Missing a tooth changes more than your smile. It changes how you chew, how you speak, and how confident you feel. At Locklear Dentistry, we place and restore dental implants in one office, so you work with one dentist who knows your whole mouth from the first x-ray to the final crown. No referrals across town, no starting over with a stranger.
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Did you know…
dental implant surgery is usually done under local anesthesia, and the majority of patients say the recovery felt easier than a tooth extraction.
The Benefits of Dental Implants in Greensboro
They Look and feel Natural
Your crown is custom made and shade matched to the teeth beside it, so it blends in rather than stands out. Because the implant is anchored in bone instead of resting on your gums, it feels stable when you bite down. You can eat what you want, speak without worrying, and brush and floss exactly as you always have.
They Last a Lifetime
With good home care and regular checkups, a titanium implant post can last decades and often a lifetime. The crown on top may need replacing at some point, much like any dental restoration, but the implant itself is designed to stay put. Compare that to a bridge or partial denture, which typically needs replacing every seven to fifteen years.
They Prevent Bone Loss
Your jawbone stays strong because chewing puts pressure on it through your tooth roots. Lose the root and that stimulation stops, so the bone begins to shrink. Over time this can shift neighboring teeth, change your bite, and give your face a sunken look. An implant restores that stimulation and protects the bone underneath.
Our Greensboro Dental Implant Process
Consultation and Treatment Planning
Your first visit is about answering questions, not scheduling surgery. Dr. Locklear reviews your dental and medical history, takes digital x-rays and 3D imaging to measure your bone, and examines the surrounding teeth and gums. From there you get a written plan that covers what is needed, how long each stage takes, and exactly what it costs before anything begins.
Preparation and Implant Placement
If the tooth is still in place, we remove it first, often adding a bone graft at the same visit to preserve the site. Once you are numb and comfortable, Dr. Locklear opens a small window in the gum, prepares the bone, and seats the titanium implant. The gum is closed with sutures and you head home the same day with clear aftercare instructions.
Healing, Abutment, and Final Crown
Over the next three to six months your jawbone fuses to the implant in a process called osseointegration. When healing is complete, we attach a connector called an abutment and take impressions for your crown. Because we handle restoration in house, the same team that placed your implant designs and seats the final tooth, shade matched to the teeth beside it.
Before & Afters
A smile is worth 1,000 words.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Recovery Process Like After Dental Implant Surgery?
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The patient might experience slight pain and discomfort following the surgery. The dentist will recommend painkillers to ease the discomfort and plenty of rest to promote healing. Pain and swelling peak on the third day and then disappear shortly after.
The gums heal after about two weeks. The jaw bone fuses with the implant over the next few months. The dentist will open up your gums to place the abutment and prosthetic teeth. The gums will need another two weeks to heal.
Are Dental Implants Covered By Insurance?
Most providers consider implants as a cosmetic procedure and don’t provide coverage. dental insurance. However, some provide coverage but only cover a portion of the cost. This means you’ll still have to pay out-of-pocket.
Consult your insurance agency to determine whether they cover dental implants. If not, we can arrange a payment plan that works for both of us. We could also arrange for alternative treatment if necessary.
Am I a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?
Anyone with a missing tooth or teeth is a great candidate for dental implants, including patients with insufficient jawbone. We’ll take X-rays to determine how much jaw bone you have left and facilitate grafting if necessary. We’ll also determine the best type of implants for your needs, and explore alternative treatment if necessary.
