support your teeth and implants. Our office can treat your gums to make sure they’re healthy enough to support the implant. This might include deep cleaning or other treatments to address any infection or inflammation.
Sometimes, you may not have enough bone in your jaw to support the implant. This is common if you’ve had a missing tooth for a long time. To solve this, we’ll recommend bone grafting.
During this procedure, bone material is added to your jawbone to create a strong foundation. You can get implant treatment once the grafted bone heals.
Placing Implants
We work with local dental laboratories and oral surgeons to provide dental implants. To begin implant surgery, an oral surgeon will numb the mouth. Then, they precisely and accurately place the implant post in the jaw beneath the gums. Finally, they put a healing cap.
Healing
Over a healing period, the implant post fuses with the jaw bone. The post will heal gradually over three to six months. We will track your healing progress during this period. Then, we will place the abutment.
Impressions
We take dental impressions of your teeth and gums for the dental crown, bridge, or denture. If possible, we color-match the false teeth to any remaining teeth. Then, we send these impressions and specifications to a dental lab. After the lab sends back the custom restoration, you will return to our office. We will ensure that the restoration feels and looks natural.
Final Restoration
Once your implants fully heal, we will provide your dental restoration. We will find the right restoration for you based on your number of missing teeth. Our dentists will also consider where you’re missing your permanent teeth.
Patient Review
Dental Implant FAQs
Do you have more questions about dental implants in Raleigh, NC? Some of the most common patient questions include:
Am I a candidate for a dental implant procedure?
The best candidates for dental implants are in good oral health. Good implant candidates have enough jaw bone tissue to support the implant posts. We will examine patients’ smiles and take dental X-rays before treatment. Then, we will see if patients require a deep cleaning, extraction, or gum therapy.
We will also recommend bone grafting for patients who don’t have enough jaw bone. Bone grafts add healthy bone tissue to the mouth.
How do you care for dental implants?
Taking good care of your dental implants will keep them strong and healthy. Dental implants are designed to replace missing teeth, but just like your natural teeth, they need regular cleaning and care. Follow these steps to maintain your dental implants:
- Brush Your Teeth Twice a Day: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and clean around your dental implants carefully. Brush just like you do with your natural teeth. Make sure to reach all surfaces around the implant and crown to remove any food particles and plaque, which can cause gum problems if left behind.
- Floss Every Day: Flossing is very important because it helps clean the spaces between your teeth and implants where your toothbrush can’t reach. Use floss gently to avoid hurting your gums, and clean all around the implant to keep your gums healthy.
- Go to Regular Dental Check-Ups: Visit our dentist regularly for check-ups and cleanings. Dr. Elderkin will check to make sure your implants are healthy. Our hygienists will clean your mouth thoroughly to remove harmful bacteria that you might miss at home.
- Don’t Smoke: Smoking is bad for your dental implants because it can slow down healing. It can also increase the chance that your implant might fail. If you smoke, try to quit or cut back to help your implants stay healthy.
What is the success rate of dental implants?
Dental implants have a success rate of 90 to 95%. In rare cases, they can fail. Implant failure occurs when implant posts loosen or don’t fuse with the jawbone.
Infections and tobacco use can cause implant failure. We ask that you refrain from smoking or using tobacco products during the implant process. Nicotine can restrict the blood vessels. Insufficient blood flow can make it difficult for the implant posts to fuse with the jaw bone.
Implants can fail if patients develop gum infections. Gum disease impacts the stability of the posts. Patients with good oral health routines receive successful treatment.
How painful are dental implants?
Implant treatment is similar to treatments like dental extractions. You won’t feel pain because we numb the treated area during the procedure. The oral surgeon may also use dental sedation. To learn more about dental sedation, see Sedation Dentistry.
We recommend that you use over-the-counter pain medications right after dental implant placement and treatment. These medications will help minimize pain and soreness, and you will feel less discomfort as you heal.
What are full mouth implants?
Full-mouth implants are a type of dental treatment that can replace all the teeth in your upper jaw, lower jaw, or both. Instead of replacing each tooth individually, a few dental implants can hold a full set of replacement teeth in place. If all your teeth are missing, we can provide dentures supported by implants.
What is the cost of dental implants?
The cost of dental implants in Raleigh, NC, can vary based on these factors:
- Number of implants
- Type of restoration
- Sedation
- Pretreatments (like bone grafting)
We can provide a personalized estimate for exact pricing and explain any options to fit your budget. You can explore your payment and insurance options on our website.
Schedule a Dental Implant Consultation
Do you want dental implants in Raleigh, NC? Contact our North Carolina dental office at 919-295-0936. You can also request a dental appointment on our website.
We’re proud to serve dental patients from Village Grove, Wildwood Green, Hampton Oaks, and Mine Valley.