Dental Implants Durham, NC
At Thomas Clifton, DDS, we are committed to providing the highest quality care to the patients we serve. Our practice offers a comprehensive range of dental so our patients can receive all of their treatment under one roof. Dr. Clifton offers advanced care with dental implants designed to restore your natural-looking, beautiful smile. If you have questions about dental implants or would like to find out if you're a candidate, please contact our office today.
Healthy Smiles at Thomas Clifton, DDS
Using dental implants, Dr. Clifton helps patients with missing teeth restore their smiles. Dental implants are a very effective, permanent solution for replacing missing teeth.
Dental implants are truly remarkable in terms of what they've done for modern dentistry. A dental implant is an artificial tooth root that replaces a natural tooth root that has been lost or extracted and serves as a foundation on which to place a dental crown. The result is a natural feel, function, and look for a healthy restored smile you can be proud to show off.
Unlike dentures, dental implants are designed to become a permanent part of your mouth where there is no possibility of slippage or movement. Dental implants are custom-designed to improve both the form and function of your teeth with very natural-looking results.
Dental Implant Procedure
The procedure to place a dental implant is straightforward. The implant, which is made of titanium, is placed into the jawbone to serve as a substitute for the tooth root. An abutment is then placed on the dental implant to connect the implant to the new crown or artificial tooth top. To finish the procedure, the replacement crown that matches your natural teeth will be placed on the implant.
Post Implant Care
While maintaining good oral hygiene is important for everyone, it is especially important for patients that have received dental implants. If good oral hygiene is not maintained, bacteria can build up in the mouth causing gum disease and jawbone recession. If the jawbone does recede, a dental implant can weaken to the point where it will have to be removed. Therefore, to help maintain your dental implants, we recommend visiting Dr. Clifton office every 6 months for a regular checkup and cleaning. When properly cared for, dental implants can last for decades.
The Ideal Implant Candidate
While a thorough evaluation by Dr. Clifton, our implant dentist in Durham, NC, is essential to determine if a patient is a suitable candidate for dental implants, the ideal patient will have:
- Good General Health: Candidates should be in overall good health to undergo the surgical procedure required for dental implants. Certain medical conditions, such as uncontrolled diabetes, heart disease, or autoimmune disorders, might complicate the healing process and require special consideration.
- Sufficient Jawbone Density: Adequate jawbone density is crucial for the success of dental implants, as the implant posts need a solid foundation for osseointegration. Patients with significant bone loss may need bone grafting procedures before implants can be placed.
- Healthy Gums: Healthy gums are essential because periodontal disease can affect the stability and success of the implant. Candidates should have good oral hygiene and be free of active gum disease.
- Non-Smokers: Smoking can impair healing and increase the risk of implant failure. Non-smokers or those willing to quit smoking during the implant process are better candidates for successful implant integration.
- Commitment to Oral Hygiene: Candidates should be committed to maintaining excellent oral hygiene and regular dental visits to ensure the long-term success of their implants. Proper care and maintenance are vital to prevent infections and other complications.