DENTAL IMPLANTS in WINSTON-SALEM, NC

Dental implants are now a leading restorative dental treatment option for tooth replacement. Dr. Bottoms places all types of dental implants in his Winston Salem, NC dental office. He works with patients to restore missing teeth with the best possible outcome. Dr. Bottoms will plan your implant and restoration using CBCT technology and 3-D print a surgical guide to place an implant in the most ideal position.

Do you have one or more missing teeth? Discover the benefits of dental implants and get back a smile that is confident and secure.

Why Choose Dental Implants?

Implant dentistry has changed the outcome for patients who have lost one or more of their natural teeth. Dental implants restore not only the visible part of the tooth above the gum line but also the lost root below the gum line. This supports your long-term dental health in several important ways:

  • Minimizes bone loss in the jaw
  • Provides a secure way to attach a prosthetic tooth, bridge, or denture
  • Allows for normal chewing and biting function
  • Facilitates confident speech

Replacing teeth with dental implants can be life-changing!

implant dentist in winston salem nc

DENTAL IMPLANTS: WHAT TO EXPECT

Dental implants are typically placed over a period of time and several visits. Dr. Bottoms offers patients needing teeth replaced the benefit of consistent, convenient treatment with complete dental implant services under one roof. This means there is no need to see other specialists, and we can provide comprehensive diagnostics using in-office CBCT scanning and digital technology.

The first step is to meet with Dr. Bottoms to evaluate and discuss your needs and goals for your smile. In some cases, a dental implant can be placed in one visit with proper treatment planning. Dr. Bottoms can also work with patients to place a full denture secured with dental implants in one day using the All On Four or All On X procedure.

Dr. Bottoms will use a combination of digital diagnostics to thoroughly evaluate your entire smile as part of your treatment planning. He is able to use this information to strategically plan and place your dental implants for the best outcome. Advanced diagnostics are a critical part of placing all types of implants and play a key role in cases where the implant(s) are being placed and restored in one visit.

Typically, once treatment is planned, Dr. Bottoms will schedule your first step, which is the surgical implant procedure. Dr. Bottoms uses digital surgical guides to ensure accurate placement of the implant. The titanium post is placed in the jaw bone and will need several weeks to heal before moving to the next step. This ensures that the post has integrated with surrounding bone tissue and created a stable foundation.

After a healing period, Dr. Bottoms will attach the dental crown for a single tooth implant, or possibly the temporary denture for patients receiving a full arch of new teeth.

HOW TO CARE FOR DENTAL IMPLANTS

To care for your implant-supported crown, bridge, or denture: 

  • Brush and Floss Twice a Day: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to gently brush your teeth and implants at least twice a day. Choose a non-abrasive toothpaste that won’t scratch the surface of your implants or damage the surrounding gums. Clean all sides of your teeth and implants to remove plaque. Floss around your implants daily to remove food particles and plaque that your toothbrush might miss. You can use regular floss, a water flosser, or special floss designed for implants.
  • Visit the Dentist Regularly: Continue to schedule regular check-ups and cleanings in our office. Our dentist will check the health of your implants and make sure everything is in good shape. We will take digital X-rays and provide visual exams at these visits.
  • Avoid Bad Habits: Do not chew on ice, use your teeth as tools, or bite your nails with your new restoration. While implants ensure restorations stay stable, these habits are still harmful. Refrain from smoking or using tobacco products during implant treatment. The nicotine in tobacco products restricts the blood vessels, which slows healing. 

 

WHY CHOOSE DENTAL IMPLANTS?

Dental implants are now considered the “gold standard” for tooth replacement. They support improved results and better long-term dental health when compared to traditional treatment options. Secure and permanent, dental implants mimic the complete form and function of the natural tooth.

Key benefits to consider include:

  • Bone retention in the jaw: After a tooth is lost, the bone around the lost root begins to shrink over time. This can lead to changes in the jaw’s appearance and the quality of the bite. Many patients who lose a tooth can experience facial sagging, which can make them look older. Because implants replace teeth at the root, they restore jaw support and facial structure.
  • Normal bite function: A dental implant will restore normal chewing ability by enabling normal bite forces. This means that patients can once again enjoy their favorite foods, a varied diet, and a comfortable bite. With removable dentures, you can experience dentures slipping when eating hard or crunchy foods. Implants stabilize single crowns, bridges, and dentures. You don’t have to worry about your new teeth moving when you eat. 
  • Confident speaking ability: Many patients struggle with speech after tooth loss. This can also occur with a poorly fitting denture that slips. An implant denture is secure and allows patients to speak with confidence. In addition, because implants act as artificial tooth roots, they can help you pronounce sounds once you are used to your new teeth.
  • Normal daily oral hygiene: Implants, implant-supported dentures, and implant-supported bridges can be cared for much like natural teeth. Flossing and brushing daily will support a healthy smile—you do not need to remove and clean an appliance. Instead, you can brush and floss implant restorations.

 

SCHEDULE A DENTAL IMPLANT CONSULTATION

Do you need to replace missing teeth? Schedule a visit to discuss your dental care concerns and learn more about implant dentistry treatments and expected outcomes. Dr. Bottoms can also provide a second opinion for a restorative treatment plan.