Dental Implants An Overview
Missing teeth can now be replaced with the most life-like option using dental implants. Chapel Hill dentist Dr. Riley Hewgley restores all types of dental implants for patients with one, several or a full arch of missing teeth. Edentulous patients and those with an ill-fitted denture can also receive dental implants to permanently secure a beautiful new smile.
What Are the Benefits of Dental Implants?
Many patients are faced with choosing between treatment options when replacing lost teeth. From dental bridges to dentures, there is now a range of choices to take into consideration. Dr. Hewgley will meet with you to evaluate the condition of your teeth, gums, and jaw bone structure before recommending the most suitable options for your needs. She will discuss your concerns and aesthetic goals and provide details on the number of visits, cost and what to expect with different treatment options.
Dental implants offer several key benefits for the long-term health of your smile and your quality of life. It is important to consider all factors when choosing a tooth replacement option so that your end result meets your needs and goals.
Key benefits of implants to consider include:
- Stable, permanent result
- Reduces bone shrinkage in the jaw
- No dietary restrictions
- No daily adhesives
- Confident, comfortable speech
Sinus Lifts & Bone Grafts
After tooth loss, it is common to experience a reduction in healthy bone around the lost tooth or soft tissue in the upper sinus areas. Our periodontist can offer bone grafting and tissue grafting to augment these areas and create a healthy foundation for placing dental implants.
Dental Implants What to Expect
The dental implant process has two phases, beginning with the surgical implantation of the post into the jaw bone. Dr. Hewgley will coordinate this part of your treatment with a local oral surgeon and follow up with you to monitor the healing process and schedule the next step in your treatment. The healing phase can take 3-6 months and varies from person to person. It is important that enough time is allowed to pass before attaching the abutment so that the post is well integrated into the jaw for a stable outcome.
Once the soft tissues have healed, an abutment will be attached to the post. This collar-like piece will eventually support your new dental crown or secure a bridge or denture. A short healing period is often needed before the final restoration or appliance is attached.
What Is A Dental Implant?
The dental implant consists of three parts, all of which work together to closely mimic the structure of your natural tooth.
- Implant post: made of surgical grade titanium, the implant post is surgically placed into healthy jaw bone tissue. This part of the implant serves as a prosthetic tooth root and plays a key role in helping stabilize the bone tissue and minimize changes in the shape of your jaw.
- Abutment: attached to the post, the abutment will secure the final restoration. There are other types of attachment possibilities for implant dentures depending on the type of denture used.
- Restoration: a prosthetic tooth, or dental crown is placed on the abutment.
Caring for Your Dental Implants
Dental implants will look, feel and function like natural teeth. They should also be cared for daily with tooth brushing and flossing for long-term dental health. Routine dental visits will allow our team to monitor the condition of your implants and the health of surrounding tissue.
Dr. Hewgley will provide any specific daily oral hygiene or brushing advice for your type of implant or implant denture. Implants can last a lifetime with proper care and routine dentistry.
