Choosing Dental Implants and What to Consider
Many patients wonder if they’re a good candidate for cosmetic dental implants. Several factors determine candidacy, including the quality and quantity of the jawbone (which may require bone grafting), overall health status, and oral hygiene habits. Conditions such as uncontrolled diabetes or other medical issues may affect healing and impact eligibility. Additionally, smoking habits can influence success rates. Your general dentist will evaluate these factors during your dental implant consultation to determine if implants are right for you or if dental work needs to be completed first.
Benefits of Dental Implants at Sunrise Dental
Today’s dental implants offer numerous advantages setting them apart from traditional tooth replacement options. Here’s what makes dental implants an excellent choice:
Improved Oral Health: Implants allow for normal brushing and flossing, making it easier to maintain good oral hygiene. They also help prevent the shifting of remaining teeth often occurring with tooth loss, supporting long-term dental health.
Permanent Solution: Dental implants are designed to last a lifetime with proper care and maintenance. Unlike traditional bridges or dentures requiring frequent replacement, implants provide a long-term solution for lost tooth replacement.
Natural Look and Feel: Each implant crown is custom-crafted to match your own teeth in color, shape, and size. The result is a replacement tooth blending seamlessly with your smile and functioning just like a natural implanted tooth.
Preserved Bone Health: The implant post stimulates your jawbone just like a natural tooth root, preventing the bone loss typically occurring after tooth loss. This preservation of bone structure helps maintain your facial features and prevent premature aging.
Enhanced Comfort and Function: Because implants are anchored in your jawbone, they provide superior stability and comfort, unlike dentures which can slip or cause discomfort. You can eat, speak, and smile with complete confidence.
Protection of Adjacent Teeth: Unlike dentures or traditional bridges potentially damaging surrounding teeth, dental implants stand independently. This preserves the health and structure of your adjacent natural teeth.
What to Expect During Your Dental Implant Treatment
Your path to a restored smile involves several carefully planned phases designed for optimal results.
Comprehensive Evaluation
Your treatment begins with a thorough examination using advanced 3D imaging technology by our expert team—learn more about our team.
Treatment Planning
Based on your evaluation, we develop a detailed plan including the number and location of implants needed, any preliminary procedures such as bone grafting, and a timeline for treatment phases. We’ll also discuss sedation dentistry options, including local anesthesia, and provide a detailed cost breakdown and dental insurance coverage information.
Implant Placement
The surgical phase involves advanced anesthesia for your comfort and precise implant placement using surgical guides. We’ll monitor the initial healing process and provide a temporary denture if needed during healing.
Healing and Integration
During this phase, the implant fuses with your jawbone. Regular check-ups allow us to monitor healing and make adjustments to temporary restorations as needed. We’ll provide diet recommendations, including soft foods during initial recovery, and prepare for your final restoration.
Final Restoration
Once healing is complete, we’ll place your custom crown, bridge, or denture and perform bite adjustment and comfort checks. You’ll receive care instructions and a maintenance plan, and we’ll schedule follow-up visits to ensure your continued success.
Implant dentistry offers life-changing benefits for patients with missing or damaged teeth. At Sunrise Dental, we’re proud to deliver exceptional outcomes and compassionate care every step of the way.
Managing Expectations and Potential Risks
While dental implants have a high success rate, it’s important to understand potential complications. Implant failure can occur in rare cases due to poor oral hygiene, smoking, certain medical conditions affecting healing, insufficient bone volume, or excessive force on new implants. Our team will discuss all potential risks and how to minimize them during your dental implant consultation. Should you experience any dental emergency related to your implant, our office is equipped to provide prompt care.
Take Your First Step Toward a New Smile at Sunrise Dental
Take the first step toward a complete, confident smile with dental implants at Sunrise Dental. Contact our Cary office to schedule your consultation, or use our convenient online booking system. Located at 1223 Parkside Main St., Cary, NC 27519, we’re ready to help you discover the life-changing benefits of dental implants and how they can restore your ability to eat, speak, and smile with confidence.
