(828) 252-2791
2 Iris St., Asheville, NC 28803

Implants Services

Our dentists may recommend dental implants if you wish to fill gaps in your smile left by missing teeth with a permanent, stable solution.

Dental implants are permanent and secure tooth replacements that can be used to replace one missing tooth, several missing teeth, or all of the teeth. The dental implant post, which is a screw made of titanium, is surgically placed in the jawbone at the site of the missing tooth. This replaces the missing tooth root and ensures that your dental restoration is stable. A period of healing is then often required to allow the bone to begin to bond with the biocompatible post. Following this healing period, our dentist will place the dental implant restoration, or replacement tooth, which fits on top of the implant post. Depending on which teeth are missing and your personal dental needs, your implant restoration might be a dental crown, dental bridge, complete denture, or partial denture. Each dental implant restoration is custom made to fit your smile comfortably and aesthetically pleasing.

Replacing a missing tooth can restore your smile to optimal health, function, and appearance. A dental implant is a great option for restoring your smile because the implant is designed to look, function, and feel just like your natural teeth, and with proper care, it can last a lifetime. For more information about the benefits of implant dentistry, and to schedule your implant consultation, please call or visit us soon.

Mini Implants

How Are Mini Implants Placed?

Placement of the implants is accomplished quickly and easily in a process performed in our office, with local anesthesia or light sedation to help make you more comfortable. Using a precise, controlled, minimally invasive surgical technique, mini implants are placed into the jawbone. The head of the implant protrude from the gum tissue and provide a strong, solid foundation for securing your dentures. It is a one-step procedure that involves minimally invasive surgery, no sutures, and a much shorter healing time.

What Will My First Day Be Like?

Leave the denture in place until bedtime. You should not experience any excessive bleeding. There will be some mild discomfort, but this should be minimal and controlled by the pain medication you have been given. If needed, take the pain medication only as directed. The denture should feel secure. You may eat as soon as you wish, but avoid excessively hard or sticky foods for a period recommended by us. Upon removing the denture, rinse your mouth with an antiseptic mouthwash and clean around each implant with a cotton swab and toothpaste. Use the cotton swab technique for cleaning for three days. After the three days, use your toothbrush which has been specifically designed to clean your implants as well as to gently stimulate the surrounding gum tissue.

How Do I Place and Remove My Dentures?

The implants and the O-ring fixtures must be clean and free from debris. Grasp the dentures with both hands and lightly seat the dentures, making sure that the O-rings are resting above the ball head of the implants. Press down firmly and equally on both sides of the dentures. Make sure that you feel the implant heads easily fitting each O-ring. You will feel the dentures snap into place. If you have trouble seating your dentures, first make sure that the implants and dentures are absolutely clean. Second, make sure that you feel the implants resting over each socket. A light touch will give you the best results. Remember to push downward equally on both sides. If you are still experiencing difficulty, ask a spouse or family member to assist you in placing the dentures.

What About Care & Maintenance?

You must brush and clean the balls of the implants as if they were your natural teeth. As with natural teeth, food and bacterial debris (plaque) must be removed after meals. If not removed, the plaque will cause inflammation of the gums and can be forced into the O-ring fixtures, causing improper seating and loss of retention. The O-ring fixtures must also be cleaned out. If the dentures do not remain firmly in place, give our office a call to schedule an appointment.

Your implants, gums, and the O-rings will be needed to properly maintained with an appropriate cleaning recall interval.

Dental Problems

Do you experience anxiety before going to the dentist? At Fox Dental, we work with you to help ease all of your anxiety and worries before visiting our office. We understand that dental anxiety is a very common fear, and we want to make you feel relaxed and calm during your visit with us. Prior to any treatment, our knowledgeable staff will thoroughly explain and answer any questions that you may have about the treatment you will be receiving.
Are you experiencing tooth pain? Tooth decay and cavities are caused by acid from bacteria breaking down the enamel surface of your tooth and working its way in to the soft layers of your tooth. Jaw joint disorders can also trigger toothaches caused by chewing or sensitivity to cold or hot drinks and food. The best way to determine the exact cause of tooth pain is to have a thorough oral examination. This includes having X-rays taken so we are able to identify the source of your toothache. Give us a call at (828) 252-2791 if you are experiencing a toothache, and we will schedule an appointment as soon as possible to examine your teeth.
Wisdom teeth often develop in young adults around ages 17-25. In most cases, wisdom teeth can cause future dental problems such as gum disease, tooth decay, or infection if they are difficult to keep clean or if there is not enough room for the wisdom teeth to grow. On the other hand, some wisdom teeth never erupt and stay impacted below the gums. It is common that as wisdom teeth erupt, they often cause pain. If you are experiencing any tooth pain due to wisdom teeth, please call our office. We will schedule an examination to X-ray your wisdom teeth to identify the placement and if any problems are being caused by your wisdom teeth. If necessary, we may recommend wisdom teeth removal to completely remove your wisdom teeth.
Tooth decay and cavities are caused by bacteria eating away from the inside of your tooth. Tooth decay is one of the most common childhood illnesses and often leads to tooth loss. Most cavities can even be painless until the decay starts growing closer to the nerve of the tooth. This is why we recommend having routine checkups so that our dental team can detect cavities early on and prevent further tooth damage.