As a Fellow of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists, Dr. James Furgurson is qualified to offer dental implant services. Dr. Furgurson has many years of experience placing dental implants. He will perform every step of the dental implant process from his dentist office located in Chapel Hill, NC. Complete implant services will save you the time and hassle of traveling to different specialists.
Dental implants are a sophisticated tooth replacement option. Implant treatment involves surgical procedures, months of healing time, and several steps to complete. The entire dental implant procedure will vary significantly for each patient. However, it typically takes about six months to a year to finish implant treatment. Your estimated treatment time depends on the preparation before you receive dental implants.
The Dental Implant Process in Chapel Hill, NC
If you are interested in dental implants, you want to know what happens during treatment. Below, we will review each step of the dental implant process:
Initial Visit
You will meet with Dr. Furgurson or Dr. White during your initial visit to determine if you qualify for dental implants. They will thoroughly evaluate your mouth, review your medical history, and discuss your goals. To be eligible for implants, you must have enough jawbone density to support the implants. You must also be healthy.
Additional Procedures
In some circumstances, you may require additional treatment before the implant surgery. We commonly extract severely decayed or damaged teeth if we cannot save them. Removing problem teeth will prevent the spread of infection and complications with implant treatment.
We suggest a bone graft if you do not have enough bone to support your implants. Bone grafting places healthy bone tissue where needed. Often, you will need bone grafting if you have had missing teeth for a long time. You can lose jaw bone when there is no tooth root for additional support.
Procedures before implant treatment will require additional healing time. However, these procedures ensure you are healthy enough for dental implants. Other treatments ensure you are a good candidate for dental implants.
Dental Implant Placement
Your oral surgery will occur in our Chapel Hill, NC, dentist’s office. On the day of your surgery, you will be under general anesthesia for your comfort. It will take Dr. Furgurson about an hour to place one implant and several hours for multiple implants.
We will send you home with aftercare instructions and instruct you to eat a soft diet for a few days. The implants will be left to heal and fuse with the jaw bone for about three to six months.
Abutment Placement
After the implants are fused with the bone, your dentist will put the abutments on the implant posts. This piece will sit at the gum line and connect the titanium metal post to the dental restoration.
This is a minor procedure. The soft tissues should only take about two weeks to heal afterward. Next, we will take dental impressions. A dental lab will use these impressions to create your crown, bridge, or denture.
Dental Restoration Placement
Once we receive your new restoration from the dental lab, you will return to our office for the final step in the implant process. Your dentist will attach your new replacement teeth and ensure they fit correctly. The new restoration will look and feel like natural teeth. We will communicate any specific care instructions with you.
Dental Implant Post-Treatment Care
You must immediately ensure they heal properly after you receive your dental implants. During the first 24 hours, avoid:
- Hot liquids
- Spicy foods
- Hard and crunchy foods
- Using straws
- Intense exercise
- Smoking or using tobacco products
We recommend using a cold compress to address swelling. You can use a saltwater rinse to prevent infection. Then, you can gently brush around your implant healing cap, but not directly on the cap. Directly brushing your implant healing cap can create discomfort and pain.
You may need to rest for about three days following your implant surgery. During that time, you can take antibiotics and pain medications as prescribed. Avoiding spicy or hot foods will minimize irritation and inflammation surrounding the implant posts.
Receiving dental implants can be a months-long process. However, dental implants are worth the wait. After your dental implants fully fuse with your jawbone, you will be ready for your new dental restoration.
Can Dental Implants Fail?
Implants have a success rate of over 95 percent. But implant treatment can fail.
We do not recommend that patients use tobacco products during the implant process. The nicotine in tobacco restricts the blood vessels. After we place the implant posts, they require time to fuse and become a part of the mouth. Nicotine can slow or completely stop the healing process.
Infection can also impact implant stability. Gum disease and tooth decay can loosen implant posts. Peri-implantitis is an inflammatory problem that affects the tissues surrounding implants. Poor oral hygiene is a common cause of peri-implantitis. Improperly placed implants can also lead to inflammation.
There are several signs of implant failure:
- Loosened implant posts
- Difficulty biting and chewing
- Gum recession
- Swollen gums
We ensure patients are healthy before implant treatment and receive grafting if needed. Our team has years of experience in implant fabrication and placement. However, if you notice any signs of implant failure, contact our office immediately for treatment.
Start Your Dental Implant Journey Today
Schedule a dental consultation today to learn more about the dental implant process in our Chapel Hill, NC office. Dr. Furgurson or Dr. White will perform an examination and let you know if you qualify for dental implants.
Our helpful staff is here to help you during every step of the process. Dental implants are the best option for tooth loss. This is the only treatment option that will support your long-term oral health. Dental implants are the next best thing to natural teeth.
Learn more about dental implants on our website: