Precision Dental Implant Placements

Replacing Missing Teeth With Tooth Implants in Chapel Hill, Durham, and Sanford NC

Dental Implants Presentation

To provide you with a better understanding of dental implants, we have provided the following multimedia presentation. Many common questions pertaining to dental implants are discussed.

Dental Implants Presentation

A natural tooth consists of a root and a crown. If you compare natural teeth to implant-supported replacement teeth, you’ll see they have the same basic parts. Both have a crown (the visible part used to chew food). Both have a root that holds the tooth securely under the gum and is anchored into the jaw. The difference is that the implant is made of titanium – the same time-tested material used by surgeons for artificial joints. When you lose a tooth, you lose both the root and the crown. To replace the tooth, the surgeon first replaces the root with a small dental implant.

Time is allowed for bone to heal and grow around the dental implant. The bone bonds with the titanium, creating a strong foundation for artificial teeth.  A support post (abutment) is then placed on the implant and a new replacement tooth (crown) is placed on top of the abutment. In many cases a temporary replacement tooth can be attached to the implant immediately after it is placed. If all of your teeth are missing, a variety of treatment options are available to support the replacement teeth.

Offering Dental Implant Placement at Our Offices in Chapel Hill, Durham, and Sanford NC

Interested in Restoring Your Smile?

Don’t suffer from missing teeth any longer! Dental implants are natural-looking replacement teeth that can preserve your facial structure and improve your smile.

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A smiling elderly man

“Don’t be afraid to Smile.”

For years I’d felt like a part of my body was missing — because my teeth were. My dentist told me that dental implants would make me feel and look a lot better. OK, I said. Now, I’m thrilled. I can smile, eat anything, and enjoy a good laugh with my friends.

Surgical Advances in Dental Implants

Using the most recent advances in dental implant technology, Dr. Sacco, Dr. Vandersea, Dr. Ruvo and Dr. Serlo are able to place single stage implants. These implants do not require a second procedure to uncover them, but do require a minimum of ten weeks of healing time before artificial teeth are placed. There are even situations where the implant can be placed at the same time as the tooth extraction – further minimizing your number of surgical procedures.

Dental implant placement is a team effort between an oral and maxillofacial surgeon and a restorative dentist.  Dr. Sacco, Dr. Vandersea, Dr. Ruvo or Dr. Serlo performs the actual implant surgery, initial tooth extractions, and bone grafting if necessary.  The restorative dentist (your dentist) fits and makes the permanent prosthesis. Your dentist will also make any temporary prosthesis needed during the implant process.

Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Associates

5 out of 5 stars based on 61 Dental Implants reviews.

Patient Review By William F

Dr. Serlo and all the staff were highly qualified and very supportive.

- William F

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Patient Review By John P

We are extremely impressed with all of you. Dr. Serlo is amazing. Not only is he thoughtful, communicative, and kind, but a true professional. I am writing for John, whose comment after the surgery was: "that man has golden hands." So grateful for Dr. S and crew. Happy Holidays.

- John P

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Patient Review By Carl David P

One is in good hands with these folks.

- Carl David P

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Patient Review By yolanda g

My family have used the services of OMSA several times and have always been completely satisfied with the care and treatment we have received from all staff members.

- yolanda g

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Patient Review By Donna K

I wholeheartedly recommend Dr. Serlo and Team at OMSA to anyone that is in need of dental surgery. Multiple locations offer access that is convenient from home or work in the Triangle. Office is well prepared for COVID prevention and I feel very safe in the reception and treatment areas. Staff are well practiced with masks; didn't have any trouble hearing or understanding.

- Donna K

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Patient Review By Fran R

Everyone was attentive and kind!

- Fran R

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Patient Review By Steve J

Great experience!

- Steve J

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Patient Review By Robert G

Great care ,very easy

- Robert G

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Patient Review By Elizabeth B

This has been a very positive experience for me from start to finish. The personalized care by the nursing staff is especially appreciated. Thank you for the excellent care.

- Elizabeth B

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review By Wendy N

So thankful for this Doctor and staff. They have a great listening ear. I never feel rushed. I always leave with a smile on my face. Thank you to each of you.

- Wendy N

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Patient Review By Nina L

This was an easy experience with fine professionals.

