While our adult teeth are designed to be permanent, unforeseen circumstances like decay, gum disease, or injury can lead to tooth loss. Left unaddressed, missing teeth can weaken surrounding bone and tissue. Fortunately, modern dentistry offers exceptional solutions to restore your smile’s health and beauty. At Chapel Hill Oral Surgery, we specialize in creating natural-looking smiles with long-lasting dental implants. Our commitment to patient safety, comfort, and exceptional care sets us apart in the Chapel Hill, NC community.
Why Are Dental Implants the Preferred Method of Tooth Replacement?
A dental implant is a small titanium screw, which Dr. Hill carefully implants into the jaw where it can integrate with the surrounding bone. Once the implant has fully fused to the bone, it functions as an artificial tooth root, providing a secure anchor for custom dental prostheses.
When the dental implant restoration process is complete, the results include a natural-looking smile and a bite nearly as strong as one with regular teeth. Dental implants preserve the health of your jawbone and surrounding teeth, which no other tooth replacement method can offer.
At Chapel Hill Oral Surgery, we promote optimal outcomes using Dynamic X-Guide® technology and Nobel Biocare™ implants. Our commitment to standard-setting technology delivers smooth and effective procedures, characterized by precision, patient safety, and clinical excellence.
Elevating Oral Surgery Standards
Dr. David Lee Hill, Jr.
Dr. David Lee Hill, Jr. is a Board Certified Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon who is passionate about providing his patients with outstanding care. He is dedicated to his clients’ comfort and to achieving long-lasting solutions for their oral surgical needs.
Benefits of Dental Implants
Designed to Last a Long Time
Dental implants are intended to be a permanent fixture in your smile. The rate of dental implant success is high (clinical studies say up to 98%), and with routine care, dental implants can potentially last for the rest of your life.
Preserves Bone and Facial Structures
Your jawbone needs ongoing stimulation from a tooth root, otherwise the bone will reabsorb. This can lead to a range of complications, including unwanted changes to your facial appearance. By replacing your tooth roots, implants actively preserve your jawbone.
A Healthier Smile
The placement of dental implants does not require any healthy teeth to be extracted. And, unlike dentures and bridges, implants do not require any adjacent teeth to be shaved, sanded, or otherwise compromised.
Natural Appearance
Your dental implants are completed with custom-tailored porcelain prostheses designed to emulate your natural teeth and fit seamlessly into your healthy smile. Your dentist, who will work closely with Dr. Hill to achieve your final smile, will make the final restoration and place the crown on top of the implant.
Voices of Satisfaction
Customer Reviews
“They did my two front implants and both my sons wisdom teeth, and made all of the procedures as smooth and painless as possible.”
-Kevin G.
A Healthier Smile
The placement of dental implants does not require any healthy teeth to be extracted. And, unlike dentures and bridges, implants do not require any adjacent teeth to be shaved, sanded, or otherwise compromised.
Natural Appearance
Your dental implants are completed with custom-tailored porcelain prostheses designed to emulate your natural teeth and fit seamlessly into your healthy smile. Your dentist, who will work closely with Dr. Hill to achieve your final smile, will make the final restoration and place the crown on top of the implant.
How Do Dental Implants Compare to Other Options?
During your initial consultation, Dr. Hill will be glad to discuss how dental implants compare and contrast with other tooth replacement options, including dentures and bridges.
How Will My Surgeon Determine Whether I Am a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?
Your dental implant journey will begin with a consultation. During this appointment, Dr. Hill will use 3-D imaging, along with a physical evaluation, to assess your teeth, gums, and jaw. He will also ask some questions about your medical history, ensuring you are qualified for a safe and successful procedure.
The best candidates for dental implants:
Are missing one or more teeth or anticipate having teeth extracted.
Do not have any untreated periodontal disease.
Are in good health overall, without any conditions that could increase surgical risk.
Have adequate jawbone tissue or are eligible for bone regeneration with a bone graft.
Have clear expectations about the dental implant procedure, recovery, and results.
How Are Dental Implants Placed and Restored?
Implant Placement
On the day of your procedure, you will be welcomed back to an accredited state of the art operating room, where our full on-site anesthesia team will administer sedation. Dr. Hill will place the implants using X-Guide technology, maximizing precision while minimizing the need for incisions.
Abutment Placement
After your implants are placed, you will need to allow several weeks for osseointegration, the process by which your implant fuses with the surrounding bone. Once this process is complete, you will return to Dr. Hill for the addition of an abutment, a connective piece used to secure the implant to the new crown.
Replacement Teeth
You will leave your initial surgery with temporary replacement teeth, ensuring a complete smile. Once the abutment is placed, your regular dentist can add your final replacement teeth, completing your dental restoration.
Navigating Excellence Through Core Values
Our SWIM™Philosophy
Mastery,
Safety,
Wellness,
Integrity,
Mastery,
Safety,
Wellness,
Integrity,
Mastery,
Safety,
Wellness,
Integrity,
Mastery,
Safety,
Wellness,
Integrity,
Recovery and Aftercare
Following your initial implant placement, you can anticipate two to three days of swelling and soreness. We provide our patients with the Comfort Control Clock™, making it easy to regulate the use of over-the-counter medications like Tylenol® and Ibuprofen. The Comfort Control Clock™ allows you to manage the soreness after dental implant placement. You will also receive full dietary guidelines, advising you on what to eat and what not to eat as you gradually transition back to your regular diet.
Chapel Hill Oral Surgery: Exactly Like Nowhere Else™
At Chapel Hill Implant & Oral Surgery Center, we take patient safety and exceptional care to a new level. Our core values – Safety, Wellness, Integrity, Mastery (SWIM™) – guide every step of your journey. Led by Dr. Hill, our board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon, our team offers years of experience with an emphasis on patient safety. For dental implant care and a second chance at a complete smile in Chapel Hill, NC, schedule a consultation online or call (919) 238-9961.
