If you are missing one or more teeth, you know how it can affect your life. Maybe you avoid smiling in photos, struggle to eat your favorite foods, or feel self-conscious in conversations. You’re not alone, and there’s a great solution available right here in our Southern Pines dental practice.

Dental implants are the best way to replace missing teeth. Why? Because they don’t just replace the tooth you see. Implant restorations replace the entire tooth, including the root. This gives you a replacement that looks, feels, and works just like a real tooth.

At our practice, Dr. Conor Gessell specializes in helping patients just like you regain their smile and their confidence with dental implants. Let’s break down everything you need to know about this restorative dental treatment.

What Are Dental Implants?

Let’s keep it simple. A dental implant is a small, incredibly strong titanium post. Think of it as an artificial tooth root. Dr. Gessell gently places this post into your jawbone during a minor surgical procedure.

Here’s the amazing part: your body is designed to accept this titanium post. Over a few months, your own jawbone will actually grow and fuse to the implant in a process called “osseointegration.” This makes the implant a permanent and solid part of your jaw. Just like a natural tooth root was.

Once the implant is firmly locked into your jawbone, Dr. Gessell attaches two more parts:

1. An Abutment: This is a small connector that sits on top of the implant, just above the gum line.
2. A Crown: This is your beautiful new false tooth, which is custom-made to match your natural teeth. It gets attached to the abutment.

Unlike dentures that sit on your gums or bridges that rely on neighboring teeth, an implant stands on its own. It’s a complete, independent tooth.

Why Are Implants Such a Popular Choice?

Dental implants offer benefits that other options simply can’t match. A few examples include:

• They Protect Your Jawbone: When you lose a tooth, the jawbone underneath it starts to shrink away because it’s not being used anymore. This can make you look older. Implants are the only tooth replacement that stimulates your bone, just like a real root, to keep your jaw and facial structure healthy and strong.
• They Are Built to Last: A well-cared-for dental implant can last for the rest of your life. It’s a one-time investment in your oral health.
• Eat What You Love: Forget about worrying that your teeth might slip or that you can’t eat corn on the cob or a chewy steak. Implants are so stable that they restore almost all of your natural biting power. You can enjoy all your favorite foods without a second thought.
• They Keep Your Other Teeth Safe: A traditional bridge requires grinding down the healthy teeth on either side of the gap to hold the bridge in place. Implants don’t need any support from your other teeth, so your healthy teeth are left completely alone.
• They Look and Feel Natural: With an implant, you won’t be able to tell where your natural teeth end and the implant begins. It feels like a part of you because it is.

What Are My Implant Options?

Dr. Gessell provides different types of implant solutions because every patient’s needs are unique. Your options include:

• Single Tooth Replacement: Perfect if you are missing just one tooth. One implant, one abutment, and one crown fills the gap perfectly without touching the teeth next to it.
• Implant-Supported Bridge: If you are missing several teeth in a row, you may not need an implant for each one. A bridge can be anchored to two or more implants to replace multiple teeth securely.
• Implant-Supported Dentures: If you are missing all or most of your teeth, this is a life-changing option. Instead of dealing with messy adhesives or a denture that slips, your denture can “snap” onto a few strategically placed implants. For an even more permanent feel, a full arch of teeth can be fixed permanently onto four to six implants using techniques like All-on-4®.

The great thing about the All-on-4® technique is that it often allows patients who have worn dentures for years and have experienced bone loss to still get a permanent smile. In many cases, you can even leave the same day with a temporary set of teeth already attached to your implants!

The Dental Implant Process

We know that thinking about a procedure can be nerve-wracking. We’re here to make every step comfortable and clear.

1. Your First Consultation: This is where we get to know you and you get to know us. Dr. Gessell will examine your mouth, take advanced 3D scans to see your bone structure, and talk with you about your goals. Together, you’ll create a personalized treatment plan.
2. Any Needed Prep Work: Some patients need a little preparation, like a bone graft, to make sure the implant has a strong foundation. If this is needed, Dr. Gessell will explain exactly why and what to expect.
3. Placing the Implant: On the day of your procedure, you will be made completely comfortable with local anesthesia. Dr. Gessell will then gently place the titanium implant post into your jawbone. Most patients are surprised by how straightforward this is.
4. The Healing Period: This is the time when your body does its amazing work, fusing the bone to the implant. This can take a few months, but don’t worry. We will make sure you have a temporary tooth to wear so you never have to go without a smile.
5. Attaching Your New Tooth: Once you are fully healed, you’ll come back so we can attach your custom-made, permanent crown. We shade-match it perfectly to your natural teeth so it blends in seamlessly.

Are You a Candidate for Dental Implants?

Most adults who are missing teeth are good candidates! The ideal patient has decent overall health and healthy gums. The most important factor is having enough jawbone to support the implant.

Even if you’ve lost some bone, modern techniques like bone grafting or the All-on-4® method can make implants possible for you. During your consultation, Dr. Gessell will let you know for sure and walk you through all your options.

An Investment in Your Smile and Yourself

We understand that cost is a consideration. It’s true that the initial cost of a dental implant is higher than other options. However, when you consider that an implant can last a lifetime and doesn’t need to be replaced every few years, it often becomes the most cost-effective choice in the long run. More importantly, it’s an investment in your health, your confidence, and your quality of life.

Ready to Learn More? We’re Here to Talk.

If you’re tired of dealing with missing teeth and are ready for a permanent solution, we invite you to take the first step. Call our Southern Pines dental office at 910-390-1259​ or request an appointment online.

Let Dr. Gessell and our friendly team answer your questions and help you see if dental implants are the right path to restoring your beautiful smile. We can’t wait to help you smile with confidence again.