At Irving Park Family & Cosmetic Dentistry in Greensboro, NC, we provide modern dental implant solutions to restore your smile and confidence. Dental implants are artificial tooth roots made of biocompatible titanium that are surgically placed into your jawbone. These posts create a strong foundation for replacement teeth that look, feel, and function just like natural teeth.
Whether you’re missing a single tooth, multiple teeth, or a full arch, our experienced team led by our skilled dentists can help restore your smile with the most advanced implant technology available today.
Dental implants improve your appearance and preserve your facial structure by preventing the bone deterioration that occurs when teeth are missing. With proper care, dental implants can last a lifetime as an excellent long-term investment in your oral health.
Types of Dental Implants
Single Tooth Implants
When you’re missing just one tooth, a single tooth implant is often the ideal solution. This option consists of three essential components working together to create a complete restoration. First, a titanium implant post is placed to replace the natural tooth root. Next, an abutment is attached to connect the post to your restoration. Finally, a custom-made crown is crafted to look and function like a natural tooth, completing your smile.
Single tooth implants don’t require altering adjacent teeth (unlike traditional bridges), which helps maintain your overall oral health. The procedure is typically completed in several appointments over a few months, allowing time for proper healing and integration with your jawbone.
Multiple Tooth Implants
If you’re missing several teeth in a row, multiple tooth implants can provide a fixed, permanent solution. Depending on your specific needs, our doctors might recommend individual implants for each missing tooth to maximize stability and function. In some cases, we may suggest strategic placement of fewer implants to support a multi-tooth bridge, offering an efficient and effective solution.
This approach provides superior stability compared to removable partial dentures while preserving jawbone health and restoring full chewing function.
All-on-Four Implants
The revolutionary All-on-Four technique provides a full arch of teeth (upper, lower, or both) supported by just four strategically placed implants. This innovative approach offers several advantages for our patients.
The All-on-Four method typically requires fewer implants than traditional full-arch restoration methods, making it more cost-effective. Many patients appreciate that this technique often eliminates the need for bone grafting, even for those with bone loss. One of the most exciting aspects is the ability to receive temporary teeth on the same day as surgery, so you never have to go without teeth. The end result is a fixed, non-removable solution that feels remarkably similar to natural teeth.
All-on-Four is an excellent option for patients who have experienced significant bone loss or who want to replace removable dentures with a permanent solution.
Implant Supported Bridges
For patients missing several adjacent teeth, implant-supported bridges offer an excellent alternative to traditional bridges or partial dentures. Unlike conventional bridges that rely on natural teeth for support, implant-supported bridges are anchored directly to implants placed in the jawbone.
Choosing an implant-supported bridge means your healthy adjacent teeth remain untouched, as there’s no need to alter them for support. This approach ensures better preservation of your jawbone structure over time. Our patients consistently report improved comfort and stability compared to traditional options. Additionally, implant-supported bridges provide a more natural look and function, helping you forget you ever lost teeth in the first place.
Benefits of Dental Implants
Choosing dental implants at Irving Park Family & Cosmetic Dentistry provides numerous advantages over traditional tooth replacement options:
- Improved Appearance: Dental implants look and feel like your natural teeth, with customized restorations designed to match your existing teeth.
- Enhanced Comfort: Because implants become part of you, they eliminate the discomfort often associated with removable dentures.
- Better Speech: Unlike poorly fitting dentures that can cause slurred speech or slipping, implants allow you to speak confidently without worry.
- Easier Eating: Implants function like natural teeth, allowing you to eat your favorite foods without pain or restrictions.
- Improved Oral Health: Unlike traditional bridges, implants don’t require reducing adjacent teeth, leaving more of your natural teeth intact and improving long-term oral health.
- Durability: With proper care, dental implants can last a lifetime, making them a wise investment compared to other restoration options that may need frequent replacement.
- Convenience: Forget about removing dentures or dealing with messy adhesives. Implants eliminate these inconveniences completely.
- Bone Preservation: Implants help prevent bone deterioration that occurs when teeth are missing, maintaining your facial structure and preventing premature aging.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are dental implants painful?
Most patients report that implant surgery is less uncomfortable than they expected. The procedure is typically performed under local anesthesia, and we offer sedation options for anxious patients. Some discomfort during healing is normal but can be managed with over-the-counter pain medications.
Am I a candidate for dental implants?
Most adults with good general health are candidates for implants. During your consultation, we’ll evaluate your oral health, bone density, and medical history to determine if implants are right for you. Even if you’ve been told you lack adequate bone, solutions like bone grafting or All-on-Four implants may still make implants possible.
How long does the implant process take?
The timeline varies depending on your specific situation. Traditional implants typically require 3-6 months from placement to final restoration, allowing time for osseointegration (bonding with bone). All-on-Four implants often allow for temporary teeth placement on the same day as surgery.
How do I care for dental implants?
Dental implants require the same care as natural teeth: regular brushing, flossing, and professional cleanings. While implants can’t develop cavities, maintaining good oral hygiene prevents gum disease that could affect implant success.
How much do dental implants cost?
The cost varies depending on the number of implants, any preparatory procedures needed, and the type of restoration. During your consultation, we’ll provide a detailed treatment plan with all costs explained. We also offer financing options to help make this investment in your health more affordable.
Schedule Your Implant Consultation
Ready to learn if dental implants are right for you? The team at Irving Park Family & Cosmetic Dentistry is here to help restore your smile with the most advanced implant solutions available.
Contact our Greensboro office today at (336) 502-0142 to schedule your comprehensive implant consultation, or use our convenient online form to request an appointment. Our friendly staff will guide you through the process, answer all your questions, and help you achieve the beautiful, functional smile you deserve.
Don’t let missing teeth affect your quality of life any longer. Experience the confidence that comes with a complete, natural-looking smile with dental implants from Irving Park Family & Cosmetic Dentistry.