Lasting Tooth Replacement With Dental Implants in Wilmington, NC

If you are seeking dental implants in Wilmington, NC, Cape Fear Smiles provides thoughtful, total-body care to help you restore function and confidence. Dr. Norma Cortez and Dr. Adrian Soto use an integrated, biological approach with biocompatible materials and root-cause diagnostics to plan stable, natural-looking implant restorations.

What Are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are a modern solution to replace missing teeth. An implant is a small post placed in the jawbone that serves as an artificial root. After your mouth heals, a connector (abutment) and a custom crown, bridge, or denture are attached to complete your smile. Wilmington dental implants function like natural teeth, supporting confident chewing and clear speech while helping maintain the jawbone where teeth are absent.

At Cape Fear Smiles, implant care is planned with your overall health in mind. Dr. Norma Cortez and Dr. Adrian Soto design implant-supported restorations that fit your bite, support airway considerations, and use biocompatible materials for long-term comfort.

When Are Dental Implants Recommended?

Dental implants are recommended when you want to replace missing teeth with a solution that looks and feels natural. Implants are often ideal if you:

• Have a single tooth gap and want to avoid reshaping healthy neighboring teeth.
• Are missing multiple teeth and prefer a fixed bridge supported by implants.
• Need a stable full-arch solution that anchors a denture to prevent slipping.
• Want to protect jawbone volume where teeth have been lost.
• Value a long-term option that supports normal chewing and confident speech.

If you are searching for “dental implants near me” or an “implant dentist in Wilmington,” a consultation at Cape Fear Smiles will clarify if implants are right for your health, bone structure, and smile goals. We evaluate gum health and airway factors and assess bite forces and function so your treatment plan supports whole-body wellness.

How the Dental Implants Process Works

The path to dental implants in Wilmington, North Carolina, is organized, precise, and centered on your comfort. Here is what to expect:

• Comprehensive consultation: Your visit includes a thorough exam, review of medical history, and discussion of your goals. Biological considerations and airway health are factored into planning.
• Personalized planning: Digital imaging and careful measurements guide the placement plan and the design of your future restoration for balance and function.
• Surgical phase: A skilled surgeon places the implant post in the jawbone. When needed, bone or soft-tissue grafting may be recommended to support stability.
• Healing and integration: Over several months, the implant bonds with the bone. A temporary solution may be used to protect the site and maintain appearance.
• Abutment and restoration: Dr. Norma Cortez and Dr. Adrian Soto fit a custom abutment and craft a biocompatible crown, bridge, or denture that matches your smile and bite.
• Ongoing care: Periodic checks, professional cleanings, and consistent home care help you protect your investment for the long term.

Benefits of Dental Implants

• Natural look and feel that blends with your smile and supports clear speech.
• Strong chewing power so you can enjoy a wide range of foods comfortably.
• Jawbone support that helps reduce the bone loss common after extractions.
• No need to reshape healthy adjacent teeth as with traditional bridges.
• Stable base for dentures that limits movement and improves comfort.
• High success rates, with studies frequently reporting 95% or higher over many years.

Thoughtful planning improves outcomes. At Cape Fear Smiles, treatment is guided by functional bite analysis, airway-informed design, and the use of biocompatible materials in the final restoration. This approach supports predictable results you can trust.

Pros and Cons of Dental Implants

Pros

• Long-term solution that can last for many years with proper care.
• Confidence in smiling, speaking, and eating your favorite foods.
• Support for facial structure by preserving bone volume over time.
• Custom design that matches neighboring teeth for a seamless look.

Cons

• Surgical placement and healing mean a longer timeline than some alternatives.
• Candidacy depends on gum health, bone quality, and medical history.
• Commitment to home care and periodic maintenance is essential.