Dental Implants

Restore Your Smile With Implants

Missing teeth can affect your appearance and lower your self-confidence. Dental appliances like dentures can be difficult to care for and slide around in your mouth. As a result, you may feel limited and have to change your diet.

Dental implants are made to look and function just like a natural tooth. Unlike dentures, you won’t have to worry about what you eat or how you care for them, because they’re sturdy and designed to last a lifetime.

Who Can Get Dental Implants?

If you have one or more missing teeth, you may be a candidate for dental implants. If you’re healthy enough to have oral surgery, you can probably be approved for implants easily.

Some cases need to be evaluated on an individual basis. If you are a heavy smoker, have a chronic disorder like diabetes or heart disease, or if you’ve had radiation therapy, you can contact our office to schedule a consultation and we’ll determine if implants are the right choice for you.

Contact Us For A Beautiful Smile
If you want a more beautiful and comfortable smile, we can help. Dental implants look and feel natural, so you can live your best life.
 
To schedule your consultation, call us at (910) 692-4051, or fill out our online contact form, and we’ll get right back to you.

The Dental Implant Process

Consultation

The first step in the dental implant process is to schedule a consultation with an experienced prosthodontist. Both Dr. Oettinger and Dr. Cook are accomplished prosthodontists who are highly experienced in placing implants.

At your consultation, your dentist will examine your teeth and assess what kind of procedure is best for you. X-rays of your mouth may be taken to determine if you need any supplemental procedures, like a bone graft or sinus lift, to strengthen your jawbone before the implant is placed.

Fixture

If your dentist decides you can move forward with the implant process, he’ll place the first part of the implant. This is called the fixture and is usually made of titanium. The fixture acts like a natural tooth root and anchors the implant.

It often takes several weeks for the area around the fixture to heal. It’s important that the fixture heals and bonds with your jawbone properly so your implant will stay in place.

Abutment and Crown

Once the surgical area is healed, in most cases, your general dentist will complete the process. At this appointment, your dentist will place the abutment and the crown.

The crown is made from tooth-colored material, so it’ll blend in with the rest of your teeth. You can take care of your implant the same way as the rest of your teeth — with regular brushing and flossing, as well as routine dental cleanings and exams.

Frequently Asked Questions

Dental implants last for a long time and can even last for a lifetime. They’re made from high-quality materials that are durable enough to withstand everyday activities. Implants naturally integrate with your jawbone to form a stable bond.
 
To make sure your dental implants last as long as possible, properly taking care of them is essential. Luckily, dental implant hygiene is easy and doesn’t require you to do anything other than brushing and flossing your teeth. Treat your implant as if it’s a natural tooth.
 
We recommend using a soft-bristled toothbrush, non-abrasive toothpaste, and gentle floss for your dental implants. These materials are less likely to scratch the surface of your new tooth and help it to last longer.

The cost of your dental implants varies based on your situation. Your dental implants may be more or less expensive depending on if you need multiple implants, certain types of implants, or supplemental treatments to prepare for implant placement.

If you’re concerned about the cost of dental implants, don’t hesitate to contact our office. We can help you get the treatment you need — we accept many payment options and offer financing through CareCredit. They can break your treatment bill down into affordable monthly payments.

While lower-cost implant procedures may be enticing, they often cut out important parts of the procedure that could endanger the success of your dental implant. Dr. Oettinger and Dr. Cook are experienced and caring dentists who will make sure you’re safe throughout your treatment.

Dental implants are easy to care for — all you have to do is brush and floss your teeth daily. Treat your implant like it’s a natural tooth, but use a soft-bristled toothbrush, non-abrasive toothpaste, and gentle floss or flossing tools, so you don’t scratch the surface of your new tooth.

While daily care is simple, proper surgery aftercare is essential to a successful dental implant. To ensure there aren’t complications with your implant, follow the aftercare guidelines given to you by our staff carefully.

Yes, dental implants are safe. They have a very high success rate, and complications are rare. That’s because implants are made from high-quality, biocompatible materials that naturally integrate with your jawbone.

It’s important to choose a qualified and experienced implant dentist because your surgery will be safer. Drs Oettinger and Cook are both well-educated and have placed implants for years — they’ll ensure your dental implant treatment goes smoothly and can confidently give you the beautiful smile you deserve.

Many dental insurances do cover part of the cost of dental implants. To find out the details of your coverage, we recommend contacting your insurance provider. They can help you and answer your questions about your insurance.

It’s important to note that our office doesn’t participate in any dental insurance plans. We’ll provide the necessary paperwork for you to file with your insurance company — if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact us by calling (910) 692-4051.

If you’re concerned about paying for your dental implants, a financing plan through CareCredit may be an option for you. They can break your treatment costs down into affordable monthly payments, so you can have a beautiful smile without breaking the bank.

Complications with dental implants are rare but if you have an issue, contact our office by calling (910) 692-4051 as soon as you can. We can get you into our office to examine your implant and fix any issue you may have.

The most common complications are infections, nerve damage or damage to surrounding areas, or sinus issues. Drs Oettinger and Cook are experienced implant dentists and can ensure your dental implant surgery is as safe as possible.

Contact Us To Learn More

At Sandhills Dental Rehabilitation Center, we’re dedicated to keeping up with the latest dental technology. We adapt our practice with updated technology and information to make your dental visit easier as well as provide more accurate treatment.