Dental Implants

Looking for dental implants in Charlotte? Here's what you can expect with single and multiple dental implants.

If you are missing a tooth, have damaged teeth, or wear dentures, you may feel self-conscious about your smile, your speech, or even your ability to properly chew food. Luckily, there is a solution that will help you regain the proper functionality of your teeth: dental implants.

More than 3 million Americans live with dental implants and there are 500,000 dental implant surgeries each year. When it comes to replacing teeth, dental implants, including same-day dental implants or multiple tooth dental implants, are the best option. If you are looking for dental implants in Charlotte to restore your smile to its full vibrancy, we've outlined everything you need to know.

At Greater Charlotte Oral and Facial Surgery, our team is specialized in providing dental implants to the Charlotte area and beyond, with locations in Pineville, Steele Creek, and Gastonia. With over 20 years of experience, we aim to educate patients fully on dental implant treatment options so they can feel comfortable and confident with the procedure.

What are Dental Implants?

Implants are traditionally small, titanium cylinders shaped like a screw that are directly inserted into the jawbone. It creates a sturdy base to support the crown that will go on top. Patients that are sensitive to titanium can opt for a holistic implant made of high-quality, super-strong ceramic. They are a proven metal-free alternative that offers all the incredible benefits of traditional titanium implants. Once surgically inserted during a pain-free procedure, implants seamlessly and securely adhere to your bone below the gumline.

An abutment is placed on top of the implant, which serves as a connector between the screw and the crown. Finally, the crown is attached. The crown is designed to match the color and functionality of your natural teeth.

So, in total, there are three parts to a dental implant:

1.	The implant itself, which fuses with the jawbone to create a stable base for the new tooth.
2.	The abutment, which is inserted into the implant screw and holds together the implant and the crown.
3.	The porcelain crown, which is placed on top of the abutment.

Together, these three parts restore the aesthetics and functionality of your natural teeth. The end result is that you enjoy a complete smile and regain the ability to properly chew foods and talk in conversation naturally.

Multiple Teeth Replacement

In addition to replacing single teeth, dental implants can also be used to replace multiple teeth. Many oral surgeons throughout the country recommend multiple tooth dental implants, such as fixed bridges, to replace missing teeth.

Amir Marashi, MD, DDS, FACS discussing dental implants and shaking hands with patient at Greater Charlotte Oral and Facial Surgery in Charlotte, NC.

Amir Marashi, MD, DDS, FACS discussing dental implants and shaking hands with patient at Greater Charlotte Oral and Facial Surgery in Charlotte, NC.

Multiple tooth dental implants create a stable foundation for the crown, allowing patients to bite and chew food properly. Implants eliminate the slippage or movement of the prosthesis because it's fixed directly to the implants. Patients can brush and floss around the prosthesis without difficulty, making dental health easier. And, implants improve the health of the surrounding natural teeth, as they do not need to be ground down or relied upon as strength to support the bridge.

Replacing missing teeth with individual implants, on the other hand, can be expensive and requires extensive surgery. Patients that use removable dentures and bridges will find they are difficult to clean, harm adjacent teeth, and lack proper stability that the mouth needs. Dental implants can be placed to support a fixed bridge to minimize procedure time and reduce the number of implants necessary to restore a smile.

Types of Dental Implants

When electing for dental implant surgery in Charlotte, you want to make an informed decision about the best possible dental implant option. It's essential to understand that the American Academy of Implant Dentistry considers two types to be safe:

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Endosteal Titanium Implants: These rank among the most commonly used dental implants. They are surgically secured directly into the jawbone. Endosteal implants require an initial surgery to embed the implant. After the jaw and gums have adequately healed, a procedure is performed that connects the post and then the artificial tooth or teeth. We can outfit Pineville, Gastonia, and Steele Creek patients with these implants.

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Endosteal Zirconia Implants: This implant is a non- metal alternative to titanium implants. It is a ceramic material and is white in color.

At Greater Charlotte Oral and Facial Surgery, our oral surgeon performs a thorough examination to determine which implant will be a better long-term option. The decision about which is best suited for you will likely be determined by the overall health and wellness of your mouth, gums, and jawbone.

Are Dental Implants Right for me?

