Implant Dentistry

Curious About what’s a Dental Implant?

Dental implants are artificial teeth made to replace natural teeth. With advances in modern dentistry, dental implants have become surprisingly good at mimicking natural teeth. (In fact, sometimes they function even better than natural teeth!) Isn't that amazing? You might be wondering how exactly these dental implants mimic natural teeth. It goes like this. First, a dental implant--part tooth and part root—are selected. Then your friendly Burlington, NC, dentist carefully inserts the artificial root and tooth into your jawbone. This makes a perfect replacement for natural teeth. These natural teeth replacements can be especially helpful for those with tooth damage, decay, or loss.

Are You an Ideal Candidate for Dental Implants?

Tooth damage, decay, or loss can make dental implants an attractive option for patients. If tooth damage, decay, loss, or any other oral health conditions involving your natural teeth are negatively impacting your day-to-day life, dental implants may be ideal for you. They can be lifelong solutions to your oral health problems. They also come with many other added benefits.

Benefits of Dental Implants

Enjoy a long-lasting healthy smile. When taken care of properly, dental implants can last a lifetime. Smile and keep on smilin' because your dental implants are likely lifelong partners.

Look younger and healthier. Dental implants provide the added benefit of structural support for the face. If age or other prevailing oral health conditions have caused facial collapse, dental implants can help—and even reverse some of the damage in certain cases.

No special maintenance or cleaning required. Tired of fumbling with dentures to clean, maintain, and properly store them? Skip the hassle with the permanent solution of dental implants.

Implants are friendly neighbors. When you get dental implants, they benefit more than just the decayed, damaged or lost teeth they are replacing. They provide support to other teeth—preventing crowding.

Economical. Because of how long they last, dental implants can be more cost-effective than dentures and bridges. (especially when considering the time saved on maintaining and cleaning for dentures/bridges). If taken care of well, dental implants can be less expensive than other options in the long-run.

Easier eating. Worried about your dentures falling out? No problem, dental implants definitely won't. Dental implants are fused to your bone, giving you as much chewing power, if not more, than your natural teeth.

Prevent further bone loss. Tooth roots are essential for your body's bone growth and upkeep processes. If teeth or roots are damaged--bone loss is a possibility. Luckily, dental implants can help. Dental implants trick your jawbone into thinking there's still a healthy root there!

What Is the Typical Healing Time?

The exact healing time for each individual will vary. The healing time depends on the complexity of each individual operation. Operations might differ in factors such as the number of implants made, individual patient health conditions, and whether bone grafting was required or not. Similarly, the cost of dental implants can also vary based on the complexity of the surgery. But typically, the site of the operation heals within a few weeks. However, the entire process of bone healing might take several months. The long healing time has to do with the body's process of bone growth and healing. The implant must fuse with your bone, and this process naturally takes time. Once the healing is done, you'll be sure to have a strong, healthy, and dependable friend in your dental implant.

Are Dental Implants Affordable?

As mentioned above, the cost of dental implants can vary with the complexity of the procedure-- most notably with the number of teeth being replaced. So it's always best to consult with your dentist to see what your best estimate for getting dental implants is. At Alamance Family Dentistry, we are proud to be your personal oral health consultant in Burlington, NC—we would be happy to sit down you with you and get your best estimate for dental implants. Contact us now or call us at (336)-270-2987 today!