Did you lose a tooth? Have you worn dentures for some time but want a change? Dental implants can replace one or more missing teeth. Dr. Stephen Hoard offers comprehensive dental implant treatment for patients with missing teeth in New Bern, NC. He will prepare your entire treatment plan and offer a range of tooth replacements.
He works with a local periodontist to perform the oral surgery step, but is with you every step of the way. Then, he performs the implant restoration in our New Bern, NC, dental office. Dental implants are a restorative dentistry procedure that we have been providing for decades.
What is a Dental Implant?
Dental implants can be a convenient and durable solution for your missing teeth. They are used to replace a single missing tooth or multiple missing teeth. The dental implant is an artificial root placed in the bone to hold a replacement tooth (dental crown), bridge, or denture.
During your first visit, Dr. Hoard will examine your teeth, gums, and bone structure to determine if dental implants are right for you. Traditionally, patients must have a substantial amount of healthy jawbone structure to receive dental implants.
During your consultation, Dr. Hoard will discuss your options and find a replacement that suits your needs.
Treatment with Dental Implants in New Bern, NC
Once you are determined to be a candidate for dental implants, Dr. Hoard will work up a personalized treatment plan. Dr. Hoard takes a multidisciplinary approach to implant dentistry. Working with local periodontist Dr. Jeffry Thomas and orthodontist Dr. Todd Rankin, Dr. Hoard can achieve predictable results.
In most cases, Dr. Thomas will place the implant, which is left to heal for about 3 to 6 months. In the case of a single tooth replacement, a dental crown will be fabricated at a dental laboratory to Dr. Hoard’s exact specifications. If you are replacing several missing teeth, a dental bridge, partial denture, or full denture may be used.
When the dental implant has integrated into the bone, the gum tissue covering the post will be removed to expose the new root. The restoration will be secured to the artificial root and checked for a comfortable fit.
The “All on Four” Implant Solution
For many denture wearers or patients facing the prospect of losing all their teeth, an implant denture is a breakthrough treatment. Just like a traditional denture, an All-on-Four implant denture will replace all of the missing teeth. However, the implant denture is secured with just a few strategically placed dental implants.
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Dental Implants FAQs
Learn more about dental implants in our New Bern, NC office with answers to these common questions:
Am I a candidate for dental implants?
To receive dental implants, you must have an adequate amount of healthy jawbone structure. During your consultation, Dr. Hoard will perform an exam to determine if dental implants are suitable for you. If dental implants are not the right choice for you, Dr. Hoard offers other options to help restore your smile.
How long do dental implants last?
With proper care and maintenance, your dental implants can last 10 to 20 years or more. Visit our New Bern dental office twice a year for preventive care visits. In addition, practice proper oral hygiene. Brushing, flossing, and regular visits to our office may help improve the longevity of your dental implants.
What is the cost of dental implants?
Dental implants tend to be more expensive than other methods of tooth replacement. However, they provide unmatched strength and durability. Dental implants are more favorable than bridgework because adjacent teeth aren’t compromised.
We work closely with each patient to educate them on their options and help them make the best decision. Our office offers financing for elective procedures through CareCredit, with low monthly payments to make paying for dental implants manageable.
Do dental implants stain?
Dental implants don’t stain because the material used for them lacks the porous surface of natural teeth. However, dental implants can become discolored over time. Certain foods and beverages, medications, or any other substances can stain crowns, bridges, and dentures.
To keep your dental implant looking its best, avoid exposing it to staining agents and maintain good oral hygiene.
Am I a candidate for dental implants?
The ideal candidate for a dental implant is missing one or more teeth and otherwise in good health, with adequate supporting bone structure. Teeth may be lost due to trauma, gum disease, tooth decay, or other causes.
To determine if you are a candidate for dental implants, Dr. Hoard will perform a comprehensive evaluation. You must be committed to excellent oral hygiene and regular dental visits to ensure the long-term success of dental implants.
Do you need to replace missing teeth?
Replacing missing teeth is extremely important. Once a tooth is lost, the bone begins to deteriorate. Also, the gum tissue is exposed and more prone to gum disease. Adjacent teeth may shift, causing alignment problems. In some cases, this can increase the risk of TMJ disorders. While there are a number of excellent options for replacing missing teeth, none match the long-term success of dental implants.
Are dental implants noticeable or visible in the mouth?
Dental implants are generally meant to be subtle and not easily noticeable in the mouth. Dentists and oral surgeons design dental implants to look and function like natural teeth. Moreover, they tailor the size, shape, and color of the dental implant to match your teeth for a natural look.
However, in some cases, the implant may be noticeable. For instance, the implants may be noticeable if the surrounding gum tissue is not properly contoured. In addition, if there is a noticeable gap between the implant and the adjacent teeth, the implant will be noticeable.
Why Choose Dr. Hoard for Dental Implants
If you are considering dental implants, you want more than just a replacement tooth. You want a restoration that feels natural, functions perfectly, and lasts for decades. That requires a level of training and expertise that goes beyond standard dentistry.
Here is what sets Dr. Stephen Hoard apart.
Dawson Academy Faculty Member
Dr. Hoard is a faculty member at the prestigious Dawson Academy, a world-renowned center for advanced dental education. He teaches other dentists how to place and restore implants with precision. This means the techniques guiding your care are at the very leading edge of the profession.
Complete Dentistry Philosophy
Implants must work in harmony with your bite, your jaw joints, and your surrounding teeth. Dr. Hoard’s Dawson Academy training focuses on “Complete Dentistry”. He is evaluating your entire masticatory system before placing a single implant. This comprehensive approach ensures your new teeth are stable, comfortable, and built to last.
A Collaborative, Multidisciplinary Team
Dr. Hoard works closely with trusted local specialists, including periodontist Dr. Jeffry Thomas, who performs the surgical placement of the implant. Dr. Hoard is with you every step of the way, from the initial consultation to the final restoration of your new tooth. This team approach means you get the best of both worlds: surgical precision and restorative artistry.
Over Three Decades of Experience
Dr. Hoard has been serving the New Bern community since 1991. He has placed and restored thousands of dental implants, helping patients from across Craven County regain their smiles and their confidence.
A Legacy of Trust
Dentistry runs in the Hoard family. Dr. Hoard’s father was a beloved dentist in Tarboro, and most recently, his daughter, Dr. Nicole Hoard, has joined the practice. When you choose Hoard & Hoard, you are choosing a family tradition of compassionate, high-quality care that spans generations.
Personalized, Patient-Focused Care
You are not just a set of X-rays. Dr. Hoard takes the time to listen to your goals, answer your questions, and build a treatment plan that fits your unique needs and budget. He believes that informed patients make the best decisions for their health.
From your first consultation to the day you walk out with your beautiful new smile, you will have a dedicated partner in your corner.
Schedule an Exam & Consultation Today
Ready to replace your missing teeth with the most natural, durable solution available? Dental implants can restore your ability to eat, speak, and smile with total confidence.
Dr. Stephen Hoard and Dr. Nicole Hoard welcome patients from New Bern, Havelock, Trent Woods, River Bend, Vanceboro, Morehead City, and all across Coastal North Carolina. Whether you live near downtown New Bern or are driving in from Craven County, expert implant care is within reach.
Call our New Bern office today at (252) 507-0373 or schedule an appointment online. Let the Hoard family help you smile with confidence again.
