Dental Implants in Raleigh NC

Implant Teeth Options to Restore Your Smile

dental implants are metallic posts that act as foundations for replacement teethDental implants are designed to provide a foundation for replacement teeth that look, feel and function like natural teeth. The person who has lost teeth regains the ability to eat and can smile with confidence, knowing that their teeth will appear natural and that facial contours will be preserved. The implants are titanium posts which are placed into the jaw bone where teeth are missing. The bone integrates with the titanium, creating a strong foundation for artificial teeth. In addition, dental implants can help preserve facial structure, preventing the bone deterioration which occurs when teeth are missing.

Dental implants are changing the way people live! With them, people are rediscovering the comfort and confidence to eat, speak, laugh and enjoy life.

Your Trusted Dentist in Raleigh

Accepting new patients. Schedule Your Appointment today!

Red Oak Dentistry Phone Number 919-781-8984 Request An Appointment

Get answers to common questions about dental implants!

Evaluation for Dental Implants

If, like many others, you feel implant dentistry is the choice for you, we ask that you undergo a dental/radiographic examination and health history. During these consultation visits, your specific needs and considerations will be addressed by Dr. King. Your questions and concerns are important to us and our team will work with you very closely to help make your procedure a success.

Dental Implant Procedure

Dental implants are essentially titanium anchors, which replace the roots of your teeth. Once in place, the area is allowed to heal. After adequate healing time, an abutment and crown are added to the implant to give you fully functional and incredibly esthetic teeth!

For most patients, the placement of dental implants involves only one surgical procedure. Dental implants are surgically placed into your jaw bone often with a surgical guide for complete accuracy. Often, a healing collar is added at the time of placement to pre-empt the gum tissue for the most esthetic result. For four to six months following surgery, the area is left alone as the implants gradually integrate with the jaw bone.

After the dental implant is fully integrated, Dr. King takes an impression and sends instructions for the abutment and crown to be made. The entire procedure usually takes four to six months and most patients do not experience any disruption in their daily life.

Dental Implants FAQs

What is an Implant? 

Dental implants are the ideal replacement method for missing teeth because they look, feel, and function just like natural teeth. They consist of three parts: a titanium screw that is placed in the jawbone, an abutment that connects the implant to the crown, and the crown – the visible part that looks like a tooth.

How does the implant placement process work?

Dr. King begins by doing a complete work up of your medical records, dental history, oral examination and imaging including a Cone Beam CT. Once he’s able to formulate a treatment plan that ensures your health goals, esthetics and budgetary needs will be met, he schedules an extraction for the tooth in question. Usually, bone grafting is needed to provide a good platform for the implant. This common procedure requires several months of healing before the implant can be placed. Once the site is ready, you will undergo a 1-2 hour surgery, during which time the surgical site will be anesthetized to keep you comfortable. When the implant has been placed and covered with the surrounding soft tissue, it takes between 4-6 months for it to fuse with the bone. An abutment is placed on the implant after the osseointegration (implant fusion to bone) is complete. The abutment is the interface between the implant and the crown (the visible part of the tooth that you chew on). Finally, Dr. King will attach the carefully crafted screw retained or cement retained crown to the implant abutment and you will have a fully functioning tooth again.

Do dental implants hurt?

No! During the surgery, you won’t feel a thing because you will be properly anesthetized at all times. Most of our patients experience very little pain even after the surgery, and any discomfort can be easily managed with over-the-counter pain medications. We will discuss any necessary prescriptions with you during your visit.

Do dental implants feel like real teeth?

Yes! Your dental implants will work in a similar manner to your natural teeth. The main difference between implants and real teeth is that they don’t have the periodontal ligament or “shock absorber” that real teeth have. Your new permanent teeth will allow you to eat all of the foods that you used to enjoy.

Will I need to miss work for dental implant surgery?

Our patients generally take anywhere from a few hours to a few days off of work depending on patient comfort level.

What are single-stage implants?

In some cases, we are able to place the implant and leave the soft tissue surrounding it as is. This allows us to avoid a second surgical procedure to uncover the dental implant during the abutment/restoration stage.

What if I am missing a lot of teeth?

If you are missing many teeth, implant-supported dentures are a solution that provides you with a full arch of prosthetic teeth that are attached to just a few implants. This option is great for those who need the quantity of teeth provided by a denture but don’t want the hassle associated with it.

What are the risks and complications associated with dental implants?

Dental implants have been around for years and have a success rate of up to 98%. Continual improvements and discoveries are being made everyday. The risks are very low and closely resemble those of other minor surgical procedures – infection, injury to adjacent teeth, etc. We recommend waiting to get an implant until after the jaw has finished growing and you’ve had straightening procedures, such as braces or Invisalign, done, because the implant’s fusion to the bone makes the tooth’s position relatively fixed.

How long do dental implants last?

Studies have shown that properly placed dental implants that are well cared for can last 25 years and longer. Success rates are now between 95-98% for most patients.

Will I have temporary teeth during the healing phase?

If the implant site is near the front of your mouth, we have a variety of temporary options, such as retainers, bridges and temporary crowns, to get you through the healing phase.

When will I have my permanent teeth?

Permanent restorations are placed anywhere from 4- 12 months after implant surgery, depending on your case.

How do I care for my implants?

Care for your implants just like you would your natural teeth: by brushing at least twice a day and flossing before you go to bed. If you take good care of them, they will take care of you!

Your Trusted Dentist in Raleigh

Accepting new patients. Schedule Your Appointment today!

Red Oak Dentistry Phone Number 919-781-8984 Request An Appointment

Dental Implant Reviews Raleigh

Read All Our Reviews Write a Review


[PBHS_REVIEWS_SHOW CATEGORY=”Dental Implants” num=”3″]