Dental Implants in Wilmington, NC

Missing a tooth—or several—affects more than just your smile. It can change how you eat, how you speak, and honestly, how you feel about yourself. If you've been living with gaps in your smile, dental implants might be the solution you've been looking for. At Bonded Beginnings in Wilmington, NC, Norma Cortez has helped countless patients restore their smiles with implants that look, feel, and function like natural teeth.

What Exactly Are Dental Implants?

A dental implant is a small titanium post that we place into your jawbone where the missing tooth used to be. Think of it as an artificial tooth root. Once it heals and fuses with your bone—usually over a few months—we attach a custom-made crown on top. The result? A replacement tooth that's virtually indistinguishable from your natural teeth.

Why Choose Implants Over Other Options?

Bridges and dentures have their place, but implants offer some unique advantages that make them the gold standard for tooth replacement:

• They preserve your jawbone – When you lose a tooth, the bone underneath starts to shrink. Implants stimulate the bone just like natural tooth roots, preventing that deterioration.
• No damage to neighboring teeth – Unlike bridges, implants don't require grinding down healthy adjacent teeth.
• They're permanent – No removing them at night, no adhesives, no slipping. They're part of you.
• Eat what you want – Steak, apples, corn on the cob—implants can handle it all.
• They look completely natural – Nobody will know unless you tell them.

The Implant Process at Bonded Beginnings

We know the idea of dental surgery can feel intimidating, so let's walk through what to expect:

1. Consultation – Norma Cortez will examine your mouth, take X-rays or 3D scans, and discuss your options. We'll answer all your questions and make sure you're comfortable before moving forward.
2. Implant Placement – The titanium post is placed into your jawbone. This is done under local anesthesia, and most patients are surprised at how comfortable it is.
3. Healing Period – Over the next 3-6 months, the implant fuses with your bone. You'll have a temporary restoration during this time.
4. Crown Placement – Once healed, we attach your custom-made permanent crown. You walk out with a complete, natural-looking smile.

Who's a Good Candidate?

Most adults in good general health are candidates for dental implants. Ideal candidates have:

• Healthy gums
• Adequate bone density (or willingness to consider bone grafting)
• Good overall health
• Commitment to good oral hygiene

Even if you've been told you're not a candidate elsewhere, it's worth getting a second opinion. Advances in implant technology and bone grafting techniques have made implants possible for many patients who weren't candidates in the past.

Ready to Restore Your Smile?

If you're tired of living with missing teeth, let's talk. Call Bonded Beginnings at 910-763-0931 to schedule your dental implant consultation with Norma Cortez. We're proud to serve patients throughout Wilmington, NC and the surrounding communities, and we'd love to help you smile with confidence again.