When teeth are missing, decayed, or weak, dental implants can restore chewing function, brighten your smile, and boost your confidence. Find out exactly what these replacements are and how Carlyle Dentistry can ensure that you receive expert care for them in Greenville, NC.
Dental implants are artificial replacements for damaged or missing teeth, consisting of a titanium or zirconia post that is implanted into the space of a missing root, where it can fuse with the jawbone. On top of the post sits an abutment to which is attached a crown made of metal, ceramic, resin, or some combination. Depending on the material used, the crown appears cosmetically similar to a natural tooth.
A dental implant has many benefits over other procedures:
- Restores the ability to chew. There’s no risk of shifting, loosening, or slipping since the implant merges with your bone to form a stable base.
- Prevents loss of bone by stimulating the jawbone and surrounding tissue, much like a natural tooth.
- Stabilizes nearby teeth and prevents them from shifting.
- Improves the quality of life by restoring confidence and oral health.
- Allows for brushing and flossing like a natural tooth.
- Lasts for a long time due to its durability and will not require replacement for several years.
- Exceeds the success of other missing tooth solutions by over 95 percent.
Although we’ve performed numerous dental implant procedures, which have become routine, our treatment will always be customized to your specific needs.
- Our dental team assesses your overall oral health. We examine the implant location and its surrounding gums and teeth using X-rays. We then recommend a course of action and timeline.
- Once the procedure begins, we typically numb the area with a local anesthetic. However, other anesthesia options are available to make sure that your procedure remains as painless and anxiety-free as possible.
- A small incision in the gum is made to expose bone, into which a hole is drilled, and the implant post is inserted. The gum is then stitched into place.
- Over several months, the implant fuses with the bone.
- You return to our office so that we can place the abutment on the post.
- We then make an impression of the abutment and the surrounding teeth, and create a custom crown.
- You return to our office again so we can attach the crown to the abutment and complete the procedure. You’ll then receive instructions on how to care for the implant and the surrounding area.
If you are considering a dental implant, call Carlyle Dentistry today. We’ll set up an appointment for you to meet with our dental staff.