At Dr. Conor Gessell’s dental practice in Southern Pines, NC, dental implants offer patients the most advanced solution for replacing missing teeth. Unlike other tooth replacement options, implants provide a permanent foundation that looks, feels, and functions like natural teeth. Dr. Gessell’s expertise in implant dentistry has helped numerous patients regain confidence in their smiles and enjoy improved quality of life through this revolutionary treatment.
Understanding Dental Implants
Dental implants are titanium posts surgically placed into the jawbone to serve as artificial tooth roots. This biocompatible metal integrates with your natural bone through a process called osseointegration, creating a strong, stable foundation for replacement teeth. Once the implant has fused with the bone, Dr. Gessell attaches a connector piece called an abutment, which supports the final restoration—typically a crown, bridge, or denture.
The three-part structure of implants (implant post, abutment, and restoration) mimics natural tooth anatomy, providing unmatched stability and function. Unlike traditional bridges or dentures that sit on top of the gums, implants replace the entire tooth structure from root to crown, preserving bone health and facial aesthetics over time.
Benefits of Choosing Dental Implants
Dental implants offer several significant advantages over other tooth replacement options:
- Bone preservation – Implants stimulate the jawbone just like natural tooth roots, preventing the bone loss that typically occurs after tooth extraction
- Longevity – With proper care, implants can last a lifetime, making them a permanent solution unlike bridges or dentures that require replacement every 5-10 years
- Natural function – Implants provide nearly 100% of natural chewing efficiency, allowing you to eat all your favorite foods without restriction
- Stability – Because they’re anchored in bone, implants don’t slip or move like conventional dentures can
- Adjacent tooth preservation – Unlike traditional bridges, implants don’t require modifying healthy adjacent teeth for support
- Natural appearance – Implant-supported restorations look virtually indistinguishable from natural teeth
Implant Treatment Options
At our Southern Pines practice, Dr. Gessell offers several implant solutions based on your specific needs. Single tooth replacement uses one implant and crown to replace an individual missing tooth without affecting neighboring teeth. For patients missing multiple adjacent teeth, implant-supported bridges provide a fixed solution anchored by two or more implants, offering greater stability than traditional bridges.
For those missing all teeth in an arch, implant-supported dentures offer dramatic improvements over conventional dentures. These can be designed as removable overdentures that snap onto implants for stability but can be removed for cleaning, or as fixed full-arch restorations permanently attached to multiple implants.
All-on-4® or All-on-6® techniques provide complete arch replacement using just four to six strategically placed implants, often allowing for immediate placement of a temporary restoration on the same day as implant surgery. This approach can be suitable even for patients who have experienced some bone loss.
The Dental Implant Process
The journey to a restored smile with dental implants typically involves several phases spanning a few months. Your treatment begins with a comprehensive evaluation where Dr. Gessell assesses your oral health, bone density, and anatomical structures using advanced imaging. This detailed planning ensures optimal implant placement and long-term success.
If preparatory procedures like bone grafting or extractions are needed, these are completed first to create an ideal foundation for your implants. During implant placement surgery, Dr. Gessell precisely positions the titanium posts in your jawbone. Most patients are surprised by how comfortable this procedure is, typically requiring only local anesthesia and resulting in minimal post-operative discomfort.
Following implant placement comes the healing phase, usually lasting 3-6 months, during which the implants integrate with your bone. During this time, Dr. Gessell may provide a temporary restoration so you’re never without teeth. Once integration is complete, he takes impressions for your permanent restoration, which is custom-crafted to match your natural teeth in color, shape, and size. The final step involves securing your new restoration to the implants, completing your smile transformation.
Are You a Candidate for Dental Implants?
Most adults with missing teeth can benefit from dental implants. Ideal candidates have good general and oral health, adequate bone volume to support implants, and healthy gum tissue. However, advances in bone grafting techniques mean that even patients who have experienced some bone loss may still qualify for implant treatment.
Certain factors may require special consideration, including uncontrolled diabetes, smoking, and some medications. During your consultation, Dr. Gessell conducts a thorough evaluation to determine if implants are right for you, or if preliminary treatments might be needed to ensure successful outcomes.
Your Investment in Lifelong Oral Health
While implants initially cost more than traditional tooth replacement options, their longevity and health benefits often make them the most cost-effective solution over time. Many patients find that the improved quality of life, confidence, and freedom from ongoing replacement costs justify the investment in this premium tooth replacement option.
Schedule Your Implant Consultation
If you’re missing one or more teeth and interested in exploring the benefits of dental implants, contact Dr. Conor Gessell’s Southern Pines dental practice at 910-390-1259 to schedule a consultation. Dr. Gessell will evaluate your specific situation and discuss how implant treatment can restore not just your smile, but your confidence and quality of life.