You just can’t get on board with a bridge or dentures and you are considering a dental implant. You’ve made a good choice! Dental implants are by far the most permanent solution and the only option that replaces tooth roots. This provides a more stable foundation and will prevent  you from losing bone in the future, which can cause multiple problems. Since dental implants must be placed surgically, there will be a recovery period. The Surgical Process Dental implants have 3 steps. First the implant is surgically placed by your oral surgeon. Next an abutment is added. The abutment will con ..read more

Rockcliff was proud to receive the Sky High Growth Award from the Asheville Chamber of Commerce at a reception at Sierra Nevada Taproom in Mills River. The Sky High Award recognizes companies in the Asheville/Buncombe area that are creating jobs and fostering growth, being innovative, and that are involved in the community. “For more than 40 years, Rockcliff Oral and Facial Surgery & Dental Implant Center has been a leading center for surgical care in Western North Carolina. In recent years, the center has seen outstanding growth with a significant increase in revenue and the addition of s ..read more

Worldwide, over 550,000 new cases of Oral, Head and Neck cancer are diagnosed each year. Oropharyngeal cancer is slightly different from oral cancer. Oropharyngeal cancers are related to HPV (Human papilloma virus) and usually occur in the tonsils or at the base of the tongue, while oral cancers are in the mouth and usually associated with tobacco use. The Oral Cavity The oral cavity incudes the lips, the inside lining of the lips and cheeks, the teeth, the gums, the front two-thirds of the tongue, the floor of the mouth below the tongue, and the bony roof of the mouth – also known as the hard ..read more

Have you always had a fear of being in the dental chair? Does the word surgery trigger nervousness in you? We know this can be the case and we are here for you. Whether you are getting your wisdom teeth removed or getting dental implants, the best way to reduce your pre-surgery anxiety is to communicate with your doctor. All of our doctors will be happy to talk to you about your procedure and help ease your concerns or answer your questions about oral surgery. If you are getting full mouth dental implants, rest assured that you will have a full team who is ready to guide you through the surger ..read more

  Dr. Blackburn is originally from Henderson, NC but has always been drawn to Western North Carolina. An Eagle Scout, he enjoys participating in anything that can get him outside and active, such as running, fly fishing and backpacking.  He also enjoys playing guitar whenever he finds time. His resume includes a bachelor’s degree from UNC Chapel Hill and a Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from East Carolina University.  Following dental school Dr. Blackburn completed two advanced dental residencies.  He completed a one-year Advanced Education in General Dentistry prog ..read more

Dental implants are the closest you can get to natural teeth. If taken care of properly, they can last for a very long time. Taking care of dental implants is just like caring for your teeth. Good oral hygiene is a must for success and long-term health. Brush all of your teeth with a toothpaste that doesn’t have abrasives in it. So perhaps look to the old-school toothpastes and avoid any toothpaste with baking soda or other particles. Floss and with dental floss and/or use a water flosser. Your toothbrush should be soft. You can use a manual of an electric toothbrush, just make sure the head c ..read more

We hear it a lot. Whatever is behind your dental anxiety, we understand. You may be worried about pain, uncertainty, or just the sounds of  the equipment. The number one thing to remember when contacting your Oral Surgery office is to express your concern. Just being able to admit that you have fear around dental procedures can take some of the power away from the worry.  You can also repeat your concern to your surgical team and surgeon.  Remember that this is nothing to be ashamed of, as it is quite common. After each appointment, openly discuss your treatment  with your ..read more

It sounds scarier than it is! Here’s a little info to put you at ease. What is bone grafting? Bone grafting is a minor surgical procedure that is done under local anesthesia to rebuild bone where it has degraded. The bone grafting material is be placed into a tooth socket when a tooth is extracted or in an area where a tooth has been missing for some time. New bone cells will grow and replace the grafting material. Why would I need a bone graft? There needs to be adequate bone available to ensure the sucess of planting a dental implant. We want your implant to last for a long time. Where does ..read more

One of the most common topics we get questions about is anesthesia and what kind will be used.  You can talk with your oral surgeon about this during consultation, but here is an overview. Local Local anesthesia is often used for many procedures. A numbing agent is administered through a shot. Although you will be awake during the procedure, you should only feel pressure and no pain. Nitrous oxide, or “laughing gas”, is used mainly to help with anxiety. You will breathe in the nitrous oxide through a mask and will begin to feel relaxed. You will not fall asleep and can still communicate w ..read more

Are you missing a tooth or multiple teeth through injury, tooth decay or a previous extraction? You already know some obvious issues. Missing teeth can be unsightly, make it difficult to eat and even create problems with speech. But did you know there are more serious issues going on that you can’t immediately see? When you lose a tooth root, the bone in the jawbone is no longer stimulated in that spot. This reduction in bone density can cause a lack of structure which can lead to a sagging or aged appearance in the face. A way to maintain bone density is through a dental implant.  The im ..read more