Dental Implants in Winston-Salem & Mount Airy, NC

Our board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeons provide dental implant surgery in Winston-Salem and Mount Airy, NC. Whether you are replacing a single tooth, several teeth, or a full arch of teeth, we work closely with your restorative dentist to develop an individualized treatment plan. Bone grafting and other procedures to prepare for dental implant placement are also available when needed.

What are dental implants?

Dental implants are small titanium posts that are placed into the jawbone to replace the roots of missing teeth. Titanium is a biocompatible material that allows the implant to bond with the surrounding bone and provide a stable foundation for a replacement tooth.

After the implant has healed and integrated with the jawbone, an abutment is attached to the implant. Your restorative dentist then creates the crown, bridge, or other prosthesis that attaches to the implant and restores the visible portion of the tooth.

Dental implants can be used to replace a single missing tooth, several teeth, or an entire arch of teeth. They may also be used to stabilize removable dentures or support a fixed full-arch restoration.

Who is a candidate for dental implants?

Many patients who are missing one or more teeth may be candidates for dental implants. Successful treatment depends on several factors, including the amount and quality of available bone, gum health, medical history, and the location of the missing tooth or teeth.

If there is not enough bone to support an implant, bone grafting may be recommended before or at the time of implant placement. Your oral surgeon will review your examination and imaging and discuss the treatment options that are appropriate for your individual situation.

Can a dental implant be placed at the time of extraction?

In some situations, a dental implant can be placed at the same appointment as a tooth extraction. This may reduce the number of surgical procedures and shorten the overall treatment process.

Immediate implant placement is not appropriate in every situation. The condition of the surrounding bone and gum tissue, the presence of infection, and the location of the tooth all influence whether an implant can be placed at the time of extraction.

How is dental implant treatment coordinated?

Dental implant placement is typically a team effort between an oral and maxillofacial surgeon and a restorative dentist.

Dr. Oghalai, Dr. Krutoy, and Dr. Toscano perform the surgical portion of treatment, which may include tooth extraction, implant placement, and bone grafting when necessary.

Your restorative dentist designs and places the final crown, bridge, or prosthesis and may also provide a temporary replacement during the healing process.

How long does a dental implant take to heal?

After placement, most dental implants require a period of healing before the final restoration is attached. In many cases, this healing period is approximately three to four months, although the timing can vary depending on the location of the implant, the quality of the bone, whether bone grafting was performed, and other individual factors.

Many implants can be placed using a single-stage technique and do not require a second procedure to uncover the implant. Your surgeon will explain the expected healing process and timeline based on your specific treatment plan.

Dental implants for multiple missing teeth

Dental implants can support more than a single crown. When several teeth are missing, implants may be used to support an implant-supported bridge or other restoration. For patients who are missing most or all of the teeth in an arch, implants can also support removable overdentures or fixed full-arch restorations such as All-on-X.

Your surgeon and restorative dentist will work together to determine the number and location of implants needed to provide a stable and predictable foundation for your final restoration.

Schedule a dental implant consultation

If you are considering dental implants, the first step is an examination and review of your imaging. We can evaluate the condition of the jawbone, discuss whether bone grafting or other preparatory procedures may be needed, and coordinate treatment with your restorative dentist.

Our surgeons provide dental implant surgery at our Winston-Salem and Mount Airy offices.