Dental Implants
Dental Implant Restorations in Durham, NC
Dental implants can be an excellent way to replace a missing tooth without relying on the neighboring teeth for support. At Renaissance Family Dentistry, we restore dental implants after the surgical portion of treatment has been completed by a trusted specialist.
That means we can help you understand whether an implant may be a good option, coordinate your care with the appropriate oral surgeon or periodontist for implant placement, and then complete the process by restoring the implant with the final abutment and crown.
How Dental Implant Treatment Works
A dental implant is a small post that is surgically placed into the jawbone to replace the root portion of a missing tooth. After the implant has healed and integrated with the surrounding bone, an abutment and crown are attached to create the visible replacement tooth.
We do not place dental implants surgically at Renaissance Family Dentistry. When implant placement is appropriate, Dr. Bowers will coordinate that portion of your care with a trusted local specialist. Once the implant is ready to restore, you will return to our office for the restorative phase.
Restoring the Implant
The restorative phase involves creating the portion of the implant that looks and functions like a natural tooth. We use digital scanning to capture the position of the implant and surrounding teeth, then work with a dental laboratory to fabricate the abutment and final implant crown.
At the delivery appointment, we carefully evaluate the fit, bite, appearance, and how the restoration relates to the surrounding teeth before completing treatment.
Why Consider a Dental Implant?
For many patients, one of the main advantages of an implant is that it allows us to replace a missing tooth without preparing the neighboring teeth for a traditional bridge.
Dental implants can also provide a stable, fixed replacement that feels more similar to a natural tooth than a removable option. Like any treatment, however, an implant is not automatically the right choice for every patient or every space.
Choosing the Right Way to Replace a Missing Tooth
Replacing a missing tooth is a decision that should take into account the condition of the surrounding teeth, the available bone, your bite, your overall oral health, and your long-term priorities.
Depending on the situation, options may include a dental implant, a fixed bridge, a removable appliance, or in some cases leaving the space alone. We will explain the advantages and limitations of the options that apply to you and help you decide which approach makes the most sense.
Caring for a Dental Implant
Although an implant crown cannot develop a cavity, the gum and bone surrounding the implant still require ongoing care. Good home hygiene and regular professional monitoring are important for maintaining the health of the tissues around the implant.
At routine visits, we will continue to evaluate the implant restoration, your bite, and the surrounding gum and bone so that changes can be identified early.
Coordinated Implant Care
Our goal is not to perform every part of implant treatment ourselves. It is to make sure each part is handled by the right provider and that the surgical and restorative phases work together.
If you are considering replacing a missing tooth with a dental implant, we can evaluate the area, discuss your options, coordinate specialist care when appropriate, and restore the implant once it is ready.