- Nina L

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Patient Review By Bernadette S

Dr. Ruvo and staff gave me outstanding service. As a somewhat anxious dental patient my experience was very positive and one that will cause me to continue future dental procedure s with this this same dental team.

- Bernadette S

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Patient Review By Mary B

Dr ruvo is remarkably gifted in his surgical skill. I needed an extraction, sinus lift and implant. I was anxious and have a low tolerance for pain but he and his assistant were able to perform these procedures in two short visits using local anesthetic only! Post procedure pain was minimal! I only needed two advil 200 mg tablets first evening after surgery and never anything stronger. No complications! Feeling great! My highest recommendations!

- Mary B

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Patient Review By S B

Everything was friendly and most professional. Dr. Ruvo was very caring and super concerned with every aspect of the lead-in, actual procedure and followup in the months following the implant surgery. I am very happy with the work done and the care I received.

- S B

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Patient Review By Jennifer A

Painless oral surgery. Very competent and compassionate

- Jennifer A

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Patient Review By Jeff K

Having this type of thing is never fun, but these folks make it way more pleasant than you would expect.

- Jeff K

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Patient Review By Dennis S

I was referred to Dr. Sacco by my general dentist in order to resolve two previously restored pre-molars that had deteriorated to the point that they had to be removed/replaced. I last dealt with Dr. S 11 years ago for my first extraction of a Wisdom tooth, which went very well. This time, I needed two more extractions, followed by my decision to replace the missing teeth with dental implants-- one in my upper jaw & one in my lower jaw on opposite side of my mouth. The estimated cost for this ambitious Treatment Plan was not inexpensive. However, considering the somewhat risky procedures involved and my goal of obtaining a functional outcome that would last me for the rest of my life, I was willing to incur the costs. Moreover, other aspects of my treatment plan served to justify the cost, including: • OMSA offers a 3% courtesy discount for any procedure that is paid up-front, in full. For an expensive plan like mine, this can make for sizeable savings. • Dr. S’s extensive knowledge-- compliments of her being jointly-degreed as a DDS & MD --is commensurate with the challenges that my complex needs presented. • Her office employs the latest technology (e.g. 3-D C-Scans) that enable a correct diagnosis and guide subsequent surgical interventions. • Dr. S’s many skills: Not only is she manually deft in executing local anesthesia, incisions, extractions, bone-grafting and suturing (which minimizes one’s time in the chair), but she has great “bedside manner.” I personally appreciated the soothing manner with which she informed me of what she was doing or accomplishing as she worked, but also her comfortable “one-way conversation” of sharing relevant & interesting information that served as a useful distraction & relaxation technique for me. The bottom line is that I have the utmost confidence in Dr. S and trust implicitly her recommendations & high-stakes procedures and treatment. It’s clear that my welfare was always paramount-- e.g. she was very amenable to “bundling” or maximizing some of my procedures per appointment, so as to minimize my exposure to radiation or the pre-operative antibiotics I have to take. Moreover, her practice’s Office Staff and all of her personal assistants are of the highest caliber. This includes my always having my questions answered. However, at the same time, I wish that the Practice would more routinely make available printed Homecare instructions, similar to what her office provided me in 2008. In closing, I wholeheartedly recommend OSMA and Dr. Sacco for anyone in need of competent & comprehensive care for complex dental needs.

- Dennis S

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Patient Review By Micheal P

I am very satisfied with the service I have received. Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Associates provide high quality treatment and their staff is courageous and helpful.

- Micheal P

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Patient Review By Susan E

Over the last 4 years, Dr Ruvo removed all 4 wisdom teeth from each of my 3 grandchildren and now he has helped me with the dental implant as well. The entire experience from the first call to schedule to the final check up call could not have gone more smoothly. The staff, all of the staff, were friendly and supportive, as well as Dr Ruvo. I can't thank him enough!

- Susan E

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Patient Review By Camille H

I have been very satisfied with this process. Dr. Serlo answered all of my questions prior to and after the surgery; he phoned me twice following the surgery to check in; and he prepared me for the pre and post experience so that there were no surprises. Scheduling follow up appointments has been easy and convenient. I appreciate the professionalism of the staff and the expert care provided by Dr. Serlo.

- Camille H

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