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 are proud to provide custom dental implants in Raleigh, NC.
At Stonehenge Family and Cosmetic Dentistry, our dentists collaborate with implant surgeons and local dental labs to place high-quality dental implants.
What Are Dental Implants?
A dental implant is a small titanium post that a surgeon places in your jawbone. It acts like a new tooth root. Over time, the bone grows around the post and holds it firmly in place. This creates a strong, stable foundation for your new tooth.
A single implant restoration has three parts:
- The implant post: This is the titanium screw that goes into your jawbone. It replaces the root of your missing tooth.
- The abutment: This is a small connector piece that attaches to the post. It sticks up just above the gumline and holds your new tooth in place.
- The crown: This is the part you see. It is a custom-made tooth that looks and feels like your natural teeth. We color-match it to blend in with your smile.
Dental implants can also support bridges or dentures. If you are missing several teeth, implants can hold a bridge in place. If you are missing all your teeth, they can secure a full denture. In either case, you get a solution that is stable, comfortable, and built to last.
The Benefits of Dental Implants in Raleigh, NC
Dental implants are the gold standard for replacing missing teeth. They look, feel, and function like natural teeth. Here are some of the key benefits:
- Prevent facial sagging and bone loss: Implants replace the tooth root, which keeps your jawbone healthy and strong. This helps prevent the sunken appearance that can happen when teeth are missing.
- Restore bite function: Implants stay securely in place, so you can chew with more force and eat your favorite foods without worry. They also make speaking easier and more natural.
- Last for years: The titanium post is designed to be permanent. With regular brushing, flossing, and dental visits, your implant can last a lifetime.
- Support overall oral health: Implants do not require altering adjacent teeth, unlike bridges. They also help keep your remaining teeth in place and prevent them from shifting.
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, you’ll 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. 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.
Pretreatments
Before we place your implant, we need to make sure your mouth is healthy and ready. Depending on your situation, you may need one or more of these preparatory treatments.
- Tooth Extraction: If you have a damaged or decayed tooth that needs to be replaced, we will remove it first. Once the extraction site heals, we can place the implant post.
- Periodontal Disease Treatment: Gum disease can damage the bone and tissue that support your implant. We will treat any infection or inflammation before we begin. Treatment may include a deep cleaning or other periodontal therapy to restore your gum health.
- Bone Grafting: If you have lost bone in your jaw, you may not have enough support for an implant. This is common if a tooth has been missing for a long time. A bone graft adds bone material to your jaw, creating a strong, stable foundation for your new implant.
Placing the Implant Post
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, the implant surgeon precisely places the implant post in the jaw beneath the gums and a temporary healing cap.
Healing
Over a healing period of 3 to 6 months, the implant post fuses with the jaw bone. This process is called osseointegration and ensures your implant post becomes a new tooth root. Our office will track how you’re healing until you’re ready to receive the abutment. This piece will connect your implant post to your restoration.
Impressions
Our office will take dental impressions of your teeth and gums for your dental crown, bridge, or denture. For a natural look, we color-match the false teeth to any remaining teeth or to your desired tooth shade. Then, our dentists send these impressions and specifications to a dental lab. A local dental lab will create a custom restoration from high-quality, tooth-colored materials.
Final Restoration
Once your implants and abutments fully heal, you will return to our office. Dr. Elderkin will make any final adjustments to your restoration for your comfort. Finally, she will attach your restoration and you will leave our office with your new smile.
Patient Review
Dental Implant FAQs
Do you have more questions about dental implants in Raleigh, NC? Read answers to some of the most common patient questions here.
Am I a candidate for a dental implant procedure?
The best candidates for dental implants:
- Are in good oral health
- Have enough healthy jaw bone
- Do not have infections
Our office will ensure you’re healthy enough for implants before treatment. If needed, we may recommend bone grafts, sinus lifts, gum disease treatment, root canals, tooth removal, and more.
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: You can floss 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. Our office may also recommend water flossers or interdental brushes for an easier way to clean implants.
- Go to Regular Dental Check-Ups: Visit our office regularly so we can make 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%. Our dentists ensure you are a good candidate for implants before treatment for the most successful implants possible.
What is implant failure and how does it happen?
Implant failure occurs when an implant post loosens or does not fuse properly with your jawbone. This can happen for several reasons.
One of the most common causes is peri-implantitis. This is a form of gum disease that affects the tissue and bone around a dental implant. It is caused by bacteria building up around the implant. If not treated, it can damage the bone and cause the implant to fail.
Infections and tobacco use can also cause implant failure. We ask that you refrain from smoking or using tobacco products during the implant process. Nicotine restricts blood vessels, and insufficient blood flow makes it difficult for the implant to fuse with the jawbone.
Can I get dental implants if I already have a bridge or denture?
Yes. You can still receive dental implants if you 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.
How painful are dental implants?
You won’t feel pain during implant treatment 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.
Our office will also 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 is the recovery time after implant surgery?
Most patients return to work within 1 to 2 days after the procedure. You may need to eat soft foods for a few days. The implant will take 3 to 6 months to fuse with your jawbone. Dr. Elderkin or Dr. Giggey will give you clear aftercare instructions.
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. You can get 4 to 6 implants per tooth arch. This is known as All-on-X.
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 for a consultation 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.