Before Implant Smile
	After Implant Smile

Losing your teeth to an injury, tooth decay, or gum disease can be disheartening and will also have a negative effect on your oral health. Whether the missing tooth is visible or not when you smile, you need to explore options for the permanent replacement for teeth.

Statistics show that an estimated 69 percent of adults between the age of 35 and 44 have lost at least one tooth. By the age of 74, 26 percent of adults have lost all of their permanent teeth. Tooth loss from gum disease can be prevented with proper oral care and hygiene practices, but any teeth you do lose over your lifetime need to be replaced as soon as possible to prevent future oral health problems. Visit Dr. Ronald Watkins, the Biltmore dental implant specialist, to learn about your options.

Permanent Replacement for Teeth

Your Tooth Restoration Options

Single Tooth Replacement

	Before Single Dental Implant Placement
	After Single Dental Implant Placement

Replacing a single missing tooth can be most authentically accomplished with a single dental implant. The post of the implant mimics the root of your tooth while the dental crown looks and functions just like your natural tooth, requiring no additional maintenance. 

Multiple Teeth Replacement

Individual dental implants may be used as the ideal method for replacing multiple teeth, with a single dental implant placed at the site of each of your missing teeth. When more than one tooth needs to be replaced multiple implants may be needed. This takes planning and care. Dr. Watkins has over 20 years of implant experience and specializes in multiple implant and complex cases. Using 3D imaging he will consult with the patient and the restoring dentist to determine the ideal implant placement to achieve the best long-term outcome. 

Just as with a single tooth replacement procedure, during a multiple tooth replacement procedure you will first meet with Dr. Watkins to discuss your treatment options and so he can evaluate your oral health, gum tissue, bone and space. During the procedure, you will be sedated using both a local anesthetic and IV Conscious Sedation. Implants will then be placed in the mouth and the surgical area will be closed. After 3-6 months the custom manufactured dental bridge will be attached to the implants and your smile will be complete!

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All Teeth Replacement

Implant supported dentures are designed to restore the smile of someone who has lost all of their natural teeth. Implant supported dentures fit right on top of a set of dental implants (typically between 4-6 implants) to create more stability and a secure fit. These types of dentures are often used in the lower jaw where removable dentures tend to be less stable, but can be used in the upper jaw in some cases.

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All-on-4 Implant Technique

	Before All-on-4 Implants
	After All-on-4 Implants

Unlike other tooth replacement procedures, the All-on-4 technique is designed to use only four implants and the procedure typically does not require bone grafting. If Dr. Watkins determines that you have low bone density or low bone volume, he may recommend the All-on-4 technique, which provides new teeth for adults who would otherwise not be able to get implants.

In this procedure, the area is numbed enough to prevent any discomfort or pain. Four dental implants are placed in the areas where there is the most bone volume, then a new or existing denture is used to create a framework for a temporary set of teeth. These are attached the very same day, so you can enjoy the visual results of the procedure right away!

It takes between three to six months for the bone to be fully integrated with the implant after the initial visit. Once integration is complete, the temporary teeth are removed and a new, final set of teeth are made before permanent placement.

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