In order to answer the question of whether dental implants are right for you, it may be worthwhile to consider three separate but related questions. These include whether you are a good candidate, gain enough quality of life benefits, and are comfortable with the dental implant costs Charlotte area residents generally incur.

The majority of people who are healthy enough to qualify for minor out-patient surgeries may also be viable candidates for implant procedures. However, this fact will need to be determined based on an in-depth medical history assessment and factors that include the following:

•	Jawbone: The bones surrounding a missing tooth may start to degenerate. By employing advanced technology to scan and image the jawbone, we can determine whether enough healthy bone is present to secure an implant. When insufficient, additional procedures may be necessary to perform implant surgery, such as bone grafting.
•	Age Considerations: Dental implant procedures tend to be more successful when the patient has stopped growing. Girls usually have fully matured facial structures at around 16 years old. Boys tend to continue growing until at least 18 years old. Minors under these ages are usually not considered good candidates.
•	Health Conditions: People who struggle with diabetes, gum disease, or smoke cigarettes heavily may not be viable candidates. We can determine whether or not dental implants are prudent after a thorough examination and consultation.

During your initial consultation at Greater Charlotte Oral and Facial Surgery, our specialists will perform a thorough oral examination and review your X-rays to determine the best surgical solution to meet your needs and restore your smile. He will help you determine if implants are the right fit, discussing the benefits and procedures with you so you can feel comfortable making the final decision.

Benefits of Dental Implants

Unlike fixed bridges, removable stay-plates, and dentures, dental implants provide the following benefits:

1.	Maintain the Health of the Adjacent Teeth – When placing dental implants, there is no need to grind down or damage adjacent teeth to cement a bridge. Dental implants don't require the strength of adjacent teeth, as they fully support the new crown where the tooth was missing. Additionally, dental implants can be brushed and flossed like natural teeth, making it easier to maintain oral health and avoid tooth decay or periodontal disease.
2.	Increased Stability – Dental implants are made of medical-grade titanium or zirconia, which fuse with the jawbone during the healing period. This fusion creates the most stable restoration available and enables the dental implant to function like a natural tooth. Patients with dental implants have no trouble biting into apples, eating chewy foods such as caramel, or speaking and enunciating properly.
3.	Enhanced Aesthetics – Many restoration options emulate the look of natural teeth, but dental implant crowns fit into every patient's mouth uniquely and look just like the original, healthy teeth. Patients with dental implants can smile with ease, knowing that their replacement teeth look just like their natural teeth.
4.	Decreased Bone Loss – When a tooth is missing from the mouth for a long time, the jaw bone beneath the gums can begin to deteriorate. After the placement of dental implants, the jaw bone fuses with the implant screw and maintains its natural healthy growth and development.
5.	Improved Communication – If you have dentures that do not fit quite right, they can slip inside your mouth, making it difficult to speak clearly. Dental implants remain securely in place and can restore your ability to talk normally.
6.	Enhanced Confidence – Some people find dentures, removable bridges and missing teeth to be embarrassing, limiting their social interactions so as to hide their oral imperfections. Dental implants offer a natural-looking and feeling solution that will restore your confidence.
7.	Greater Functionality – Dentures or missing teeth can make things like biting and chewing difficult. Dental implants can restore the full strength and functionality of your teeth.
8.	Long-Lasting – Quality dental implants are considered exceptionally durable and can last a lifetime with proper care.
9.	Convenience – There is nothing convenient about taking out dentures, which involve messy adhesives to keep them in place. Implants, by contrast, are permanently fixed, just like original teeth. There is no fuss, bother, or extraordinary efforts involved.

Extraction and Same-Day Dental Implant Procedure: What to Expect

Unlike the traditional dental implant method where the tooth has already been extracted several months prior, extractions with same-day dental implants can be placed in just one surgical procedure and only require one short follow-up visit a few months following placement. That's why we offer an extraction same-day dental implant surgery at each of our Charlotte offices.

Dental Implant Initial Consultation

Before the procedure, patients will meet with our experienced oral and maxillofacial surgeon to review their health history, complete a thorough oral examination, and review options for tooth replacement. If necessary, additional X-rays or 3D scans may be taken to complement the X-rays taken by the patient's general dentist. Your surgeon will also review options for anesthesia and sedation during the procedure, including IV sedation and nitrous oxide, and help patients choose the best anesthetic to reduce anxiety and subdue any pain during the treatment.

