Dental Implants

Dental Implants Presentation

To provide you with a better understanding of dental implants, we have provided the following multimedia presentation. Many common questions pertaining to dental implants are discussed.

Dental Implants Presentation

Dental implants are designed to provide a foundation for replacement teeth that look, feel, and function like natural teeth. The person who has lost teeth regains the ability to eat virtually anything and can smile with confidence, knowing that teeth appear natural and that facial contours will be preserved. The implants themselves are tiny titanium posts that are placed into the jawbone where teeth are missing. The bone bonds with the titanium, creating a strong foundation for artificial teeth. In addition, implants can help preserve facial structure, preventing the bone deterioration that occurs when teeth are missing.

Dental implants are changing the way people live! With them, people are rediscovering the comfort and confidence to eat, speak, laugh, and enjoy life.

Dental Implants for Cape Fear Perio

The photograph of the woman to the left demonstrates how losing your teeth can drastically affect your facial appearance. Notice the loss of support for the lip, an increase in wrinkle lines, and the aging appearance of the lady without teeth supported by dental implants.

Bridges have long been the preferred method for replacing a missing tooth, but dentistry has changed. Dental implants are now the treatment option of choice. Implants allow your dentist to replace your lost or missing teeth without unnecessary grinding of your adjacent natural teeth.

Below is a diagram outlining the difference in replacing a tooth with a traditional bridge versus a dental implant.

Dental Implants for Cape Fear Perio
Dental Implants Cape Fear Perio
Dental Implants with Scott Gould
Dental Implants
Dental Implant Treatments
Dental Implants process
Dental Implants examples

Dental Implants can also prevent the need for dentures by replacing multiple teeth or can act to anchor your loose denture to restore chewing comfort and confidence. One of the major advantages of implants is their ability to maintain the quantity and quality of the jawbone. Following extraction the tooth no longer stimulates the surrounding tissues which results in deterioration of the jawbone and gum tissue in that site. This is the same type of situation that occurs to muscles when someone breaks their arm or leg and is forced to wear a cast for several months. The cast prevents the muscle from moving (or contracting) and thus the muscle deteriorates (or atrophies) as a result. Like muscles, the jawbone deteriorates if not exercised or stimulated when a tooth is lost. Implants restore the lost tooths influence on the bone and maintain the quantity and quality of the jawbone. This can prevent unsightly indentations in your smile where a tooth has been lost and prevent jawbone fractures as a person ages.

We work closely with your dentist to predictably and successfully provide you with the highest quality implant retained restoration (cap/crown) possible. 

Implants can now be used to replace a single missing tooth, multiple missing teeth, all of your teeth, or to anchor a loose denture. Implants have opened the doors to many treatment options that were not available only 5 years ago.

One of the most exciting and life changing options which has become available is for people who lost their teeth at a young age and have been forced to wear dentures for many years they can now be predictably treated with dental implants! Dentures loosen with time and become unstable as the bone and gum deteriorates beneath them. Implants are now being used to securely fasten a loose denture and provide exceptional stability for chewing and talking with confidence. Additionally, once in place, the implants will maintain the jawbone in that site for a lifetime. Below are a few examples of how implants can be used to secure a loose denture.

Cape fear perio offers Dental Implants
Dental Implants
Dental Implants

Dr. Gould has received extensive training in the surgical placement of dental implants. Following four (4) years of dental school at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, he remained at UNC to complete a three (3) year residency program. This masters program focused on excellence in the surgical field of periodontics and dental implant placement. He has been successfully placing implants since 2001. Through continuing education, Dr. Gould stays abreast of the most current information on implant dentistry. As a part of his commitment to education Dr. Gould also maintains his relationship with the Department of Periodontology at UNC-Chapel Hill as an Adjunct Faculty Member This results in providing you with the most current and proven strategies in implant dentistry today.

Dental Implants

Dental Implant Evaluation

If you, like many others, feel that implant dentistry is the choice for you, we ask that you undergo a dental/radiographic examination and consultation. During this consultation visit, Dr. Gould will address your specific needs and considerations. Your questions and concerns are very important to us. Our team will work closely with you, and your dentist, to help make your procedure a success.

We will also discuss fees and insurance at this time. There are many types of insurance plans, and coverage for implants is varied. We will be happy to assist you in obtaining any benefits to which you may be entitled

Dental Implant Procedure

As stated, earlier, dental implants are small titanium posts that are placed into the jawbone where teeth are missing or require removal. Implants will either be placed at the time of tooth removal or following a short healing period. In some cases a temporary tooth, or teeth, may also be placed on the implant(s) that same day.

A number of factors are involved in choosing the most appropriate time to place and restore your dental implant. We encourage you to ask us or your general dentist about these options. In the end, the most successful and predictable approach will be used to help meet your dental implant needs.

In most cases, the dental implant requires a short healing period following surgical placement (usually 4-8 weeks) to bond securely with the bone (a process called osseointegration). Once integrated, we will select and deliver the appropriate components required for your dentist to restore the implant with a new crown/cap. Your dentist will then take a simple impression and have the lab fabricate a crown to be cemented at your next visit. You can then begin to chew, brush, and floss about this implant just as if it were your natural tooth. The photographs below show an implant fitted with the appropriate components and a final cap/crown cemented.

Dental Implants
Dental Implants
Dental Implants

If you are concerned about losing a front tooth and having a gap in your smile, we will always replace the tooth temporarily. Your personal comfort and self confidence are extremely important to us. Please ask us if you desire a replacement tooth during the dental implant process.