Dental Implants

Crafting Happy, Healthy Smiles In Eastern North Carolina

At The Dental Care Center, we empathize with how the loss of one or more teeth can not only affect the confidence you have in your smile, but also daily activities such as chewing and speaking. Whether you’ve tried dental appliances, such as dentures or crowns and bridges, or are seeking solutions for the first time, dental implants may be a great option for you. By mimicking the look and feel of your natural teeth, dental implants make everyday tasks such as eating and talking become easier and more comfortable.

Dental provider preparing a patient for dental implant treatment at the dental care center in north carolina

The Dental Implant Procedure

While the dental implant process can vary depending on each patient’s individual smile needs, we understand wanting to know what to expect! In general, this what patients can anticipate when receiving dental implants:

  • Preliminary consultation and X-ray: Before scheduling the dental implant appointment, you will have a planning session with your dentist. Together, you will go over the process, discussing if you need certain dental procedures, such as an extraction or grafts, to prepare for the placement of the implants.

  • Implant Placement: Following your planning session with your dentist and any other preliminary procedures, your dentist will surgically place a titanium post into your jaw bone to act as the root.

  • Healing: Over the next few months, your jawbone will need time to heal and fuse with the implant. This period of time is imperative to ensure there is a solid foundation to attach the new tooth to. 

  • Abutment Placement: After the healing period is complete, your dentist will attach an abutment to the top of the implant. The abutment is a tiny connector to attach the new tooth/crown to the implant. 

  • Crown Placement: The crown will be designed to look and feel like your natural tooth and is attached to the abutment. Once healed, you will feel healthy and confident in your new smile.

Dental provider reviewing a dental implant scan at the dental care center in north carolina

What Are Dental Implants?

Dental implants will look and feel like your natural teeth. Your dentist at The Dental Care Center may recommend them to replace any dead, decaying or missing tooth roots to provide a strong foundation for new teeth. Dental implants are tiny posts screwed directly into the jaw. On top of them, our team combines expertise and artistry to design crowns that match the look and feel of your natural teeth so you can smile with confidence.

Frequently Asked Questions

At The Dental Care Center, we understand that dental implants may raise questions. Rest assured, we want you to have confidence and clarity whenever you make decisions about your oral health.

Below, our team has answered some of the most common questions we receive about implants.

Is the procedure painful?

The Dental Care Center carefully plans dental implant procedures, always keeping your comfort at the forefront. Depending on your plan with your dentist, this procedure is typically performed with a light anesthetic or local anesthesia, ensuring you don’t feel a thing.

Rejection is very rare. Dental implants are made from biocompatible materials designed to integrate safely with your jawbone, making them one of the most reliable tooth replacement options available.

Your comfort is our priority! Following your procedure, you can anticipate mild pain for about 48 hours. Your dentist will give you instructions on what pain relievers and medications to take. You can expect mild tenderness or soreness in the days following the procedure, especially when chewing. Regardless, if you ever have concerns, please contact our office! We are here to support you. 

Dental implants are extremely durable. By being mindful and maintaining proper oral healthcare, they can last upwards of thirty years! 

Dental Care For The Whole Family

At The Dental Care Center, we proudly provide exceptional family dentistry throughout Eastern North Carolina, with seven convenient locations designed to make high-quality care easy to access close to home. No matter which office you visit, you can expect the same trusted, personalized treatment from our experienced dentists and caring team. We’re committed to creating a welcoming, stress-free environment where patients of all ages feel comfortable and confident, because your comfort, health and smile are always our top priorities.