What Are Dental Implants?
Tooth loss affects more than just your smile. It can make chewing more difficult, limit the foods you enjoy, and over time, lead to bone loss in the jaw and changes in facial structure. When a tooth is missing, the surrounding bone no longer receives the stimulation it needs and begins to shrink, affecting both the stability and aesthetic of your smile. At The Oral Surgery Center, we're excited to provide dental implants as a long-lasting, natural-looking solution for replacing lost teeth. Unlike bridges or dentures, dental implants are anchored directly into the jawbone, creating a strong foundation that functions like a natural tooth root. The result is a secure and permanent replacement that looks, feels, and performs like the real thing. Whether you are missing a single tooth or need a full-arch restoration, Dr. Justin L. Drab and our team will guide you through every step of the process and create a dental implant plan that fits your needs and goals. Take a step toward strengthening and transforming your smile by scheduling a consultation at our oral surgery office in Greensboro, NC.
What Is the Process for Dental Implants?
The dental implant process involves multiple appointments spread out over several months. We'll start with a detailed consultation at our Greensboro, NC office, where we'll assess your jaw and take 3D dental scans to help us plan your treatment. Depending on the health of your jawbone, we may need to perform bone grafting surgery first to create a stable foundation for the implant.
Dental implant surgery is performed in our office using local anesthesia, with general or IV sedation available for added comfort. Dr. Drab will make a small incision in the gums to access the bone before placing a titanium post in the jaw to act as a new root. When he's finished, he'll close the area with dissolvable sutures, and the healing process will begin. Over the next several months, your body will naturally fuse the implant to the bone through a process called osseointegration. Once the implant has fully integrated, a custom crown, bridge, or denture is attached to the top. We'll work closely with you and your dentist to ensure the final result matches your bite, fits comfortably, and blends seamlessly with your natural teeth.
What Are the Benefits of Dental Implants?
Missing teeth do not have to limit your quality of life. Dental implants offer a secure, long-term solution that restores both comfort and confidence. The benefits of these long-lasting dental restorations include:
- Replaces missing teeth with a permanent, stable solution
- Prevents bone loss and preserves natural jaw structure
- Looks and feels like a natural tooth
- Restores full chewing ability and speech clarity
- Does not rely on neighboring teeth for support
- Supports bridges or dentures for larger restorations
- Improves long-term oral health and self-confidence
The Oral Surgery Center Reviews
Staff and Dr Drab effective and efficient. Answered my questions and good outcome from surgery, timely appts.
Excellent care. Lovely people.
Dr. Drab and his staff were so kind to me when I had my tooth extracted. They made sure my husband was equipped with all the knowledge and resources needed to care for me at home. I would definitely return to this office for my oral surgery needs. I would highly recommend Dr. Drab to anyone.
This is the best choice for oral surgery in Greensboro. Dr. Drab and his entire staff are pleasant, very caring and professional. Rae is a wonderful nurse and the billing front office team are great too. My family has had more than 6 procedures here and this review is applicable to every single visit. I've had to call with complications and they handled that efficiently and with no wait.
Great experience
322
Total Reviews
5
Average Rating
Am I A Candidate For Dental Implants?
Candidates for dental implants are typically individuals with good overall health and sufficient jawbone density to support the implant. If you have healthy gums, are free from conditions that could impair healing, and are committed to maintaining excellent oral hygiene, you may be a strong candidate for this procedure. Even if you've experienced some bone loss, additional treatments like bone grafting can help prepare your jaw for implants, making it possible to achieve a successful and long-lasting outcome.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is dental implant surgery painful?
Most patients report minimal discomfort during or after dental implant surgery. At The Oral Surgery Center, we perform the procedure using local anesthesia, with options for general or IV sedation to ensure your comfort. Any post-surgery soreness can typically be managed with over-the-counter pain relief and proper aftercare.
How do I care for my dental implants after surgery?
Caring for dental implants is similar to caring for your natural teeth. Brush and floss daily, and maintain regular dental checkups to keep your implants and surrounding teeth healthy. Dr. Drab and our team will provide specific aftercare instructions to help you through the healing process.
What can I eat after dental implant surgery?
For the first few days after surgery, stick to soft foods like yogurt, mashed potatoes, and smoothies to avoid irritating the surgical site. Our staff in Greensboro, NC, will provide you with specific dietary guidelines and let you know how to gradually reintroduce harder foods. Proper nutrition is important for healing and recovery.
Natural-Looking Tooth Replacement
If you are considering surgery for dental implants, the first step is to find a professional who understands the complexities of the procedure and considers your own personal needs. Dr. Drab and the team at The Oral Surgery Center have extensive experience in dental implants and will help you explore all your options for attaining a stronger, healthier smile. We're proud to work with patients across Greensboro, NC and beyond to rebuild what was lost and restore lasting comfort and confidence. Reach out today to schedule a consultation and learn if dental implants are right for you.