If you are missing one or multiple teeth, dental implants are a permanent solution that will look and feel natural. Missing teeth can take a toll on your confidence as well as your overall health. The space left after a tooth falls out can lead to bone degeneration, and your remaining teeth may shift to fill in the gap. At Smileplicity Dentistry in Raleigh, our dental implants will replace your missing teeth to restore your smile and prevent further damage.
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Dr. Atari is highly skilled when it comes to dental implants, and she offers many different options to meet the needs of every patient. At Smileplicity Dentistry, she can replace one missing tooth with a single implant, or reconstruct an entire arch.
During your consultation in Raleigh, Dr. Atari will assess your dental health to determine whether you are a good candidate for dental implants. Since implants are surgically placed into your jaw bone, Dr. Atari will use x-rays and other methods to ensure that your gums and jaw are healthy enough to support an implant. If you are missing a tooth and wondering whether this permanent solution is right for you, call us today to schedule your consultation.
Once Dr. Atari determines that you are a good candidate for surgery, she will begin the implant process. Dr. Atari has extensive experience with the surgical placement of implants, as well as attaching restorations once your gums heal after surgery.
To begin the procedure, Dr. Atari will insert a small titanium rod into your jawbone. As the bone heals, it bonds with the titanium, creating a permanent anchor — or root — for your new tooth. Once your jaw and gums are completely healed, your custom-made crown will be permanently attached to finish the process. You’ll leave our office with a beautiful, new smile and restored confidence.
Mini dental implants are an option for patients looking to replace missing teeth without the invasive surgery required for regular implants. Mini implants are also an option for patients who lack the bone mass in their jaws to hold traditional restorations. Dr. Atari can usually place mini implants in only one visit to our Raleigh office using local anesthesia and without any sutures.
Bleeding - You’ve just had oral surgery, so minor bleeding can be expected to last for up to 48-72 hours. Immediately after your implant procedure, you will likely experience the most bleeding and will need to bite down on the gauze that is given to you for about 30 minutes.
Do not disturb the gauze at this point and don’t check to see if you are still bleeding. After 30 minutes, you can remove the gauze and replace it with fresh, dampened gauze if necessary. Persistent bleeding may benefit from biting down on a wet caffeinated tea bag instead. This encourages blood clotting to help stop bleeding.
Continue to change your gauze or tea bags before they become soaked with blood. Excessive bleeding that doesn’t stop is a red flag and you should contact us right away. You should take it easy and avoid strenuous activity, which can cause excessive bleeding.
Swelling - The swelling will peak 2-3 days after your surgery. In the first 24 hours, you may not notice any swelling, but it will become apparent the day after. To alleviate swelling, keep your head elevated and apply a cold pack to the area (don’t apply ice directly to the face, wrap it in a towel) for about 20 minutes on and off.
It’s important to apply ice packs in the first 24 hours to minimize swelling because, after this period, it will have a negligible effect.
Pain - Pain should not be severe but you may experience discomfort, tenderness, or soreness at the site of the implant. Take prescription or over-the-counter anti-inflammatory pain medication to relieve pain once the anesthetic has worn off. Severe pain or pain that gets worse is not normal and you should contact us right away.
Because implants are made of biocompatible and durable titanium materials, they will last for at least 25 years and may indeed last for the rest of your life. However, dental implants are made of 3 components and some parts need to be replaced sooner than others.
The titanium post and abutment are a long-term restoration that can last for the rest of your life, while the dental crown that is attached to it may need to be replaced every 5-15 years. How soon you need to replace your crown depends on your oral hygiene and lifestyle.
Attending regular dental appointments is important so your Raleigh dentist can keep an eye on the degradation of your crown and let you know if it needs to be repaired or replaced.
When it comes to dental implants, one of the most common questions we receive is whether insurance typically covers the cost. While every insurance plan is different, it's important to understand that dental implants are often considered a cosmetic procedure rather than a necessary dental treatment. As a result, many insurance plans may not cover the full cost of dental implants.
However, it's worth noting that some insurance plans may provide partial coverage for dental implants, particularly if they are required for functional reasons or if they are needed to replace missing teeth due to an accident or injury. We recommend contacting your insurance provider to understand the specifics of your coverage and whether dental implants are included in your plan.
At Smileplicity Dentistry, we understand that the cost of dental implants can be a concern for many patients. That's why we offer flexible payment options and financing plans to help make dental implant treatment more accessible and affordable for our patients.
Diet - While you heal, only eat a diet of soft foods, like apple sauce, mashed potatoes, or soup. Wait until the anesthetic has worn off before you eat or consume hot liquids. In the first week, avoid hard, chewy, or sticky foods. Avoid hot liquids, alcohol, and spicy foods for the first 24 hours.
Chew on the other side of your mouth. After the first week, you can begin incorporating more chewy foods into your diet.
Oral Hygiene - After the first 24 hours, you can swish around a saltwater solution in your mouth a few times a day. You can resume brushing and flossing like normal after the first 24 hours, but you must be careful to avoid the implant site.
Things to Avoid - Don’t smoke for at least 3 days after implant surgery, but ideally until you are completely healed. For the first 24 hours, do not spit, rinse your mouth, or suck from a straw. Do not exercise.
Experiencing discomfort or pain after getting a dental implant is not uncommon, but it's important to address it promptly. If you're experiencing pain or discomfort with your dental implant, there are a few potential causes and solutions to consider:
If you're experiencing any pain or discomfort with your dental implant, we highly recommend scheduling an appointment with our dental team. We will assess your situation, diagnose the underlying issue, and provide the appropriate treatment to ensure your comfort and the success of your dental implant.
In some cases, a dental implant may become damaged due to trauma, infection, or other factors. The ability to repair a damaged implant depends on the extent of the damage and the overall condition of the implant.
Minor damage, such as a chipped crown or a loose abutment, can often be repaired without removing the implant itself. Our skilled dental professionals will assess the damage and determine the most appropriate course of action. This may involve replacing the crown or abutment, or making minor adjustments to restore the implant's functionality and aesthetics.
However, if the implant itself is severely damaged or compromised, it may need to be removed and replaced. Our dental team will thoroughly evaluate the situation and discuss the available options with you. We will work together to determine the best course of action to restore your smile and oral health.
If you have a damaged dental implant or suspect that your implant may be compromised, we urge you to schedule an appointment with our dental professionals. Early intervention and appropriate treatment can help minimize further damage and ensure the long-term success of your dental implant.
Dental implants are a versatile solution for replacing missing teeth. Whether you're missing a single tooth, multiple teeth, or even a full arch of teeth, dental implants can provide a durable and natural-looking solution.
The number of teeth that can be replaced at once with dental implants depends on various factors, including the condition of your oral health, the amount of bone available, and your overall treatment goals. In some cases, multiple dental implants can be placed to support a dental bridge or implant-supported dentures, allowing for the replacement of several teeth at once.
During your initial consultation, our dental team will assess your specific situation, discuss your treatment goals, and create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs. We will provide you with a clear understanding of the number of teeth that can be replaced at once and the best treatment options available to restore your smile.
"Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication" – Leonardo da Vinci
