Dental Implants FAQs Chapel Hill, NC

Can I replace my denture with dental implants?

Yes! It is never too late to get teeth implants. Most people will qualify for them and can switch to an implant-supported denture. However, if you suffer from significant bone loss, you may require a procedure to build back up your jaw bone to properly support the implants. Many people have made the decision to switch because of the life-changing benefits. Even though implant-supported restorations cost more, they provide a teeth replacement solution that looks, feels, and functions like natural teeth.

Can my implants fail?

Yes, there is a chance for implant failure however the success rate of dental implants is over 95%. To make sure your implants fuse properly with the surrounding bone, we recommend taking good care of your overall oral hygiene and avoiding tobacco altogether as well as remaining in good overall health.

Choosing dental implants requires a lifetime commitment to properly caring for them. This includes visiting Dr. Furgurson at his Chapel Hill, NC dentist office every six months and following any special care they require.

How many teeth can dental implants replace?

Dental implants can replace any number of missing teeth. Our dentists will analyze your tooth loss and oral health then come up with a personalized solution based on your needs. We can use dental crowns, dental bridges, and full dentures that are supported with implants to replace the exact number of teeth you are missing!

Do I have to replace my missing teeth with implants?

No, however, they are better aesthetically speaking and offer many benefits that other options cannot. The greatest benefit of choosing teeth implants is they prevent bone loss in the jaw. With traditional bridges and dentures, the underlying bone will slowly begin to deteriorate due to lack of stimulation. An implant will actually act the missing tooth root to halt bone loss as well as support a restoration.

How many dental implants will I need to replace my teeth?

This depends on how many teeth you are missing and where they are located in the mouth. Other important factors are how much available bone you have and the type of restoration the implants will need to support. If you are only missing one tooth, only one implant is necessary. For multiple missing teeth, your dentist will need to do an oral examination to determine how many you will need. This could be anywhere from two to eight implant posts per row of teeth.

How do dentures attach to the implants?

There are two common ways the dentist can connect dentures to the implants. A removable implant overdenture will simply snap onto the implants. You will need to remove the denture daily to clean and maintain it. However, a denture can also be fixed to the implants. With implant-supported dentures, your dentist will use screws to secure the denture to the implants. Only Dr. Furgurson will be able to remove the denture at our Chapel Hill, NC dentist office.

How long do dental implants last?

Most dental implants are made of titanium which is a strong metal that will not decay. However, it is important to take care of your overall and oral health. If you brush at least twice a day, floss at least once a day, visit your dentist regularly and remain in good overall health, there is no reason your implants shouldn’t last a lifetime.


Ask Us Your Dental Implant Questions

Do you have any more questions about implants or the dental implant process? We’re happy to answer them for you! Call Chapel Hill Family and Cosmetic Dentistry today at 919.736.6175. You can also schedule a dental implant consultation with us online. 

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