Dental Implants

Harrisburg, NC Dentist

Dental implants provide a safe, durable replacement for missing teeth. Dental implants function like natural teeth and have a very natural appearance within your mouth. Drs. Linker and Raynor are committed to ensuring your optimal comfort and quality care. To that end, we partner with trusted specialists who make use of the latest techniques and technologies in dental implant treatment. Many of our patients find dental implants to be an appealing tooth loss solution and are highly pleased by how natural their teeth feel and look.

Implantation

Implantation is the first stage in a two-part process that provides a long-term solution for tooth loss. We will refer you to a trusted specialist to place the dental implant. This small titanium post functions as an artificial tooth root. As it heals, the implant will fuse with your natural bone, creating a strong, secure foundation for the replacement tooth or denture.

Dental Implant with Replacement Crown

A replacement crown is a prosthetic tooth that is attached to the dental implant. This crown is custom-designed to look and function like one of your natural teeth. In some cases, a temporary crown may be provided for aesthetic and functional benefit while your implant heals. Once the implant has fully healed, the custom-crafted permanent replacement crown is affixed, restoring the fullness and functionality of your smile. Replacement crowns are a great option for replacing any number of teeth.

Implant-Supported Dentures

Implant-supported dentures provide a another teeth replacement option that can be a great alternative to conventional dentures. Dr. Linker or Dr. Raynor will recommend a teeth replacement plan based on your individual needs and preferences.

  • Removable Implant-Supported Dentures provide replacement for all upper and/or lower teeth. They can be removed for cleaning like conventional dentures, yet are far more secure than unsupported dentures. These dentures can be attached with as few as 4 implants. Our dentists will advise you on how many implants are best for your removable implant-supported dentures.
  • Fixed Implant-Supported Dentures also replace all upper and/or lower teeth. These dentures are definitively anchored to your implants. You will not need to remove fixed hybrid dentures. If necessary, we can remove them to clean or repair and then reattach. Fixed dentures are used to replace a full set of teeth and can be helpful in preventing bone loss. The strength of dental implants provides an ideal anchor for dentures that will not become loose or slip within your mouth.
  • Fixed Implant-Supported Partial Dentures are a type of dental bridge that anchors to one or more dental implants. A standard, non-fixed dental secures to surrounding teeth, which can cause these neighboring teeth to become loose over time. With implant-secured partial fixed dentures, the implant provides the anchor, so your natural teeth are not compromised by your teeth loss solution.

Benefits of Dental Implants

Dental implants are an aesthetic, effective solution for tooth loss. There are many great benefits to choosing dental implants.

  • Natural looking smile: Dental implants are crafted to closely resemble your natural teeth, restoring a natural-looking smile.
  • Improved oral health: Since there is no need to alter surrounding teeth to anchor implants, more of your natural teeth are preserved intact, improving long-term oral health.
  • Improved speech: With removable, non-anchored dentures, teeth can slip within the mouth, causing slurred or mumbled speech. Dental implants remove that concern.
  • Improved comfort: Dental implants avoid the slipping and discomfort of removable dentures.
  • Improved function: Dental implants function like your natural teeth, allowing you to eat without pain.
  • Durability: With proper care, dental implants can last a lifetime.
  • Protect healthy bone structure: Empty spaces caused by tooth loss can, over time, lead to deterioration of the jawbone. Since dental implants function like tooth roots, they are able to prevent this type of deterioration, just as natural teeth do.
  • Long-term solution: Implant-supported tooth replacement often lasts longer than standard dentures and the implants supporting your prosthesis can last a lifetime, if cared for properly.

Considerations

There are several factors that Drs. Linker and Raynor will consider before recommending dental implants. Some of these include:

  • Adequate bone support to anchor the implant
  • Healthy gum tissue
  • Sinus and nerve location
  • Overall health, including any chronic illnesses

In some cases, we may recommend advance treatment for your upper or lower jaw to enable you to have the bone support needed for implantation. As always, your treatment plan is created based on your specific needs and goals for your healthy smile.

Be sure to let us know about any medications you are taking during your consultation. Your health and safety are paramount.

Contact our office today for more information on dental implants or to set up a consultation.