If you’re missing one or more teeth, dental implants can restore your smile, improve your oral health, and give you long-lasting confidence. At Meadowmont Dentistry in Chapel Hill, we help patients every day understand the benefits of implants and guide them through the process with expert care. If you’re new to dental implants, this guide will walk you through how they work, who’s a good candidate, and what to expect from start to finish.
How Dental Implants Work
Dental implants are designed to replace the entire structure of a missing tooth—from root to crown. Each implant consists of three parts:
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Titanium Implant Post: Surgically placed into your jawbone, this post acts as the tooth root.
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Abutment: A connector that attaches to the implant post and holds the crown in place.
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Dental Crown: A custom-made tooth restoration that looks and functions like your natural tooth.
Once placed, the implant fuses with the bone in a process called osseointegration, creating a secure, permanent foundation for the replacement tooth.
Candidacy and Consultation
Not everyone is a candidate for dental implants, but many people are surprised to learn they qualify. You may be a good candidate if you:
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Have one or more missing teeth
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Have healthy gums and adequate jawbone density
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Don’t smoke or are willing to quit during the healing process
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Are committed to maintaining good oral hygiene
At Meadowmont Dentistry, your implant journey starts with a personalized consultation. We’ll evaluate your mouth using digital imaging, review your medical history, and determine if any additional procedures (like bone grafting) are needed before placement.
Healing, Restoration, and Maintenance
The dental implant process is typically completed in phases:
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Implant Placement: The titanium post is placed into the jawbone during a minimally invasive procedure.
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Healing Period: Over the next 3–6 months, the implant fuses with your jawbone. We monitor your progress during follow-up visits.
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Abutment & Crown: Once healed, we place the abutment and a custom crown that matches your natural teeth in color, shape, and size.
Caring for dental implants is simple:
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Brush and floss daily
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Visit us for regular cleanings and checkups
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Avoid chewing hard objects (like ice or pens)
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Wear a nightguard if you grind your teeth
With proper care, your implants can last a lifetime.
Dental implants are one of the most effective and long-lasting solutions for missing teeth. At Meadowmont Dentistry in Chapel Hill, we provide expert care every step of the way to ensure you get results that look, feel, and function just like your natural teeth. Ready to explore dental implants? Contact us today to schedule your consultation!