Replacing Missing or Damaged Teeth With Dental Implants

Replacing missing or damaged teeth with implants is a permanent option that looks, feels and functions like your natural teeth. The implant restorations attach to a titanium post anchored in your jaw bone, enabling you to have a full smile.

Dental implants are durable, strong and long-lasting, but they need to be maintained well. Book an appointment with one of the implant dentists in Raleigh to learn more about this treatment and its benefits.

They Look and Feel Like Real Teeth

Dental implants Raleigh NC recreate the hidden root structure of a missing tooth, and they support replacement teeth that look, feel, and function like natural teeth. They are the closest thing to a natural smile available today, and they deliver several other important benefits that cannot be found with dentures or dental bridges.

Unlike traditional dental restorations, implants do not require invasive treatment. In fact, most patients have very little discomfort or even pain after the procedure. If you are nervous about the process, we offer IV sedation, which allows you to relax in a twilight state and have no memory of the experience afterwards.

Some patients do not have enough bone mass in the jaw to support implants, but we can help through dental bone grafting or sinus lift procedures. These add bone material from a donor source or the patient's own body to stimulate new growth and create a solid foundation for the implant post.

They Prevent Bone Loss

When teeth are missing, the bones in the jaw deteriorate due to lack of stimulation. This can lead to sagging and other cosmetic problems. Implants keep the jaw bone healthy by mimicking the natural tooth roots stimulation. They also provide stability for adjacent and opposing teeth, which prevents shifting or misalignment.

During treatment, implants are placed beneath the gums and gradually fuse with the jawbone through a process called osseointegration. This can take several months, during which patients may have a temporary crown or denture.

Once theyre healed, dental implants are as easy to care for as natural teeth. Brush, floss, and schedule routine checkups, and you can expect your implants to last for decades. Patients who practice good oral hygiene and avoid habits that can damage their implants, like chewing hard foods and clenching or grinding their teeth, have the best results.

They Restore Bite Force

In a healthy mouth, the roots of your teeth stimulate your jaw bone to keep it strong. When a tooth is lost, the bone in that area no longer receives stimulation and will gradually weaken over time. This is known as bone resorption. Dental implants act as artificial tooth roots and prevent bone resorption, helping to maintain facial structure and preventing additional tooth loss.

Dental implants also restore full bite functionality, allowing you to chew and enjoy food without discomfort. They can even allow you to eat more nutritious foods, like crunchy fruits and fibrous vegetables.

Unlike traditional dentures, dental implants Raleigh NC can last a lifetime with proper oral hygiene and regular dental visits. They can also minimize the need for other treatments, such as bone grafts or crowns, making them an affordable long-term solution.

They Can Be Custom-Made

Dental implants are the only tooth replacement solution that recreates the hidden root structure, and thus offer unparalleled stability and durability compared to bridges and dentures. With proper care, these artificial teeth can last for a lifetime.

Aesthetically, they look and feel like natural teeth, allowing patients to restore their smile and confidence after losing one or more teeth. Additionally, they preserve bone mass and prevent deterioration, and unlike dentures, they dont slip or move when eating or talking.

The implant treatment process begins with a surgically placed screw that integrates with the jawbone in a process known as osseointegration. After healing, we can attach a custom-made, artificial tooth to the screw, restoring your smile and oral function. To ensure long-term success, its important to practice good oral hygiene, schedule regular dental checkups at our Raleigh office, and avoid habits that could damage the implant, like chewing hard foods or clenching/grinding your teeth. If you have advanced gum disease, a sinus infection or another medical condition, you may require additional treatment to ensure a successful outcome.