Dental Implants Service in Durham, NC: Your Guide to Permanent Tooth Replacement
- Local Start Dental
- 4 days ago
- 5 min read
When you have a missing tooth or several missing teeth, dental implants offer the most advanced solution for permanent restoration. At Local Start Dental, we understand that tooth loss affects more than appearance—it impacts eating, speaking, and healthy bone structure.
Our practice provides patients with artificial teeth that function like natural teeth. Unlike bridges or removable options, dental implant procedures create permanent solutions that preserve jawbone and protect surrounding structures.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are artificial tooth roots made from titanium that integrate with your jawbone through osseointegration. This dental implant procedure creates stable foundations for replacement teeth.
The dental implant has three parts: the implant body placed in your jaw, an abutment connector, and the new artificial tooth (crown) visible in your mouth. This design allows customized solutions for each patient.
Types of Dental Implant Services We Offer
Single Dental Implant Placement
Single dental implants replace one missing tooth without affecting adjacent natural teeth. Unlike bridges that require grinding healthy teeth, this dental implant placement preserves your remaining teeth while preventing bone loss.
Full Mouth Dental Implants
For extensive damaged or missing teeth, full mouth dental implants provide complete restoration using four to six implants per arch. This approach eliminates traditional denture frustrations—you can eat anything and smile confidently. Learn more in our guide to affordable dentures and implants.
Implant-Supported Bridges
Missing several adjacent teeth? Implant-supported bridges use strategic dental implant placement to support multiple artificial teeth efficiently, reducing surgery time and cost while preserving bone.
The Dental Implant Surgery Process
Initial Consultation
Your journey begins with comprehensive evaluation including X-rays and bone assessment. We discuss goals, review medical conditions, and develop your personalized dental implant procedure plan. Our sliding scale fees make implants accessible regardless of financial situation.
Implant Surgery Day
During dental implant surgery, we place the implant body precisely in your jawbone using local anesthesia. Most patients experience only minor discomfort manageable with over-the-counter medication. Each dental implant placement typically takes one to two hours.
Healing and Osseointegration
Your body fuses bone around the dental implant over several months through osseointegration. This process called osseointegration ensures your implant achieves stability needed for long term success. We monitor progress throughout healing with follow-up appointments.
Final Restoration
Once healing completes, we attach the abutment and your custom artificial tooth, finishing your dental implant procedure with fully functional replacement.
Benefits of Choosing Dental Implants
Preserve Jawbone and Facial Structure
Missing teeth cause bone loss because jawbone lacks stimulation from tooth roots. Traditional options don't prevent this deterioration. However, dental implants function like natural roots, providing stimulation that maintains healthy bone and facial structure.
Function Like Natural Teeth
Dental implants restore full chewing ability. Unlike removable options that slip, your implant-supported teeth remain firmly in place. Eat apples, corn, and favorite meals confidently.
Long Term Success
With proper care, dental implants last decades. Success rates exceed 95% when placed by experienced professionals. Our comprehensive guide to dental implants provides detailed information about maximizing results.
Protect Remaining Natural Teeth
Traditional bridges require altering adjacent teeth. Dental implant placement eliminates this need, preserving natural teeth in their original state and maintaining overall oral health.
Who Qualifies for Dental Implant Surgery?
Most adults with missing teeth qualify for dental implants. Ideal candidates have adequate bone, healthy gums, and good overall health.
Medical Conditions and Candidacy
Certain medical conditions may affect outcomes. Uncontrolled diabetes, active gum disease, or heavy smoking can interfere with healing. However, many issues can be managed before proceeding with dental implant procedures.
Inadequate bone presents another consideration. Patients with significant bone loss may need grafting before dental implant placement through minor surgery to build up jawbone.
Caring for Your Dental Implants
Daily Maintenance
Clean dental implants like natural teeth—brush twice daily and floss once daily. Pay attention where artificial teeth meet gums to prevent bacteria buildup.
