Dental Implants

Implants are an extremely common medical device surgically placed in your jawbone to replace missing teeth, with more than 3 million performed in the United States every year. They are used to support artificial teeth, including crowns and bridges, and function just like real teeth in order to make chewing easier and create a more aesthetically pleasing smile.

They are made up of three parts:

When working together, they create a seamless function of a natural tooth and enhance your facial appearance, which we believe can dramatically improve your overall quality of life and health.

Implants may be an option if you have lost one or more teeth and want a stable, long-term replacement. They can be used to replace one or several missing teeth, and they can also support larger restorations when most or all of your teeth need to be replaced.

During your consultation, Dr. Shah will evaluate your teeth, gums and jawbone to determine whether implants are appropriate for you. Your overall oral health, the location of the missing tooth or teeth and the amount of healthy bone available can all play a role in treatment planning.

If you have bone loss after losing one or more teeth, that does not necessarily mean implants are off the table. Some patients may benefit from additional treatment, such as bone grafting, before an implant can be placed. Dr. Shah can explain your options and recommend a treatment plan based on the condition of your smile and your goals.

If you are missing most or all of your teeth, replacing each tooth individually may not be the only option. All-On-X dental implants use a small number of strategically placed implants to support a full-arch restoration, giving you a fixed alternative to traditional removable dentures.

This approach can be especially helpful if you are looking for a more secure solution for eating, speaking and smiling. Instead of taking your teeth out at night or using adhesives to keep a denture in place, the restoration is supported by implants anchored in your jawbone.

The right approach depends on your oral health, jawbone and the number of teeth that need to be replaced. During your consultation, Dr. Shah can evaluate your smile and discuss whether All-On-X dental implants or another type of tooth replacement may be appropriate for you.

If you are considering a full-arch restoration, learn more about how All-On-X dental implants can help you regain the beauty, function and appearance of your smile.

The process of receiving implants can feel lengthy and spans over several months from start to finish. We believe it’s worth the beautiful, healthy smile you receive in the end! At Cary Smiles, we tailor your treatment to your specific needs and goals. The following is a general overview of what you can expect during the process, but your experience may look a little different depending on Dr. Shah’s recommendations for you.

The beauty of implants is that they are fixed to your mouth and care is minimal. They will look and feel just like your natural teeth and help you bite, chew and speak with ease! If you follow these three tips, along with any other instructions from Dr. Shah, your implants can last many years!

Choosing how to replace missing teeth can raise a lot of questions, especially when comparing implants, bridges and dentures. Below are answers to some of the questions patients commonly ask about implants, candidacy, treatment and long-term care.