Dental implants are the gold standard for tooth replacement. Implants use titanium posts that we place in the jawbone, where they act like replacement tooth roots. Then we connect the implant posts to a dental crown, bridge, or denture. Dr. Greg Reece welcomes you to learn more about the dental implant process in Charlotte, NC.
Am I a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?
Dental implants are a reliable way to replace missing teeth, but they are not the same solution for everyone. During a consultation, Dr. Reece will carefully evaluate your oral health, medical history, and jawbone to determine if dental implants are the right option for you.
- One or More Missing Teeth: Dental implants are a great choice if you are missing one tooth, several teeth, or even a full arch of teeth. Implants can replace a single tooth with a crown or support bridges and dentures for more advanced tooth loss. You can also get All on 4, an implant solution that uses as few as 4 implant posts to support a lost tooth arch.
- Healthy Teeth and Gums: Healthy gums and remaining teeth are important for implant success. Gum disease or untreated dental issues may need to be addressed before implant treatment begins. Dr. Reece will make sure your mouth is healthy enough to support implants and create a long-lasting result.
- Enough Jawbone: A strong jawbone is needed to hold dental implants in place. If you have experienced bone loss, you may still be a candidate with the help of bone grafting. Dr. Reece will review imaging and recommend the best plan to help you move forward with confidence.
Once you’re healthy enough for treatment, Dr. Reece will review the implant process with you. He’ll give you an estimate of the implant treatment timeline. Dr. Reece will also review the estimated cost and ensure it falls within your budget.
Steps of the Dental Implant Process in Charlotte, NC
Oral surgeon Dr. Reece has the training and experience to place both dental implants and restorations. He helps many patients to receive complete care in one location. While every treatment plan is unique, most dental implant cases follow these general steps.
Exam
Before placing a dental implant, Dr. Reece carefully evaluates your oral health and jawbone to ensure a successful outcome. He uses modern imaging technology, including X-rays and 3-D scans, to get a detailed view of your teeth, bone structure, and surrounding tissues.
He uses X-rays to find dental concerns and evaulate if you have enough jaw bone for treatment. He’ll recommend treatment to prepare you for implants if needed.
Pretreatments
Some patients need pretreatment to make sure the implant has a strong foundation. If a damaged or failing tooth is still present, a tooth extraction may be needed first. This allows the area to heal properly before moving forward.
In cases where the jawbone is not thick or strong enough, Dr. Reece may recommend bone grafting. A bone graft helps rebuild the jawbone so it can securely support the implant. Healing from pretreatment can take several weeks or months, depending on your needs.
Implant Placement
Once your mouth is ready, Dr. Reece will place the dental implant into the jawbone. The implant is a small titanium post that acts as an artificial tooth root. This procedure is done with patient comfort in mind, and many patients are surprised by how manageable the process feels.
Healing
After implant placement, the jawbone needs time to heal around the implant. This process is called osseointegration and is what makes dental implants so strong and long-lasting. Healing typically takes 3 to 6 months. During this time, the implant becomes firmly anchored in the bone.
Abutment Placement
After healing is complete, Dr. Reece attaches a small connector piece called an abutment to the implant. The abutment sits above the gumline and holds the final restoration in place. Your gums need more time to heal around this piece before the final step.
Final Restoration
The last step is placing your custom dental restoration. Dr. Reece will design your crown, bridge, or implant-supported denture. He sends the measurements and specifications of your mouth to a dental lab that matches your restoration to your natural teeth.
Once you’re fully healed and your restoration is ready, Dr. Reece will place your final restoration and ensure it fits well. He’ll adjust your implant restoration as needed.
Is Dental Implant Treatment Comfortable?
Before your procedure, we use local anesthesia to numb the area so you won’t feel pain during implant placement. For patients who feel anxious, we also offer options to help you relax, including sedation if needed.
During the procedure, most patients report feeling pressure or movement, but not sharp pain. After treatment, you may feel some mild soreness or swelling for a few days. Dr. Reece will give clear instructions and recommendations for managing any discomfort at home.
Because dental implants are placed carefully and with precision, the process is generally smooth, and most patients find it easier than they expected. Our team will stay by your side throughout the procedure and follow up after your appointment to make sure your recovery is going well.
Dental Implant Aftercare Tips
Proper care after dental implant surgery is essential for healing and long-term success. Following these tips can help your implant stay strong and your mouth recover quickly.
- 1. Manage Discomfort: You can experience some swelling or mild soreness after implant placement. Over-the-counter pain relievers, as recommended by Dr. Reece, can help manage any discomfort. Applying a cold compress to the outside of your cheek for short periods can also reduce swelling and make you feel more comfortable. Pay attention to your body, and if pain increases instead of improves, contact our office.
- 2. Keep Your Mouth Clean: Keeping your mouth clean helps prevent infection and promotes faster healing. Gently rinse with warm salt water or a dentist-approved mouthwash several times a day, especially after meals. Avoid brushing directly on the surgical site for the first few days, but continue cleaning your other teeth to maintain overall oral health. Once your gums start healing, you can carefully resume gentle brushing and flossing around the implant.
- 3. Watch What You Eat: Eating soft foods helps protect the implant site and reduces the risk of irritation or injury. Avoid hard, crunchy, or sticky foods that could disturb the area, and stay hydrated with water or other safe drinks. Don’y use straws, as the suction can disrupt healing. Gradually reintroduce normal foods as your comfort and healing progress.
- 4. Follow Your Follow-Up Schedule: Attending all follow-up appointments is important to ensure proper healing and implant stability. During these visits, Dr. Reece will check the surgical site, remove sutures if needed, and monitor bone integration around the implant. Following his instructions helps prevent complications and ensures your implant functions properly for years to come.
Restore Your Smile
Do you want to know more about the full mouth implant process in Charlotte, NC? Call Dr. Reece today at 704-486-8911. You can also request an appointment with us online.
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