Dental Implants
How do dental implants work?
Dental implants are designed to provide a foundation for replacement teeth that look, feel, and function like natural teeth. The person who has lost teeth regains the ability to eat virtually anything and can smile with confidence, knowing that teeth appear natural and that facial contours will be preserved. The implants themselves are tiny titanium posts that are placed into the jawbone where teeth are missing. The bone bonds with the titanium, creating a strong foundation for artificial teeth. In addition, implants can help preserve facial structure, preventing the bone deterioration that occurs when teeth are missing.
Dental implants are changing the way people live! With them, people are rediscovering the comfort and confidence to eat, speak, laugh, and enjoy life.
Drs. Kim and Arrington have received extensive training in Implantology. Through continuing education, they keep abreast of the most current information on implant dentistry.
Are you ready to smile with confidence again?
Our mission is to help patients live healthier lives. We provide a caring, nurturing environment where your comfort and health is of primary importance.
Call today to schedule!
Evaluation
If, like many others, you feel implant dentistry is the choice for you, we ask that you undergo a dental/radiographic examination and health history. During these consultation visits, your doctor will address your specific needs and considerations. Your questions and concerns are important to us and our team will work with you very closely to help make your procedure a success.
We will also discuss fees and insurance at this time. There are many types of insurance plans, and coverage for implants is varied. We will be happy to assist you in obtaining any benefits to which you may be entitled.
Dental Implants Presentation
To provide you with a better understanding of dental implants, we have provided the following multimedia presentation. Many common questions pertaining to dental implants are discussed.
Procedures
Dental implants are metal anchors that act as tooth root substitutes. They are surgically placed into the jawbone. Small posts are attached to the implant to provide stable anchors in the gums for replacement teeth.
For most patients, the placement of dental implants involves two surgical procedures. First, implants are placed within your jawbone. Healing time following surgery varies from person to person and is based on a variety of factors that include hardness of bone. In some cases, implants may be restored immediately after they are placed.
For the first three to six months following surgery, the implants are beneath the surface of the gums gradually bonding with the jawbone. You should be able to wear temporary dentures and eat a soft diet during this time. At the same time, your restorative dentist designs the final bridgework or denture that will ultimately improve both function and aesthetics.
After the implant has bonded to the jawbone, the second phase begins. Drs. Kim and Arrington will uncover the implant and attach a small healing collar. After two weeks your general dentist will be able to start making your new teeth. An impression must be taken. Then posts or attachments can be connected to the implants. The teeth replacements are then made over the posts or attachments. The entire procedure usually takes six to eight months. Most patients do not experience any disruption in their daily life.
What to do if my dental implants have failed?
If you have dental implants from another practice which are failing or have failed we can help! Rocky Mount periodontists Dr. John Kim and Dr. Harriet Arrington are experts in treating implant complications. Call our expert staff to schedule a consultation where our periodontists will examine the implants and discuss with you the options for repair or replacement.
Rocky Mount Periodontics and Implant Center
Patient Review by Suzi G
I absolutely love Dr. Kim!!! Getting an implant terrified me, but after meeting with Dr. Kim I knew and felt I made the right decision to see him. He made me feel completely comfortable and I felt like I was with family!!
- Suzi G
Patient Review by Pam P
I have been coming here for years even before Dr. Kim. I will tell you he is the best. I have had everything done implants, gum grafts, cleaning he and his staff are the best.
- Pam P
Patient Review by BRENDA . M
I find this office to be of the highest quality and professionalism and would highly recommend this office to my friends and acquaintances. My experiences with implants have been very successful and have had no problems with them since I have had them.
- BRENDA . M
Patient Review by tracy b
I am a very nervous patient and she (Dr Arrington ) always makes me feel comfortable and Carolyn where I begin 13 years and I love her to death never made me uncomfortable with my cleaning . THANK YOU ALL !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
- tracy b
Patient Review by Laura D
Shannon is outstanding in every way
- Laura D
Patient Review by Celena B
Dr. Kim and the staff are excellent! Courtesy and Professional! Everyone takes the extra time to make you comfortable and feel safe. I've experienced 3 implants and 2 gum grafts over the past 10 years with Dr. Kim. I highly recommend his practice.
- Celena B
Patient Review by pace w
My greatest fear has always been the dentist. When i first met Dr KIm, i explained to him my fear and how I desperately needed him to work with me to help me get through the long procedure i was facing. Dr Kim is a loving,compassionate person and also, a most brilliant surgeon. The highest complement i can say about Dr Kim, I place him equal to my daddy in making someone so scared feel so safe and secure. i thank God that Rocky Mount,in my opinion, has the most compassionate and brilliant surgeon ,there maybe others equal to Dr Kim,but there IS NO ONE BETTER!!! ~Pace Winstead
- pace w
Patient Review by Gene B
I went to Dr. Kim with a tooth that broke off from a root canal. He pulled what was left of the tooth. I was impressed with the extraction, no pain what so ever. He had to put bone in the socket to build it up because my sinus was too low. After it healed, he put a dental implant in. It took a short time for the implant to graft to my bone and then a crown was placed on it. It is the strongest tooth I have, wish I could have all my teeth done this way. The entire staff were professional and polite. I highly recommend this practice for any periodontal needs. They are great!
- Gene B
Patient Review by William D
MY IMPLANT FEELS LIKE MY NATURAL TOOTH. COMPLETELY SATISFIED!
- William D
Patient Review by Diane V
I have always felt the staff and doctors were concerned with my problems and listened to what I have to say. I did not feel rushed or pushed aside at anytime while in the office. Everyone is always friendly and courteous. They made me feel comfortable and never uneasy. I would definitely recommend this office for any procedures related to dental care. I received excellent patient care.
- Diane V
Patient Review by Beverly Bobbitt
Overall my experience has been great and really enjoyed Dr. Strickland and Carolyn. They are the best and made my experience very pleasant.
- Beverly Bobbitt
Patient Review by John B
Good, very good at making me as comfortable as possible during procedures
- John B
Patient Review by Mary Alice C
All my fears about having this procedure were unfounded...NEVER had any discomfort or pain...it was "a piece of cake"!
- Mary Alice C
Patient Review by sheila w
Great experience
- sheila w
Patient Review by Lisa H
It has been a pleasure to come to the office for the last almost 2 years.. Even with surgeries, the staff and doctors have always been so kind, patient and very knowledgeable in detailing and executing my dental plan.
- Lisa H
Patient Review by Myra R
Thank you for working with me. I know my case had some challenges. I am so very pleased with the results.
- Myra R
Patient Review by Mary K
I could not believe how easy it was to have an implant. I was scared when I lost my tooth and was nervous about the procedure. Thankfully Dr. Kim was able to get me a tooth back with an implant surgery!
- Mary K
Patient Review by Heather K
The implant surgery was a breeze. I have had mine for a few years now and cannot even tell that it is there!!!
- Heather K