Dental implants are known for longevity, but this is one of many advantages you’ll discover with this tooth replacement option. Dental implants can indeed last for decades and sometimes for life. The secret to their longevity may be healthy habits and good choices.
This blog covers:
- Dental Implants in Charlotte, NC: What They Are and the Benefits
- Dental Implant Candidacy: Are They Right for You?
- The Dental Implant Process
- 4 Tips to Promote Dental Implant Longevity
- Why Choose a Holistic Dentist for Your Implant Placement
- How to Contact Us
Dental Implants in Charlotte, NC: What They Are and the Benefits
Dental implants are tooth root replacements fabricated from biocompatible titanium, which means they integrate safely into bone. Doctors and dentists have used titanium successfully for decades. It is a highly trusted and time-tested material.
Dental implant roots are eventually topped with abutments and single crowns. The dentist may discuss implant dentures or bridges if you have substantial tooth loss. This means we use up to six implants (often fewer) to fix an arch of restoration teeth to the jaw.
The benefits of dental implants include:
- Longevity: Dental implants are a lasting tooth replacement solution.
- Easy Maintenance: Dental implants require only brushing, flossing, and regular dental care, just like natural teeth.
- Superior Look and Function: Dental implants look and function like natural teeth. You’ll enjoy all your favorite foods again and never worry about adjustments or special cleaning products.
- Oral Health Benefits: Implants help preserve the jawbone and prevent tooth migration.
Dental Implant Candidacy: Are They Right for You?
To ensure dental implants are a suitable tooth replacement option, we have you come to our dental office for a comprehensive consultation. The consultation includes a conversation with your Charlotte implant dentist. The aim is to learn about your tooth replacement goals and ensure implants are suitable.
Considerations include jawbone integrity, sinus placement, general health, and more.
You may be an immediate candidate for dental implants, not a candidate, or require pretreatments to bring your smile into candidacy.
Pretreatments may include:
- Sinus Lift
- Bone Grafting
- Oral Health Maintenance
You’ll also learn what to expect during and after dental implant placement at this consultation.
If you are not a candidate, we’ll explain why and discuss tooth replacement alternatives, such as a dental bridge.
The Dental Implant Process
Dental implants are a three-part process.
Dental Implant Consultation
Of course, your consultation is the starting point, a time to assess your goals and health and answer any questions you might have. If you proceed with dental implants, the next step is planning and placement.
Dental Implant Planning and Placement
As a holistic dentist in Charlotte, Dr. Heather Gentry relies on image-guided technology and other innovations to minimize invasive methods and promote fast healing.
Technologies may include, but are not limited to:
- CBCT: Digital 3-D imaging means safe and precise tooth root placement.
- Isolate System: This technology is for your comfort. It provides a resting place for the jaw and clears away water and debris.
- Anesthesia Wand: This system helps your dentist deliver painless anesthesia to the treatment site.
We’ll ensure you’re relaxed and comfortable before surgically placing your dental implant root or roots.
You’ll not feel pain during treatment, but you may notice mild soreness later in the day after anesthesia wears off. Typically, all you’ll need is an over-the-counter pain reliever for the first few days. Implant placement recovery is prompt and comparable to how you might feel after a dental filling.
Follow your dentist’s aftercare instructions to promote implant success and longevity, and always call our dental office if you have questions or concerns during healing.
Crown or Prosthetic Placement
After your implants heal, including titanium root-to-bone integration, it’s time for your new smile! At this visit, we top your implant posts with custom crowns, which act as your new teeth, or an implant-supported denture/bridge.
4 Tips to Promote Dental Implant Longevity
Even if you have full-mouth prosthetics, it’s vital to consider your gum health. Issues like gum disease can lead to dental implant failure. In other words, oral care and good habits are still essential to implant success and longevity.
Remember, even if you must change your implant crown or prosthetic in the future, the underlying implant posts should still be viable.
We recommend the following:
- Brush Your Teeth and Implants at Least Twice Daily: Dental implants can’t decay, but oral health complications can put them at risk. Keeping your mouth and gums clean is essential.
- Floss Your Teeth and Implants at Least Twice Daily: Flossing is vital even with full-mouth prosthetics. It moves debris away from the implants, your remaining teeth, and the gumline between your teeth.
- Visit Your Dentist Regularly: You should continue visiting the dentist every six months for checkups and cleanings.
- Talk to a Dental Team Member: If you notice anything concerning—a bump on the gum, swelling, sores that don’t heal, or other concerning changes—contact a dental team member as soon as possible for an assessment and guidance.
Why Choose a Holistic Dentist for Your Implant Placement
A holistic dentist relies on more natural modes and materials and considers how oral health contributes to overall wellness. Additionally, a holistic dentist takes extra steps and uses advanced innovations to help guard against the complications associated with infection or common oral health concerns. Prevention is a key factor in holistic dentistry.
Dr. Gentry’s philosophy is to provide the” highest quality, biocompatible treatment along with compassion and understanding for her patients.” She has a like-minded team dedicated to your smile, health and aesthetics.
How to Contact Us: Are You Considering Dental Implants in Charlotte, NC?
At Gentry Dental, we love to see our patients smile and feel confident.
Call us today at (704) 554-1007 to learn more about tooth replacement, including dental implants, or to book a consultation with our cosmetic dentist.
Though we are not in network with providers, we file insurance claims on your behalf, offer various financing options, and have our own in-house savings plan. Ask a dental team member for details, including benefits and exclusions.