Professional Care
Visit our Durham office regularly for cleanings and examinations. We check dental implants for complications and clean around implant components thoroughly. Regular professional care prevents failure and ensures long term success.
Protecting Your Investment
Avoid using artificial teeth as tools. If you grind teeth at night, wear a protective guard. These precautions help dental implants last decades.
Understanding Costs and Payment Options
Investment varies based on number of dental implants needed, whether bone grafting is necessary, and chosen artificial teeth type.
Making Dental Implants Affordable
We offer sliding scale fees based on household income for qualifying patients. This makes dental implant services accessible even with cost concerns.
We provide flexible financing through Proceed Finance and CareCredit. Our team helps set up payment plans spreading dental implant surgery costs over manageable monthly amounts.
Insurance Coverage
While we don't work directly with private insurance, we provide necessary records for claim submission. Some plans offer partial coverage for dental implant procedures, particularly when replacing teeth lost to accidents or medical conditions.
Why Choose Local Start Dental?
Experienced Team
Our dentists have extensive training in implant surgery and placement. They stay current through continuing education and bring years of experience to every dental implant procedure, ensuring optimal results and minimizing complications.
Comprehensive Care
We provide complete dental implant services from consultation through final restoration and ongoing maintenance. You won't need referrals—our team handles every aspect in our Durham office.
Community Focus
As a non-profit, we prioritize patient care over profits. Our sliding scale fees reflect our mission to make dental implant procedures accessible to everyone needing them. Read about the best dental implant clinic in Durham.
Dental Implants vs. Other Options
Implants vs. Bridges
Bridges require modifying adjacent natural teeth. Dental implants preserve these teeth intact. While bridges last 10-15 years, dental implants can last a lifetime with proper care.
Implants vs. Removable Options
Removable dentures rest on gums and don't prevent bone loss. Dental implants integrate with jawbone, preserving healthy bone and providing stability. Options requiring adhesives need regular adjustments as bone changes shape, while implant-supported artificial teeth remain permanently stable.
For comprehensive comparison, explore our guide to prosthodontic care in Durham covering all replacement options.
Potential Complications and How We Prevent Them
Implant Failure Prevention
Most dental implants are successful, however, implant failure can occur. We minimize risk through careful patient selection, precise dental implant placement, and thorough follow-up care. Proper oral hygiene and regular visits are essential for preventing complications.
Managing Bone Loss
Adequate bone is crucial for dental implant surgery success. If you've experienced bone loss, we can perform grafting procedures to build up jawbone before dental implant placement. This additional step ensures your implants have solid foundations.
Take Your Next Step
Missing teeth don't have to limit your life. With modern dental implant services, you enjoy permanent restoration that restores full function, preserves jawbone, and gives confidence to smile freely.
At Local Start Dental in Durham, our experienced team provides compassionate care for all dental implant procedures. From single replacements to full mouth dental implants, we offer comprehensive solutions tailored to your unique needs and budget.
Important Information:
We understand expenses can be challenging. We offer:
Sliding Scale Fees: Based on household income for qualifying patients
Flexible Financing: Payment plans through Proceed Finance and CareCredit
NC Medicaid: Accepted with appropriate coverage
Insurance Support: Records provided for claim submission
Don't let cost concerns prevent exploring dental implant surgery. Contact Local Start Dental today to schedule your consultation for dental implant services in Durham, NC.
During consultation, we'll examine oral health, discuss goals, explain the treatment plan, and answer questions. Our team reviews costs, sliding scale eligibility, and payment options so you understand everything before making decisions.
Your journey to permanent, natural-looking restoration starts with one phone call. Schedule your consultation now and discover how dental implants can transform your smile and life.
Disclaimer
Information in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Candidacy for dental implant surgery varies based on individual circumstances and medical conditions. Consult with a qualified dentist at Local Start Dental to discuss your specific needs and determine the best approach for your situation.
