Restore missing teeth with Dental Implants and other restoration options in Cary

Cavities, gum disease, and accidents are three of the most common reasons patients may need to have teeth extracted. When they visit either our Cary or Cornelius offices, we will explain the reason an extraction is recommended and the choices available for replacement. Dr. Carl McMillan provides his patients with two metal free restoration options, zirconium dental implants or a fixed dental bridge.

The importance of replacing a missing tooth

When a front tooth is missing, patients are frequently concerned with the negative impact it has on their smiles. When the tooth is located farther back in the mouth, they may think “out of sight out of mind” as the saying goes. Your remaining teeth will only stay in proper alignment for a short amount of time before they begin shifting. The relationship of your teeth can be described as co-dependent; they rely on each other for stability and support. Once they begin to move pockets form, which makes the removal of plaque difficult. When plaque is not removed, you are more susceptible to cavities and gum disease. As time passes, and your teeth shift, they can become loose in their sockets, which can result in the loss of more teeth, especially if you have developed gum disease.

Restoration options

Every patient is different, and we want to provide you with the best restoration option for your unique needs. Most of our patients are interested in fixed dental bridges. They are aesthetically pleasing, typically are completed in two appointments a couple of weeks apart, and they do not require surgery. The dental implant process takes longer to complete because once the zirconium dental implant is placed, the jawbone must fuse to it. This takes approximately three to six months, occasionally longer. Once this happens, the restoration can be completed. Depending on your needs, if only one implant was placed, it can be topped with a dental crown; a pair of implants can be completed with a bridge. The difference being, when a bridge is attached to implants it can replace multiple teeth and it doesn’t require the adjacent teeth to be altered. Some patients have dental implants placed to stabilize their dentures. Dr. McMillan will explain your options to you so you can decide what is best for your individual needs.

If you have damaged teeth, or are missing teeth, call Holistic Dental Centers and schedule an appointment with Dr. McMillan. You can reach our Cary office at (919) 865-0700 or the Cornelius office at (704) 765-3150 to make an appointment at the location most convenient for you.

Holistic Dental Centers in Cary and Cornelius, NC offer many general and cosmetic options, designed to protect patients’ oral health, as well as overall health and well-being.

Dr. Carl McMillan is a holistic dentist with a medical degree from the College of Dental Medicine of the Medical University of South Carolina. Due to his expertise, he was honored with the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology (IAOMT) presidency. He is compassionate towards patients and committed to providing them with safe, toxic-free dental treatments to help them maintain a happy and healthy smile.

Dr. Luis Crespo obtained his Doctorate of Dental Surgery from the West Virginia University School of Dentistry. An IAOMT member, he believes prevention is the best medicine and strives to educate both patients and parents on the benefits of maintaining a healthy mind, body, and spirit. He has served underprivileged communities across the world.

Dr. Erin Wilbanks graduated from Louisiana State University School of Dentistry in New Orleans with a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree. She is an accredited IAOMT member, is SMART (Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal Technique) certified and is a member of the Academy of General Dentistry.