Are you missing one or more teeth? Do you need a durable restoration to fill out your smile?
At Waterford Family and Cosmetic Dentistry, we provide complete services for the replacement of dental implants in Leland, NC. Dental implants are dental restorations that are inserted into the jawbone to replace missing teeth at the root. They are a permanent replacement for lost or missing teeth that look and feel natural. Dr. Rawley Fuller offers patients experienced, comprehensive implant dentistry and treatment options for tooth replacement.
Call our Waterford area office and our dental team can help determine if dental implants are right for you at your next consultation. We also provide comprehensive restorative and cosmetic dental services to patients in Leland, North Carolina.
Benefits of Dental Implants
Dental implants offer multiple benefits to patients with lost teeth. Some benefits may include:
- Restored tooth function
- Long-lasting results
- Durability
- Filling tooth gaps
- Decreased oral health problems
- They look and feel like natural teeth
- Helping to prevent bone loss
We also offer several treatment options for multiple teeth or whole arches that can be secured with implants. Our office may recommend dental bridges if you have one or more consecutive missing teeth. You can also benefit from implant-supported dentures if you have one or more missing tooth arches.
Which Implant Solution Should You Choose?
Our professional dental team can evaluate your oral health and determine if a dental implant suits your needs. Even if you have gum disease or tooth decay, we can help ensure that your teeth and gums are healthy enough to receive implants. Patients who do not have enough jawbone to support implants can receive bone grafting for a stable foundation.
We will recommend single implants for patients who are missing only one tooth. If patients have multiple teeth missing or full rows of lost teeth, we recommend implant-supported bridges or hybrid dentures.
Dental Implant Treatment
At our office, we provide complete dental implant services all in one place. This means you can get planning, placement, and follow-up care without having to visit multiple offices. Dr. Fuller and our skilled team guide you through every step to ensure your care is consistent, safe, and comfortable.
The process begins with careful treatment planning. Our dentist evaluate your teeth, gums, and jawbone to create a personalized plan. Next, an oral surgeon places the implant post into your jawbone. It acts as a strong foundation for your new tooth.
Over the next 3 to 6 months, the implant gradually bonds with your bone in a process called osseointegration. Once this healing is complete, we place an abutment to connect the post to your restoration. We work with a local dental lab to create your final crown, bridge, or denture.
Dental Implant FAQs
Do you want to know more? We can help. Learn the answers to frequently asked questions about tooth implants in Leland, NC.
Are dental implants painful?
During the dental implant procedure, we use anesthesia to numb the treated area. Although you may feel some discomfort after the procedure, excessive pain is abnormal. Please contact our office if you experience pain for more than 2 days after the procedure.
Why should I replace my missing tooth or teeth?
Gaps left by missing teeth create new places for bacteria and food residue to collect, increasing the chance of developing tooth decay and gum disease. Even a single tooth implant can also keep remaining teeth from shifting and overcrowding into the tooth gap. Restoring lost teeth also improves the appearance of the smile and the function of the bite.
Do dental implants stain?
Dental implants themselves do not stain because they are made of materials like porcelain or zirconia, which are resistant to discoloration. However, the surrounding natural teeth can still stain from foods, drinks, and smoking. To keep your tooth implants and natural teeth looking their best, maintain good oral hygiene and avoid stain-causing substances. Regular dental cleanings also help prevent staining.
Can I get a dental implant years after losing a tooth?
You can get a dental implant years after tooth loss. Many patients successfully receive implants long after extraction. However, bone grafting might be necessary if you have had significant bone loss. We’ll assess your jaw health to determine the best approach.
Do tooth implants cause bad breath?
Tooth implants themselves do not cause bad breath. However, poor oral hygiene around the implant can lead to bad breath. Bacteria can build up around the tooth implant, causing infections or gum disease, which could result in bad breath. I
We’ll help you learn how to clean your implants just like natural teeth. We recommend that you continue to brush and floss your implants, teeth, and gums every day. You should also still visit our dentist for bi-yearly exams and cleanings.
Do dental implants feel like natural teeth?
Yes, dental implants feel very much like natural teeth. A dentist will securely anchor them into your jawbone, providing a stable and natural feeling. Unlike dentures, implants don’t move around in your mouth. Most people find that they can’t tell the difference between their tooth implant and their natural teeth.
Schedule a Dental Consultation
Are you missing one or more teeth? Explore implant dentistry and discover the benefits they provide for a full, stable, and balanced bite. Request an appointment with our Waterford dental team on our website. You may also call Waterford Family and Cosmetic Dentistry at 910-519-1624.
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