It is a fact that most people will not make it through life without losing at least one tooth. Trauma, gum disease, and poor oral hygiene are all reasons why people have missing or damaged teeth. There are many choices available to replace teeth and rebuild smiles. Dental implants, however, offer the most long term health benefits.
Dr. James Furgurson is an expert implant dentist and has achieved the status of Fellow in the International Congress of Oral Implantologists. He is a passionate dentist who listens to his patient’s needs and goals. In most cases, Dr. Furgurson can perform every step of the implant process at his Chapel Hill dentist office. As a top dental implant dentist, he treats patients from many area communities including Durham, NC.
About Dental Implants
A dental implant is a small, titanium metal post that looks like a screw. Your dentist will surgically implant them into the jaw bone. These implants will eventually fuse with the living bone as it heals to create a strong bond. They will support a dental prosthetic that your dentist will make that blends in naturally with your smile.
These implants will also serve as a replacement tooth root. This means that they stimulate the jaw bone, thus preventing premature bone loss over time. However, not everyone will qualify for dental implants. You should be in overall good health and have enough healthy jaw bone to support this tooth replacement choice.
Advantages of Dental Implants
Dental implants are the smart choice for patient of all ages. They are the best way to replace a lost natural tooth. When compared to alternatives such as dental bridges or dentures, teeth implants offer many more advantages. These benefits include:
- Permanent solution for missing teeth
- Better preservation of bone structure
- Support adjacent teeth
- We can fix replacement teeth in place with an implant, which means they don’t slip out like dentures
- No worrying about restoration slipping around in the mouth
- Easy to care for
- Look, feel and function like natural teeth
- Little to no food restrictions
- Replaced teeth will not get cavities
- Improves the appearance of smile and lower face
- Dentists can use implants to replace a single tooth with a bridge, or multiple teeth with a full denture
- Superior durability and longevity
Dental Implants Process
Tooth replacement with dental implants will take about three to six months. If you require pre-treatments, then the process time will be longer. Dr. James Furgurson will spend a considerable amount of time evaluating your teeth and jaw and planning your treatment. This involves an evaluation of your entire oral structure.
Next is the surgical placement of the teeth implants. Dr. Furgurson will insert the implants into your jawbone at the predetermined location at his Durham, NC area dentist office. If you require extractions, we will complete them immediately before the surgery. In some cases, we may be able to immediately restore the dental implant with a denture, dental crown, or bridge. In other instances, we will place a temporary restoration.
The implants will naturally fuse with the surrounding bone after your surgery, thus creating a strong base for your new dental prosthesis. This can take from three to six months. Dr. Furgurson will closely monitor your healing during this time.
After the implants have fused with the jaw bone, we will attach the final restoration at our Durham, NC area dentist office. Your replacement teeth will look, feel, and function just like real teeth.
Dental Implant FAQs Answered By Experts in the Industry
How much does a dental implant cost?
Dental implants are a great solution for people with missing teeth. The cost of dental implants varies depending on the type and location of the implant. Some dentists offer affordable dental implants in their office without having to see multiple specialists. Furthermore, these dental offices may offer financial assistance or financing plans to help you pay for your dental implant procedure.
Am I a candidate for dental implants?
If you have lost teeth but still have healthy bone and gum tissue, you might be a candidate for dental implants. Implants are artificial tooth roots that dentists surgically place into the jawbone under the gum. They connect to a titanium post on top of the bone that replaces your original tooth root. Because of this, you need to have a healthy jawbone structure.
What are the different types of dental implants available?
There are many different types of dental implants available in the market, but there are two main types that are most popular.
The first type is called osseointegrated dental implant, or endosteal implant. These implants work by integrating with the bone and they have a screw-like design. They can replace single or many missing teeth.
The second type is called abutment-supported dental implant, or subperiosteal implant. These implants have a more traditional tooth-like shape. They can only replace a single tooth.