Implant Services

Creating a Beautiful Smile for the Greater Triangle and Surrounding Areas

Ideally, the perfect candidate for dental implants would have perfect oral health, meaning no periodontal disease, severe bone recession or other oral health problems that may hinder the success of the implant. However, that is not always the case, and fortunately, it does not have to be!

At Triangle Periodontics, we make getting implants a reality for many patients who may have suffered the devastating effects of periodontal disease or have gone years with missing teeth. If you have been told before that you are not a candidate for dental implants, consider a consultation with periodontist Dr. Otis Washington. Our implant services may allow you to receive dental implants that last you a lifetime!

Implant site development

Before placing a dental implant, it is essential to have adequate amounts of healthy bone. When this is the case, the implant fuses to the jawbone, creating a stable “root” for the replacement tooth. When a tooth needs to be removed due to infection, it is not uncommon to have bone loss around the infected tooth. In these cases, various types of bone grafting can be done at the same time the tooth is removed to facilitate the placement of a dental implant at a later date.

Bone grafting

Occasionally, ideal areas where dental implants are to be placed do not have sufficient bone quantity to place the implants successfully. There are multiple sources of bone grafting material that can be used including autogenous, synthetic, and more. Dr. Washington will determine what is best for your individual care. Let us know if you have any questions regarding bone grafting procedures.

Sinus lift augmentation

After the loss of upper back teeth, your sinuses may enlarge in size, and the jawbone may diminish. Before new implants replace the lost teeth, a sinus lift augmentation or graft relocates the sinus cavity into its original position and replaces the bone that has been lost as a result of the enlarged sinus. This new bone graft typically takes three months to heal before the dental implants can be placed into the grafted bone.

Implant maintenance

Once your dental implant restoration is completed, it is important to keep the area clean and free of infection. We will be sure to provide you with post-operative instructions on how to care for your new dental implant. Implants are 98% effective, so long as oral hygiene is maintained. Dental implants can accumulate plaque and tartar just as teeth can, although they are resistant to decay. Still, tartar buildup collects harmful bacteria that can cause gum recession and erode the jawbone. Whether you have just one tooth replaced by an implant or several, professional cleanings will be necessary to keep your implants healthy. The time interval for these professional cleanings will be determined by your individual needs.

To learn more about implants or to schedule your implant consultation, contact Triangle Periodontics by calling 919-782-9536. Dr. Washington will determine which treatments are best for you.

Triangle Periodontics welcomes patients of Apex, Cary, and Raleigh, North Carolina.