Learn About Dental Implant Options in Gibsonville

Understanding Dental Implants: What They Are and How They Work

Dental implants are artificial tooth roots made from titanium that are placed into your jawbone to support replacement teeth. When you lose a tooth, the root is also gone, which can cause bone loss over time. A dental implant replaces that missing root and provides a stable foundation for a crown, bridge, or denture. This guide covers information about dental implant options available in Gibsonville so you can learn about this treatment approach.

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The implant itself is a small post that looks similar to a screw. Your dentist or oral surgeon places this post directly into your jawbone below the gum line. Over several months, the bone grows around the implant in a process called osseointegration. This biological bonding creates a very strong connection, much like a natural tooth root. Once the implant has fully integrated with the bone, your dentist can attach a crown, bridge, or other restoration on top of it.

Dental implants have been used successfully for decades. Research shows that implants have success rates between 90 and 95 percent when properly placed and maintained. They can last many years, and some patients report their implants lasting 20 years or longer. Unlike removable dentures, implants feel and function like natural teeth, allowing you to eat, speak, and smile with confidence.

The process typically involves several stages. First, your dentist will examine your teeth and jawbone to determine if you have enough bone to support an implant. If bone loss has occurred, bone grafting may be recommended to build up the area. Next, the implant is surgically placed into the jawbone. After healing and osseointegration, an abutment (connector piece) is attached to the implant. Finally, a custom-made crown is placed on top of the abutment to create your new tooth.

Practical Takeaway: Dental implants work by replacing both the visible tooth and the root structure beneath your gum. Understanding this basic process helps you recognize why implants are considered a durable long-term solution compared to other tooth replacement options. Schedule a consultation with a Gibsonville dental provider to discuss whether implants might work for your situation.

Types of Dental Implants Available in Gibsonville

There are several types of dental implants that dental professionals in Gibsonville may discuss with you. The most common type is the endosteal implant, which is placed directly into the jawbone. These implants are shaped like small screws, cylinders, or blades and are typically made from titanium. Endosteal implants require adequate bone height and width, which is why bone grafting is sometimes necessary before placement.

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Another type is the subperiosteal implant, which is placed under the gum but above the jawbone. This option may be considered when the jawbone is shallow or has experienced significant loss. Subperiosteal implants sit on top of the bone rather than being surgically inserted into it. They are less commonly used today because endosteal implants generally provide better outcomes when bone grafting can be performed first.

Zygomatic implants are specialized implants that are anchored to the zygomatic bone (cheekbone) instead of the jawbone. This option is sometimes considered for patients who have experienced severe upper jawbone loss and cannot or do not want to undergo bone grafting. Zygomatic implants are longer than standard implants and require specialized surgical expertise, so they may not be available at every dental practice in the Gibsonville area.

Dental professionals also classify implants by their surface texture and design. Some implants have a rough surface that encourages bone integration, while others are smoother. Some designs feature threads to help anchor the implant in the bone, while others use different geometric shapes. Your dentist will recommend the implant type and design that best suits your bone structure and tooth replacement needs.

The choice of implant type depends on several factors including the amount of available jawbone, your overall health, and your specific tooth loss situation. A Gibsonville dental provider will examine your mouth thoroughly and may use imaging technology to determine which implant option would work best for you. Different implant types may also have different costs and timelines for completion.

Practical Takeaway: Multiple implant types exist, and the best choice depends on your individual bone structure and dental needs. When you meet with a Gibsonville dentist, ask them to explain which implant type they would recommend for your situation and why that option is suitable for your specific case.

The Dental Implant Procedure: What to Expect

The dental implant procedure typically spans several months from start to finish, though the actual surgical placement may take only a few hours. Before surgery, your dentist will take detailed images of your jawbone, such as X-rays or a CT scan, to plan the exact placement location. They will also discuss the procedure with you, explain what to expect, and review any medications you are taking. Some dentists may recommend adjusting medications before surgery or may want you to avoid certain foods or supplements that affect bleeding.

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On the day of surgery, your dentist will numb the area with local anesthesia. Some patients also receive sedation to help them feel more relaxed during the procedure. Your dentist will make an incision in the gum to expose the jawbone, then carefully drill into the bone to create a space for the implant. The implant post is then placed into this space and the gum is sutured closed over it. The entire surgical placement typically takes 30 minutes to two hours depending on the number of implants being placed.

After surgery, healing and osseointegration occur over the next three to six months. During this time, you should avoid chewing directly on the surgical site and follow your dentist's instructions for eating soft foods. You may experience some swelling, bruising, or discomfort in the days following surgery, which can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain medication. Your dentist will provide detailed post-operative care instructions to promote proper healing.

Once osseointegration is complete, your dentist will take another scan to confirm that the bone has grown solidly around the implant. At this appointment, they will uncover the implant by removing any stitches and may place an abutment (the connector piece) on top of the implant. Some dentists place the abutment during the initial surgery, while others place it during a second minor procedure. After the abutment is secure, impressions are taken to create your custom crown.

The final step involves placing your new crown on the abutment. Your dentist will make sure the crown fits properly, feels comfortable, and matches the color and shape of your surrounding teeth. The crown is typically attached with cement or a small screw, depending on the implant design. After placement, your new tooth should look and function like a natural tooth.

Practical Takeaway: The implant process requires patience and spans several months, but involves straightforward surgical and restorative steps. Ask your Gibsonville dentist to provide a detailed timeline specific to your situation so you know when each phase will occur and what to expect during recovery.

Bone Grafting and Other Preparatory Treatments

Many patients do not have enough bone in their jaw to support a dental implant when they first visit their dentist. Bone loss occurs naturally after tooth loss because the root of the tooth normally stimulates the bone to maintain its size and density. Once the tooth is gone, the bone beneath it gradually shrinks. Additionally, some people are born with less bone in certain areas, or bone loss may have occurred due to gum disease or injury.

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Bone grafting is a procedure that builds up bone in areas where it has been lost. During this procedure, bone material is placed in the area where additional bone is needed. This material may come from another part of your own jaw, from an animal source that has been specially processed, from a human donor, or from synthetic materials designed to encourage bone growth. Your body gradually incorporates this material, and new bone grows to replace and integrate with the graft.

The bone grafting process typically takes several months to complete, and your dentist will monitor your progress with imaging scans. Some types of bone grafts may integrate faster than others, and some may require a second grafting procedure if additional bone is needed. Once your dentist confirms that sufficient bone has grown and integrated, the implant placement surgery can be scheduled. In some cases, bone grafting and implant placement may be performed during the same surgical visit, though this depends on the amount of bone that needs to be rebuilt