Durham Prosthodontics
Your Durham, NC Dentist

The Dental Implants Procedure

3D rendering of a dental implant next to healthy teeth

Dental implants have transformed the field of restorative dentistry by offering a permanent and highly effective solution for missing teeth. Unlike traditional options like dentures or bridges, dental implants provide a stable, long-lasting, and natural-looking replacement that enhances both the function and appearance of your smile.

What Are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are small titanium posts that are surgically inserted into the jawbone to act as artificial tooth roots. Once they fuse with the bone, these implants create a stable foundation for replacement teeth, such as crowns, bridges, or dentures. Whether used to replace a single tooth, several teeth, or even a full arch, dental implants improve chewing ability, restore speech, and help preserve facial structure by preventing bone loss.

The main use for dental implants is to replace missing teeth. Implants provide a permanent solution for one or more lost teeth, offering both aesthetic and functional benefits. Implants also prevent bone loss. They stimulate the jawbone, preventing the bone deterioration that typically follows tooth loss. Unlike traditional bridges, implants don't require altering nearby healthy teeth, therefore preserving their natural structure.

How Are Dental Implants Placed?

The placement of dental implants involves several steps, typically spread out over a few months to ensure proper healing.

•	Initial Consultation: The process begins with a comprehensive examination, which may include X-rays or a CT scan to evaluate the jawbone and plan the treatment.
•	Implant Placement: Under local anesthesia, the dentist places the titanium implant into the jawbone. This minor surgical procedure is followed by stitching the site closed. Over the next few months, the implant undergoes osseointegration, where it bonds with the bone to provide a stable foundation.
•	Abutment Placement: Once the implant is securely fused with the bone, an abutment, or small connector, is attached. This acts as the base for the artificial tooth.
•	Crown Placement: After the gums have healed around the abutment, a custom-made crown is affixed, completing the restoration. The crown is crafted to blend naturally with your surrounding teeth in both color and shape.

Recovering After Receiving Dental Implants

Following implant surgery, patients may experience mild discomfort and swelling, which can be managed with prescribed pain medication and cold compresses. The osseointegration process can take several months, during which it's important to follow post-surgery instructions, including adhering to a soft diet and maintaining good oral hygiene. While the implant site heals, most patients can return to their normal daily activities within a few days, but full recovery depends on individual healing times.

How to Maintain Dental Implants

Taking care of dental implants is essential for ensuring their long-term success. Key maintenance steps include:

•	Regular Dental Visits: Schedule check-ups and cleanings every six months to monitor the health of your implants and surrounding tissues.
•	Good Oral Hygiene: Brush twice a day and floss daily to keep the implant and surrounding gums healthy. Consider using special toothbrushes and floss designed for implants.
•	Avoid Hard Foods: While implants are durable, it's best to avoid biting down on very hard foods, as this could damage the crown.
•	Quit Smoking: Smoking can negatively impact healing and the success of your dental implants, so it's recommended to quit smoking if you can.

Dental implants are a reliable, long-term solution for restoring missing teeth, significantly improving both appearance and oral function. By understanding the implant procedure, the recovery timeline, and how to care for them, you can make an informed choice about your dental health. With the right care, dental implants not only restore your smile but also improve your quality of life, offering a lasting solution for both aesthetics and functionality.

Contact Information

3709 University Dr Suite D
Durham, NC 27707-6224

(984) 312-7056
info@mydurhamdentist.com

Durham ProsthodonticsYour Durham, NC Dentist