Dental Implants

A dental implant is a small titanium post that is inserted into your jawbone where a tooth is missing. It bonds with the natural bone and acts as a tooth root to support one or more replacement teeth. Dental implants fit, feel and function like natural teeth and are the strongest, most natural-looking option for replacing missing or damaged teeth.

Dental Implants are used to support a variety of teeth replacement options that are custom-made to match the look, shape, and fit of your natural teeth. A dental implant is inserted into the jawbone where a tooth is missing. The implant and bone will then fuse together— restoring your jawbone, tissue and entire facial structure for optimal strength and durability. 

Dental implants have become the highest standard of care for replacing missing teeth. Your decision to choose a dental implant is an important one, and a decision for life. That is why we use the highest quality of dental implant products and technology with Straumann® restorative dental solutions. Straumann® shares our mission to improve every patient’s quality of life. Learn more about the dental implant technology we offer. 

The loss of a tooth or multiple teeth has severely damaging effects on more than just your oral health. A single missing tooth creates severe bone loss, making it difficult to speak, chew and smile. The physical damage from a missing tooth can lead to emotional stress or harm one’s mental health. 

The first step toward a satisfying new life with a beautiful new smile is to visit us for a consultation. Dr. Weber will complete a comprehensive exam to gather detailed diagnostics and health history information. He will meet with you to discuss your expectations and treatment options. 

Members of our Sandhills team will address any questions or concerns regarding your care. Once your treatment has been determined, Dr. Weber will carefully design a custom treatment plan for your dental implant procedure. 

Your procedure could possibly include multiple steps all in the same appointment. If removing any teeth is required, that will be done first, followed by placement of the implant, or multiple implants, anchored into the bone in your jaw. 
If more bone volume is needed, Dr. Weber will perform bone grafting to the site. Finally, the temporary replacement tooth or set of teeth is connected to the implant(s), during the same appointment or the following day. This is a replacement tooth fixture that can only be removed by your dentist. It also functions like natural teeth, giving you a new smile that looks and feels natural! 

It takes 4-6 months for your new implant and surrounding tissue to be healed and ready for your final crown or prosthesis (permanent tooth or set of teeth). You will come back to see us for a final impression of your healed jaw. Our in-house lab technician is able to make final adjustments that perfectly match the color of adjacent teeth, and fit of your healed implant. 

As we fit your final crown or prosthesis (permanent tooth or set of teeth), we first remove the temporary prosthesis and fit your permanent solution in place. We’ll also make any final adjustments to help ensure your bite is comfortable, functional, easy to clean and natural-looking. 

Dr. Weber and our Sandhills team will provide you with detailed instructions for immediate care following your procedure. Generally, the healing process is straightforward with little discomfort and will vary for each patient and case. Initially, you may be given antibiotics, a medicated mouth rinse, and diet restrictions. 

As the healing process begins, it is critical to follow these instructions and reach out with any questions or concerns. Factors that prolong the healing process are: poor diet, alcohol and Nicotine use, and a lack of proper dental care. Dr. Weber will determine when you are allowed to gently clean your new teeth, which might be right away. A follow-up appointment is typically planned for two weeks after your procedure as a general check-up with Dr. Weber. 

To help your new smile last a lifetime, you must maintain proper care at home and from your dentist. Just like natural teeth, the buildup of dental plaque can cause problems for your implant, so regular brushing, flossing and checkups are essential to the long-term care of your new teeth.

For a single missing tooth, or a broken-down tooth that must be extracted, Dr. Weber will place a dental implant and attach a cuso dental crown in its place. 

You may have two or more teeth in a row that need a replacement. One option is to use single implants for each missing tooth. The implants act as the root and attach to a custom crown that perfectly matches your teeth. 

Another option is an implant-supported bridge that is placed between two implants. The compact placement provides durable support for an implant-supported bridge and bone restoration. Dr. Weber will tell you which option he recommends. 

When a patient has several teeth that are missing or damaged, a full arch implant treatment might be the most beneficial solution. A full arch implant reconstruction surgery replaces an entire arch of upper or lower teeth with as few as four strategically placed dental implants. Dr. Weber will then attach a full arch of prosthetic teeth to the implants during the same appointment, or the following day. 

Maintenance and upkeep are similar to that of natural teeth – no messy adhesives, diet restrictions, or day-to-day frustrations that dentures can create. Being secured by dental implants, a full arch implant supported prosthesis significantly reduces bone atrophy, maintaining your jaw’s natural appearance.