Dental implants are the most innovative solution to missing teeth. Implants offer the most natural look and feel to natural teeth and last a very long time compared to other treatments like removable partials, full dentures or even traditional fixed bridges. Dr. Atari specializes in implant dentistry and we sat down with her to cover everything you need to know about getting implants.
Teeth replacement is generally to restore function. Whether this is for a single tooth, several teeth or all of the teeth, there are a few options available. Dentures tend to be the most affordable but can be an inconvenience because of having to remove them from your mouth often. A dental bridge is a second option and was widely used before the popularity of implants. The main disadvantage here is the placement of the bridge is dependent on the surrounding natural teeth and how healthy and sturdy they are. Dental implants use bone as their support. Always book a consultation with your Raleigh dentist to discuss these options and see what is right for you.
Dental implants are placed into the jawbone and over time fuse with the bone. The implant is not just a replacement of the missing tooth but also for the root. The fusion process is called “osseointegration” and the success rate is very high, about 98%.
The implants themselves are typically made of titanium. This ensures that it can integrate with the bone and the immune system does not treat it like a foreign object.
During the consultation, we would do dental imaging using our 3D pano to examine the site in the mouth where we are considering placing the implant. The quality and quantity of the jawbone would also be examined to see if additional bone may be needed. If everything checks out, then we would schedule your appointment for the implant placement.
To ensure a painless procedure, local anesthetics and other sedatives may be used. The first stage of the oral surgery typically involves a tooth or teeth extraction. If the jawbone examination showed the need for additional bone, then an alveolar bone graft is placed to achieve a solid base of bone for the implant. If bone is placed, then it will require about 2 months of healing prior to placing the implant. If no bone is needed, then the implant can be placed same-day.
The dental implant is placed into the bone using a special drill. Once placed, a healing cap is placed over it to help accelerate the implants integration with the bone. This may take three to four months. During this time, a temporary denture can be used so that you can maintain your full smile.
Lastly, after the healing is complete, the dentist will place a prosthetic component to the dental implant called an abutment. We will take an impression of this abutment in the mouth and have a custom-made implant crown to fit in your mouth.
Dr. Atari and the team at Smileplicity are excited to help you get the perfect look for your smile. Schedule now online or contact us to book your appointment, or visit our office in-person at 5816 Creedmoor Road, Suite 105, Raleigh, NC 27612. We hope to see you soon!