Dental Implant Surgery

Once the consultation is complete, the surgical process for dental implants is performed in a few simple steps, allowing for plenty of healing time between each.

If a tooth needs to be removed, that procedure happens first followed by bone grafting or an Immediate dental implant.

You may need an additional procedure called a bone graft if the bone in your jaw is too thin. The graft will build up the bone so that the proper bone height and width are present for the dental implant.

Over the course of several weeks, the implant will fuse with the jaw and fully heal. Once this is complete, patients return to the office for a follow-up visit and can then go to their general dentist to get the implant restored with an abutment and crown.

Patients undergoing extraction with an immediate implant placement will experience a significantly shorter treatment time line and will have their final restoration completed sooner.

Cost of Dental Implants in Charlotte, NC

Greater Charlotte Oral and Facial Surgery creates personalized treatment plans for each patient that comes through our doors. Personalized treatment plans mean that we take the time to understand your unique condition and oral health goals to best determine your optimal plan, which goes hand-in-hand with the cost of services. The number of dental implants you need, your insurance coverage, the type of dental implant to be placed, additional procedures, and more all factor into the final cost of treatment.

However, the cost of not replacing a tooth can be great. Not replacing a missing tooth can lead to surrounding bone deterioration and diminished health in the long run. And no one can put a price tag on ending the lost confidence and embarrassment of insecure dentures or missing teeth. There is no way to get back the ongoing losses of not having a healthy smile.

Dental Implant Maintenance

Unlike dentures, dental implants do not necessarily require additional maintenance and care. Because they are permanently fixed tooth alternatives, you won't even notice the difference between the porcelain crowns and your natural teeth. Once the quick healing process is over, your daily brushing and flossing regimens will suffice. Brush your teeth twice daily, floss regularly, have routine cleanings, and the rest will take care of itself. When properly cared for, dental implants have a 98-percent success rate and can last the remainder of your life. We are so confident in the life of your dental implants that we offer a lifetime warranty on any dental implant that has been placed by our surgeon at Greater Charlotte Oral and Facial Surgery.

Why Greater Charlotte Oral and Facial Surgery for Dental Implants?

Greater Charlotte Oral and Facial Surgery, our experienced team of professionals is committed to delivering quality dental care to our greater Charlotte residents. We offer a state-of-the-art facility and conduct thorough evaluations when assessing implant candidates. The next-generation technologies we use on a daily basis heighten success rates and help us model perfectly placing the dental implant.

We offer you a lifetime warranty on your dental implant. Our surgeon believes that dental implants are the gold standard for tooth replacement, and that they have the potential to last a lifetime. They are 3 X stronger than a natural tooth, and will not decay. Implants do, however, require a lifetime partnership and commitment to excellent dental health.

We are a local team of friends and neighbors who believe everyone deserves teeth that function well and produce a beautiful smile. If you have missing teeth or are unhappy with dentures, contact our offices and schedule a Charlotte dental implant surgery consultation today.

Dental Implant FAQs

How Long Do Dental Implants Last?

In terms of data, studies differ widely about how long dental implants last. Some claim that the crowns last upwards of 15-20 years while others point to more than 25 years. Because dental implants and crowns are strong alternatives to natural teeth, they can endure the remainder of your life with proper care and consistent oral hygiene practices.

Do Dental Implants Hurt?

Generally, the dental implant process does not cause significant pain. Patients typically undergo conscious sedation and do not usually experience discomfort. After the local numbing agents wear off, patients may require medication to manage discomfort during the healing process.

What are the Pros and Cons of Dental Implants?

Given that more than 500,000 Americans undergo dental implant surgery each year, it's clear the pros far outweigh the cons. The possible cons of getting implants range from the minor risk of infection and financial cost. The expected benefits include improved speech, eating habits, reduced risk of bone loss, and a confident smile.

Can Dental Implants be Complete in a Day?

Yes, we offer same-day dental implant surgery at each of our locations in Charlotte, Pineville, and Steele Creek. If the candidate is healthy and no peripheral work is required, a dental implant can be inserted during one out-patient visit. A quick follow-up appointment is usually needed to put in the post and set the crown.

To request a consultation and learn more about our services, please request an appointment now. We look forward to helping you improve your oral health and smile!