A dental implant is a small screw-like post we surgically insert into the jawbone to replace missing tooth roots. Topped with a porcelain restoration, it provides a foundation for replacement teeth that look, feel and function like real ones.
Dental implants are the most advanced and lifelike tooth replacement solution available today. They preserve natural facial structure and prevent bone deterioration, and when properly cared for, they can last a lifetime.
Cost
Dental implants are the preferred treatment to replace missing teeth. They look, feel, and function like natural teeth, and they help preserve bone tissue. They also allow people to smile with confidence without worrying about their dentures falling out. Despite being more costly than traditional dental bridges or dentures, dental implants Raleigh NC have higher survival rates and can last for a lifetime with proper care.
Dental implant surgery requires oral surgery, and the recovery process can take a few months to a year or more. Patients should expect to experience pain and swelling, but over-the-counter medications can alleviate these symptoms. It is important to maintain excellent home care and visit your dentist regularly to prevent complications with your dental implants.
During the dental implant procedure, a titanium screw-shaped post is surgically placed in the jawbone and covered by gum tissue. It then heals to fuse with the bone (a process called osseointegration) and provides a solid foundation for the overlying dental restoration. In the case of a single-stage implant, a temporary crown can be used to restore the appearance and function of the mouth while the permanent abutment is fabricated.
Once the abutment has been made, an impression is taken and the final restoration (crown, bridge, or denture) is attached to the abutment using dental cement. Cement should not leak under the crown, as this could lead to peri-implantitis, a painful condition that affects the surrounding bone.
Aesthetics
Dental implants are a modern and innovative solution for tooth replacement. They are small titanium posts that act as artificial tooth roots, and they are anchored in the jaw bone to form a strong foundation for replacement teeth. They are also a long-term solution that eliminates the need for dentures and can restore the function of missing teeth.
Unlike traditional alternatives, implant-supported restorations look and feel like natural teeth. They help patients eat and speak comfortably, as well as improve their self-image. These restorations are custom-made to fit the patient’s smile, and they can replace one or more missing teeth. The implant post is made of biocompatible titanium, which fuses with the jaw bone and tissues to create a strong and durable anchor for the crown or bridge.
Zirconia dental implants are a metal-free alternative to titanium implant posts and abutments. These ceramic implants are less susceptible to plaque buildup and offer a more natural aesthetic. They are also ideal for patients with allergies to titanium.
Missing teeth can lead to significant problems with eating and speaking, and they can even cause facial sagging. However, with dental implants Raleigh NC from Straumann, you can regain the comfort and confidence that comes with full function. In addition, dental implants can prevent nearby teeth from shifting out of place, which could affect the shape and function of your mouth.
Function
Dental implants are the gold standard in tooth replacement, delivering unmatched stability and durability. They look and feel like real teeth, and they help preserve facial structure, preventing bone loss that occurs when natural teeth are missing.
During the procedure, an oral surgeon inserts a small titanium implant post into the jawbone where the natural tooth root once resided. The bone fuses to the titanium, creating a strong foundation for artificial replacement teeth that blend seamlessly with the rest of the smile. The results are life-changing for patients, restoring their ability to eat nearly anything and enjoy a confident smile that looks natural.
Dental implants also offer a number of other advantages over traditional dentures and bridges, including:
Single Dental Implants
Single dental implants are surgically placed into the jawbone, where they support a metal connector known as an abutment and a custom-made crown that matches the color and shape of the surrounding teeth. Unlike dentures, dental implants are not prone to slipping or shifting in place, and they are able to restore up to 80 percent of the original bite force.
Dental implants can replace multiple missing teeth at once, allowing patients to regain their full bite. They are also the only tooth replacement solution that can prevent facial sagging by stimulating the jaw bone and preventing the bone loss that often occurs when natural teeth are missing.
Maintenance
Unlike other tooth replacement treatments, dental implants Raleigh NC fuse directly with the jaw bone to offer the most lifelike and durable solution available. They do require oral surgery to place the implant, but patients can expect minimal discomfort and quick recovery after treatment.
Implants have two primary parts: the implant post and the crown. The implant post is a titanium “screw” that acts as the artificial root of the tooth, and the crown, which is made from various materials to replicate the look of natural teeth, attaches to the implant to complete the restoration.
While the procedure requires a substantial investment of time and money, dental implants are long-lasting and will provide years of healthy function. For these reasons, dental implants are often less expensive than other tooth replacement options, such as dentures or bridges.
During the initial consultation, our dentist will assess your oral health and take X-rays to determine whether you are a candidate for dental implants Raleigh NC. Once we determine that you are, we will develop a comprehensive treatment plan.
After the treatment has been completed, you will need to maintain your implants in order to keep them clean and healthy. This involves brushing twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste, and flossing daily to remove food particles and prevent infection. Additionally, you should schedule regular recall visits with our dentist to have your implants cleaned and inspected.
