Dental implants are a type of dental restoration that is used to replace missing teeth. The main portion of the appliance is made from titanium – a biocompatible element that bonds with the natural connective tissues in the jaw. The full implant structure consists of three separate components: the implant post, the abutment, and the restoration. 

• The implant post is the titanium piece that is surgically placed in the jawbone, and over time it fuses with the bone tissue. 
• The abutment is a small connecting piece that extends from the implant post and provides a surface for the restoration to be attached. 
• The restoration is the part of the implant that is visible in the mouth and can be made from a variety of materials, depending on the patient’s needs. At our practice, we provide both crown and bridge restorations.

Why Dental Implants?

Dental implants are a popular tooth replacement option because they are very durable and look and feel like natural teeth. A key feature of this restoration is that it is a long-term solution to tooth loss and can last for many years with proper care. In fact, the post is designed to last a lifetime, with only the restoration ever needing replacement.

If you are considering dental implants, our team in Raleigh, NC, would be happy to answer any of your questions and help you determine if this treatment is right for you. Contact us today to schedule a consultation. We look forward to helping you achieve a beautiful, healthy smile!

Single Tooth Implant

A single missing tooth can have a number of consequences, both short-term and long-term.

• In the short term, a missing tooth can cause problems with proper speech and eating. It can also lead to bite irregularities that impact the temporomandibular joint and cause jaw tension.
• In the long term, a missing tooth can cause the surrounding teeth to shift out of position, which can lead to orthodontic concerns. It can also cause the jawbone to deteriorate and facial muscles to sag, leading to an aged appearance; over time, the jawbone loss may also result in the loss of more teeth. Additionally, a missing tooth may increase a person’s risk for gum disease and tooth decay.

A single tooth implant is designed to restore a single missing tooth or multiple missing teeth in different regions of the mouth. This can prevent the development and progression of these issues and ensure your smile stays strong and healthy. 

Implant technology is constantly evolving, and today’s implants are more reliable and longer-lasting than ever before. If you are missing a tooth, consult with our doctors to see if a single tooth implant is the best option for you.

Implant-Supported Bridges

Implant-supported bridges are dental prostheses that use implants to anchor a bridge into place. The bridge is a custom-made dental restoration that is used to replace a sequence of multiple missing teeth. Bridge appliances are made up of two or more pontics (teeth-shaped dental prostheses) that are fused together and attached to two implant posts and abutments. These appliances are placed on either side of the smile gap to bridge the gap from one missing tooth to the other.

Implant-supported bridges offer a number of benefits over traditional bridges, including the following:

• Greater stability – Implant-supported bridges are much more stable than traditional bridges, so there is less chance of having to undergo frequent dental work to maintain their endurance.
• Reduced tooth wear – Since implant-supported bridges do not rely on the surrounding teeth for support, they eliminate the amount of wear and tear that those teeth experience.
• Improved chewing function – Implant-supported bridges improve chewing function by providing greater stability and support, so you’ll be able to enjoy your favorite foods without restriction!
• Natural look and feel – The appearance of implant-supported bridges is more aesthetically appealing and feels more realistic compared to traditional bridges. 

In addition to the above benefits, this type of restoration is also useful for maintaining the bone volume and eliminating the possibility that negative effects will occur as a result of tooth loss in the future.

Guided Implant Surgery

Guided implant surgery employs technology to aid the surgical placement of dental implants. This allows us to create a visual representation of where the appliance will be positioned, along with confirmation that it has been placed correctly during surgery. 

Using a combination of CT scans, digital imaging, computer-aided design (CAD), and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) technologies, we are able to prepare for placement ahead of time and ensure that the implants are guided into the correct position and orientation.

The use of guided implant surgery has several advantages over traditional implant surgery. 

• First, it can help to ensure that the implants are placed in the correct location. This can help to reduce the risk of complications and improve the overall success of the surgery. 
• Second, it can help to reduce the amount of surgical time needed to place the implant. This can lead to less discomfort for the patient and a quicker recovery.
• Finally, guided implant surgery can help to improve the accuracy of implant placement. This can result in a more natural-looking smile and better overall results.

If you are considering dental implants, talk to our team about your particular process throughout guided implant surgery. We can help you better understand this technology and how it may be used for your specific restoration.

Bone Grafting

Bone grafting is a surgical procedure that is used to replace missing bone in the jaws. This is often necessary when there is not enough bone present to support a dental implant. 

Bone loss can occur for a number of reasons. Some of the most common causes include:

• Tooth loss
• Periodontal disease
• Trauma or injury to the jawbone
• Smoking
• Aging

A bone graft can be taken from another part of the body, a donor, or it can be made from synthetic materials. During the surgical process, a small opening will be made in the gum tissue, and the grafting material will be packed inside; this will usually be covered with a thin collagen sponge for protection throughout the healing process. Once this is complete, the opening will be sutured closed and allowed to heal for a period of at least three months. Once the bone material has had proper time to heal, it can be used to properly support dental implants.

If you are considering dental implants, it is important to have a thorough evaluation by our experts to determine if a graft is needed. If you do not have enough bone in your jaw, this may be necessary to achieve the desired outcome for a dependable restoration.

Contact our office today if you would like to learn more about implants or determine your own process for preparation, placement, and restoration.