Dental Implants in Raleigh
Dental implants have come a long way over the last 25 years. The dental industry has worked hard to improve the process related to getting dental implants, and now patients can enjoy near permanent, realistic teeth without ever having to worry about having them falling out, needing replaced, or having to fuss with dentures ever again!
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants posts are made from a solid material called titanium. Long ago it was discovered that titanium is the only metal in the world that will graft with the human bone to create a strong, lasting bond. The restoration used today consists of three major parts:
- The rod that is placed in the jawbone, grafting to the bone
- The implant abutment that is used to secure the tooth
- And the porcelain crown that is attached to the abutment - this is the part everyone will see.
Anna Abernethy, DDS
Dr. Abernethy, originally from Concord, North Carolina, moved to Raleigh for college and graduated from Meredith College in 2001 with a degree in biology and a minor in chemical physics. Her journey towards dentistry began unexpectedly when she experienced a dental emergency during her college years, leading her to explore the field through externship programs. Witnessing a patient's life-changing smile makeover after a car accident inspired her to become a dentist. She pursued her dental education at UNC-Chapel Hill Dental School, actively participating in various community service initiatives and events. After graduation, she gained valuable experience as an associate in a dental practice.
Jill Sonner, DDS
Dr. Sonner, a Raleigh native, completed her undergraduate studies at NCSU in Biological Sciences in 1999. She pursued dental education at UNC Dental School and trained at Fayetteville VA Medical Center, gaining skills in treating medically compromised and geriatric patients, and in advanced surgical techniques, including implant placement. She achieved Fellowship with The International Dental Implant Association, mentored by Dr. Arun Garg. Dr. Sonner, alongside Drs. Abernethy and Wells, took part in a mission to the Dominican Republic, contributing to dental implant surgeries, enhancing chewing function for locals who wouldn't otherwise have the chance. Their efforts significantly improved the quality of life for many recipients.
Anita Wells, DDS
Dr. Anita Wells, developed her passion for dentistry in her hometown of Pinehurst, inspired by her childhood dentist's compassionate and personalized care. From a young age, she was fascinated by his ability to transform lives through beautiful smiles. Observing his artistic skills and the positive impact he made on patients, she decided to pursue dentistry. Dr. Wells graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a Bachelor's degree in Biology and Chemistry, and later earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery with the highest honors. After practicing in Chapel Hill, she co-founded Renaissance Dental Center in 2009, aiming to provide personalized dental care based on her dedication to changing people's lives.
Consider Dental Implants
If you are missing a tooth, or many teeth, you know it can be taxing on your self-esteem. Your smile is one of the first things people notice about you, and if you are missing teeth, you might find yourself hiding your smile, or avoiding smiling altogether. Dental implants can help. People who are missing, or who have damaged or decaying teeth are all good candidates for this type of dental restoration.
Within a few months, or even visits, you can have a complete and beautiful smile to be proud of. In addition to improving the look of your smile, having dental implants placed can reduce the risk of bone loss.
When teeth are not present in the mouth, the bone can wear away because it is not needed to secure teeth. This can also cause surrounding teeth to move forward or backward, causing future dental problems. Another reason to consider is to improve any jaw problems you might have, improve your bite, and improve the way you eat your food.
Finally, missing teeth can impact the way you talk, so having a full set can prevent speech impediments from developing in the future. As you can see, there are many reasons to consider dental implants.
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Implant Benefits
The benefits of getting dental implants, or even just one dental implant, are plentiful. One of the most beneficial aspects of dental implants is that they preserve the integrity of the bone after a tooth has been lost. Filling those gaps as soon as possible prevents significant issues from developing over time.
Other benefits include upgrading your dentures: if you have removable dentures, you can get dental implants to secure your dentures to your gums. Imagine, not having to remove your dentures again? Other benefits including getting the look and feel of a full set of teeth, and not to mention the total function of your mouth.
Dental implants improve your appearance as well: when teeth are missing, the shape of the face and jaw may change. Overall, most people seek dental implants simply to improve their quality of life and to again be proud of their smile. Replacing even one tooth can have a considerable impact on your quality of life, and that's worth the effort when considering this treatment option.
Placement Process
The first stage is planning. This stage involves determining whether or not a patient is eligible for the procedure: there needs to be enough bone in the jaw to support the placement of the dental implant.
When your dental surgeon and you have decided to move forward, you will undergo a surgery to place the rod so that it can begin to graft to the bone. After a few months, the healing will be complete.
When the implant has integrated into the bone, patients will have the abutment placed inside of the rod. This will hold the crown in place. The crown will be set using dental cement or an internal dental screw.
Implant technology has changed so much over the years that patients will experience little to no pain. Even the healing time can be completed in a relatively short period and patients can walk away looking and feeling better with full use of their teeth.
Right For You?
There is no age limit on how old a patient can be to receive dental implants, as long as there is sufficient bone structure to support the placement of the rods. However, younger children and teenagers are typically not candidates for dental implants.
For patients who are having an extraction, implants can be placed at the same time. That does not mean, however, that people who have had missing teeth for years aren’t good candidates; as long as there is enough healthy bone to support the procedure, most people are eligible for dental implants as an option for replacement.