Updated on November 17, 2025.
More and more people are discovering just how transformative dental implants can be for replacing missing teeth. Not only do they restore a person’s ability to chew, speak, and smile confidently, but they also help maintain jawbone health, which traditional dentures and bridges simply cannot. Because implants are, well, implanted directly into the jaw, they stimulate the bone just like natural tooth roots do. This is vital in preventing the bone loss that often occurs after tooth loss.
While getting a dental implant in Winston-Salem is not a complicated process, it does involve several steps that unfold over about six to eight months. Each phase is essential to ensuring your implant is stable, comfortable, and built to last. Here’s a look.
Step 1: Placing Your Dental Implant
At the start of the procedure, Dr. Peter Pryor numbs the area and checks your comfort. Once you are relaxed and numb, the surgeon determines the ideal position for the implant, makes a tiny hole in the gums, and empty “socket” left by the missing tooth. They will then place the implant (a tiny titanium peg) securely into the jawbone. Though it may sound extensive, implant placement is typically a straightforward, in-office procedure that takes about an hour for most patients.
Many of our patients are surprised at how comfortable the process is, with most reporting only mild soreness for a few days afterward.
Step 2: The Implant Healing Process
After placement, your implant begins a crucial healing phase called osseointegration. During this process, which can take five or six months, the implant fuses permanently with the bone and surrounding tissues. This biological bonding is what gives implants their exceptional stability. While osseointegration takes several months, patients usually continue their daily routines with little disruption. In some cases, a temporary restoration may be placed, depending on the implant's location and your surgeon’s recommendations.
Step 3: Attaching a Dental Restoration
Once the implant is fully integrated, Dr. Pryor, a trusted Winston-Salem dentist, attaches an abutment. An abutment is a small connector that holds a final restoration in place. Depending on how many teeth are being replaced, your dentist places a custom-made dental crown, bridge, or partial or full denture onto the implant(s). These restorations are crafted to match your natural teeth in color, shape, and function, allowing you to look fully and comfortably like yourself again!
Enjoy a New Smile with Dental Implants in Winston-Salem!
Although the dental implant process takes time, patients consistently say the results are worth the wait. You’ll enjoy a durable, life-like tooth replacement that can last decades (even a lifetime!) with good home care and regular dental visits. Best of all, you can smile, speak, and eat with renewed confidence knowing your replacement tooth looks and feels natural.
If you’d like to find out whether you’re a good candidate for a dental implant, contact Dr. Peter Pryor and our outstanding Winston-Salem dental team today to get started.