3165 Maplewood Ave, Ste 104 • Winston-Salem, NC 27103 New Patient 336-559-3860 Current Patient 336-765-8358 info@drtrentbottomsdds.com
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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? Dental implants can give you a confident smile.

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. 

Dental implants can minimize bone loss in the jaw and provide a secure way to attach a prosthetic tooth, bridge, or denture. They also allow for normal chewing and biting function and confident speech.

Replacing teeth with dental implants can be life-changing!

implant dentist in winston salem nc

DENTAL IMPLANT TREATMENT IN WINSTON SALEM, NC

Dental implants are typically placed over a period of time and several visits. Dr. Bottoms offers patients convenient treatment with complete dental implant services under one roof. This means there is no need to see other specialists. 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. With proper treatment planning, a dental implant can sometimes be placed in one visit. Dr. Bottoms can also work with patients to place a full denture secured with dental implants in one day with the All On Four or All On X procedure.

Treatment Planning

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

Placing Implants

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.

Placing Abutments

After a healing period, Dr. Bottoms will attach the abutments. These pieces connect the implant posts to the crown, bridge, or denture. You will need several more weeks to heal. Dr. Bottoms will also take digital impressions for your final restoration.

Final Restoration

Once your permanent crown, bridge, or denture is ready, you will return to our office. Dr. Bottoms will remove your temporary restoration and place the final restoration. He will ensure your new teeth feel comfortable.

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 of dental implants in Winston-Salem, NC, include:

  • Bone retention in the jaw: After you lose a tooth, 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 help you bite and chew naturally. This means you can enjoy your favorite foods again. Removable dentures can slip when you eat 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. 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: You can easily care for your implants, implant-supported dentures, and implant-supported bridges. 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.

DENTAL IMPLANT FAQs

Learn more about dental implants in Winston Salem, NC, with answers to these patient questions:

What are the parts of a dental implant?

A single dental implant has three main parts:

  • Post: The post is a small screw that serves as the foundation for your new tooth. It uses of titanium, a strong and lightweight metal that is safe for the body. We place this post into your jawbone, where it acts like the root of a natural tooth. Over time, the bone grows around the post to keep the implant secure and stable.
  • Abutment: The abutment is a small connector that sits on top of the post. It extends slightly above the gum line and serves as a link between the post and the crown. Once the post has fully fused with the jawbone, we attach the abutment. This piece ensures that the crown stays firmly in place.
  • Restoration: This is the part of the implant that looks like a real tooth. It uses porcelain or ceramic materials that closely match the color and shine of natural teeth. The crown, bridge, or denture is custom-made to fit your mouth and blend in with the rest of your smile. Once it is attached to the abutment, the implant looks and functions just like a natural tooth.

What is All On 4?

All-On-4 is a type of dental implant treatment that replaces a full arch of missing teeth using only four implants. These implants act as strong anchors for a custom-made denture that stays in place.

This treatment is great for people who have lost most or all of their teeth and want a secure, natural-looking smile. The best part is that we place the implants and a temporary set of teeth in the same day. You don’t have to go without teeth.

All-On-4 implants help keep your jawbone strong. You can eat a variety of foods without the hassle of removable dentures.

What is osseontigration?

This the process where a dental implant bonds with the jawbone. After we place the implant post in the bone, the bone cells grow around it to make it strong and secure. This helps the implant stay in place, just like a real tooth root.

Osseointegration can take 3 to 6 months. After you heal, the implant becomes a stable foundation for the new tooth. This process ensures the implant won’t move when you chew, talk, or smile.

Can I switch from dentures to implants later?

Yes, you can switch from dentures to implants later, but it depends on a few things. First, implants need a strong and healthy jawbone to hold them in place. If you’ve been wearing dentures for a long time, your jawbone might have shrunk or gotten weaker. In that case, you might need a bone graft (a procedure to add bone) before getting implants.

Your gums need to be healthy, and you should be in good overall health for implants. Your dentist will check to make sure you’re a good candidate.

Switching to implants takes time. First, we place the implants into your jawbone. Then, you’ll need to wait a few months for the bone to heal and fuse with the implants. Then we place abutments and crowns.

How long do you go without teeth during implant treatment?

The amount of time you go without teeth during implant treatment depends on your specific case. Our dentist can provide a temporary tooth or denture so you don’t have to go without teeth.

If you get a single implant, our dentist might place a temporary crown while your implant heals. If you need multiple implants or a full arch replacement, you can also get a temporary denture or bridge.

How long does it take to get dental implants?

The length of dental implant treatment depends on how many implants you need and your health.

For some patients, the process can take several months. The implant post, which acts like a tooth root, needs time to bond with the jawbone. This healing process can take three to six months.

Pretreatments like bone grafting or gum disease treatment can add more time to your treatment.

Does dental implant treatment hurt?

Dental implant treatment usually doesn’t hurt because we numb the area with local anesthesia. You won’t feel pain during the procedure. After the anesthesia wears off, you might feel some soreness or discomfort.

We will recommend over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen. Everyone’s pain tolerance is different, but most people say it’s less painful than they expected. Our dentist will give you instructions to help you heal comfortably.

How long do dental implants last?

Dental implant restorations can last 20 years or more. With the proper care, dental implant posts can last a lifetime.

How long they last depends on how well you take care of your teeth and gums, your overall health, and habits like smoking. Brushing, flossing, and regular dental check-ups are key to keeping your implants in good shape. You may need to replace your crown, bridge, or denture after 10 to 15 years, but the implant itself is durable.

SCHEDULE A DENTAL IMPLANT CONSULTATION

Do you need to replace missing teeth? Schedule a visit to learn more about dental implant treatment in Winston Salem, NC. Dr. Bottoms can also provide a second opinion for a restorative treatment plan.