What Are Dental Implants?

A dental implant is a small, screw-like device placed into your jawbone to replace the root of a missing tooth. The implant is made of titanium, a biocompatible material that fuses with your bone over time. Dental implants provide a strong and durable foundation for replacement teeth that are custom-made to match your natural teeth.

The Dental Implant Process

The dental implant procedure is usually done in multiple stages and can take several months to complete. The procedure involves multiple steps:

Preparing for Surgery:

At your appointment, Dr. Ron Logan will remove the damaged tooth, if any, and prepare your jawbone for surgery. Our patients will receive Local anesthesia to avoid unnecessary pain during the surgery. 

During the Surgery:

The implant is placed into the jawbone and will take several months to heal. 

Your New Tooth:

Once the implant has fused with the bone, an abutment – a small connector – is placed on top of the implant, which will hold the replacement tooth. A custom-made replacement tooth is attached to the abutment, which looks and feels like your natural teeth.

What are the Benefits of Dental Implants?

Dental implants are an excellent option for those who have lost a tooth. With dental implants, you can restore your smile in appearance and function, with your implant looking and feeling like your natural teeth. Dental implants provide many benefits, including:

• Improved Appearance and Function: Dental implants look, feel, and function like natural teeth. They provide a long-term solution that restores your smile and enhances oral health. Dental implants also help improve your speech and give you the ability to eat properly. 
• Improved Oral Health: Dental implants preserve the integrity of your jawbone by preventing bone loss and deterioration that can occur when you have missing teeth.
• Improved Confidence: Missing teeth is never good and can make one feel like they cannot smile. With dental implants, these insecurities can be washed away as you receive a new, natural-looking, and feeling tooth. Your smile will be full and healthy again, and your confidence will increase as you feel comfortable smiling again.  

Dental Implant Aftercare

Dental implants can last a lifetime with proper care and maintenance. Caring for your dental implants is similar to caring for your natural smile. 

1. Oral Hygiene: Ensure proper oral hygiene by brushing your teeth twice daily, flossing once daily, and using mouthwash. By doing these simple steps daily, you can promise your dental implant and your smile will stay healthy. 
2. Diet: A healthy diet can exponentially help your oral health. After a dental implant, you must avoid eating hard foods to avoid damaging your new implant. 

Taking good care of your dental implants should last many years and provide a strong and reliable foundation for your replacement teeth.

Dental Implants in Winston-Salem, NC

Dental implants are a popular and effective solution for replacing missing teeth. The dental implant procedure is a multi-step process that involves several stages, but the result is worth the wait. Dental implants provide many benefits, including improved appearance and function, oral health, and confidence. If you’re considering dental implants, schedule a consultation with our dentist today to see if they’re right for you.