How do Dental Implants Work?
Have you heard about dental implants but aren’t exactly sure what they are?
You’ve come to the right place.
In this blog post, you’re going to learn:
- What a dental implant is
- How dental implants work
- How long the procedure takes
- How it helps restore your smile and keep your mouth healthy
- Whether you need implants for every tooth if you have full dentures
Let’s get started.
What is a dental implant?
A dental implant is a titanium post that functions like a tooth’s root. It looks just like a natural tooth when topped with a dental crown.
An implant helps preserve the surrounding bone, so nearby teeth stay healthy and allow your bite to function correctly.
How long does a dental implant procedure take?
Most implant procedures can be completed in less than 1 hour.
Once the local anesthetic wears off, you may experience some soreness and minor swelling in your gum.
The swelling and soreness will improve each day, and you should feel back to normal about two weeks after your appointment.
The implant is covered with a healing cap during the procedure and sits undisturbed for a couple of months.
This allows your bone to grow around the implant body as it would around a natural tooth.
After the bone has firmly attached to the implant, we will make a beautiful, natural-looking crown to go over the implant abutment.
From start to finish, you can expect the whole process to take around six months, depending on factors including:
- Location of the implant
- Type of implant used
- If you have gum disease
- If bone replacement material is needed
Will I need an implant for every tooth if I’m replacing full dentures?
If you currently have dentures or have been thinking about getting dentures, the good news is you won’t need an implant for every tooth you want to replace.
The exact number you’ll need varies based on the type of implants used and the type of teeth (removable vs. non-removable) attached to the implants.
A thorough oral exam and panoramic x-rays are necessary to determine the exact number of implants needed.
Looking for an implant dentist in North Carolina?
Charles Ashley Mann, DDS & Associates is dedicated to giving you and your family the most exceptional care possible. We use the latest dental technology and the highest quality dental materials to make your care affordable, efficient, and virtually pain-free.
Our doctors want to make you feel comfortable and confident no matter your age.
With three convenient locations in Cary, Garner, and Fuquay-Varina, you can be sure to find comfortable care in an area close to you.
Call one of our three convenient dental office locations and let us help you decide which implant option is right for you.
- Call our Cary office: 919-462-9338
- Call our Garner office: 919-838-7388
- Call our Fuquay-Varina office: 919-552-1044
- Send us a message online
We happily welcome patients from all over North Carolina, including Cary, Garner, Fuquay-Varina, Raleigh, Angier, Lillington, Holly Springs, Willow Springs, Apex, and Clayton, NC.
