Unlike other tooth replacement options, dental implants permanently replace the missing teeth in your smile. Often considered the gold standard of tooth replacement procedures, implants can benefit the aesthetics and functionality of your teeth in many ways. Find out more about dental implants with Dr. Kirk Wilkie, Dr. Vic Turner, and Dr. Joey Pesicek at Cary Implant and General Dentistry in Cary, NC.

What is a Dental Implant?
During the procedure for a dental implant, your Cary, NC, dentist will replace your missing tooth with an implant made up of three main components: a titanium implant fixture, a prosthetic tooth, and an abutment which holds the two together. Your dentist implants the fixture into the jawbone under your missing tooth, then leaves the implant site to heal. Once healed, your dentist places the prosthetic tooth and abutment onto the healed fixture. By then, the jawbone has grown around the fixture, securing it into place as a sturdy foundation for your replacement tooth.

Types of Dental Implants
Dental implants can help your smile in various situations:

• You are missing one tooth. If you are missing a tooth, a single tooth implant can replace it. Your dentist will place a single implant into the gap in your smile where it will stand alone — without the help of any surrounding teeth — and replace your missing tooth.
• You are missing multiple teeth. A multiple tooth implant allows your dentist to replace two or more teeth with a single restoration. The restoration will span the gap in the smile to replace two or more missing teeth and is held in place with an implant on either side.
• You are missing most or all of your teeth. Implant-supported dentures allow your dentist to replace most or all of your teeth. Four or more implants throughout the arch hold the denture securely in place.

Dental Implants in Cary, NC
If you think you can benefit from dental implants, consulting with your dentist will allow you to fully investigate your implant options and whether this procedure is right for you. For more information on dental implants, please contact Dr. Wilkie, Dr. Turner, and Dr. Pesicek at Cary Implant and General Dentistry in Cary, NC. Call (919) 481-0330 to schedule your appointment today!