With dental implants you can rediscover your confidence to eat, speak, laugh and enjoy life. Implants are titanium screws that attach to the bone where you are missing teeth, allowing a natural-looking, tooth-colored restoration to be secured in the space.
Dr. Holcombe provides implant restorations — the custom teeth that attach to your implants, from a single crown to a full arch. The implant post itself is placed by a surgical specialist, and we’ll help coordinate your care from your first consultation to your finished smile.
What Is a Dental Implant?
A dental implant has three parts: a titanium post that sits in the jawbone and acts like a tooth root, a connector, and the restoration you see — a crown, bridge or denture. Once the bone has bonded with the post, the implant provides a strong, stable base for your new teeth.
Implant Restorations We Offer
Implant Crowns and Bridges
These are similar to a traditional crown or bridge, except the restoration sits on the implant instead of your natural tooth.
Implant Attachments for Dentures
Implants can be used as attachments for traditional dentures, allowing them to “snap” into place. This increases the stability and retention of the denture.
Fixed Hybrids
A fixed hybrid replaces all or most of the teeth in an arch. Unlike a denture, you don’t take it out — it is screwed into place on the implants. It is more stable and smaller than a traditional denture, making it a great alternative for patients who struggle with a gag reflex.
Benefits of Dental Implants
- Look, feel and function much like natural teeth
- Replace a tooth without reshaping the neighboring teeth, as a traditional bridge requires
- Help preserve the jawbone, which tends to shrink where teeth are missing
- Let you eat, speak and laugh without worrying about slipping teeth
- Can stabilize a loose denture or replace it with a fixed option
Are You a Candidate for Implants?
Most adults who are missing one or more teeth can be evaluated for implants. Good candidates generally have healthy gums and enough jawbone to support the implant. Smoking, uncontrolled diabetes and some medications can affect healing, so we’ll review your health history carefully.
If you have active gum disease, we’ll treat it first through periodontal therapy. If a failing tooth needs to come out, we can start with an extraction.
The Dental Implant Process
Consultation
Dr. Holcombe examines your mouth, reviews X-rays and discusses your options and timeline.
Implant placement
The implant post is placed in the jawbone by a surgical specialist. We’ll help coordinate this step and explain what to expect.
Healing
Over the following months, the bone bonds with the implant to create a solid foundation.
Your new teeth
Dr. Holcombe designs and attaches your custom crown, bridge, denture attachment or fixed hybrid.
Ongoing care
Routine checkups and cleanings help your implant last.
Caring for Your Implants
Implants can’t get cavities, but the gums and bone around them can become inflamed just like natural teeth. Brush twice a day, clean around the implant daily and keep up with regular cleanings and checkups so we can monitor the implant and your restoration.
Why Patients Choose Dr. Holcombe for Implant Restorations
- Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) from East Carolina University; undergraduate studies at North Carolina State University
- Active member of the American Dental Association, Academy of General Dentistry, North Carolina Dental Society and Buncombe County Dental Society
- A small, family-owned practice where you see the same dentist every visit, led by Dr. Holcombe since 2018
- Personal care and long-term relationships: we take the time to listen, answer questions and explain your options
Implant Restorations: Frequently Asked Questions
How long do dental implants last?
With good home care and regular checkups, implants can last for many years. The crown or other restoration on top may eventually need to be replaced due to normal wear.
Does Dr. Holcombe place the implant?
Dr. Holcombe focuses on implant restorations — the crowns, bridges and dentures that attach to your implants. The implant post is placed by a surgical specialist, and our office helps coordinate your care so the process is as smooth as possible.
Should I choose an implant or a bridge?
Both replace missing teeth. An implant stands on its own and doesn’t require reshaping neighboring teeth, while a traditional bridge is anchored to the teeth on either side. Dr. Holcombe will help you weigh the pros and cons for your situation.
Can implants help my loose denture?
Yes. A few implants can serve as attachments that let your denture snap securely into place, or support a fixed hybrid that stays in. Learn more about our denture options.
Do I need one implant for every missing tooth?
Not necessarily. Implant bridges and fixed hybrids can replace several teeth using fewer implants.