Dental Implants FAQCharlotte, NC

A dental implant is a small titanium post that gently takes the place of a missing tooth's root. Once it is set into the jawbone, a natural-looking crown is placed on top, restoring both the appearance and the function of your original tooth.

You may rest assured that the area is fully numbed beforehand, so the procedure itself is comfortable. Afterward, it is normal to feel some tenderness for a few days, much like you would after having a tooth removed, and this is easily managed with standard pain relief.

With attentive care, the implant post itself may very well last a lifetime. The crown on top typically serves you well for ten to fifteen years before it may need to be refreshed.

A single implant generally ranges from $3,000 to $5,000, depending on your specific needs. While the initial investment is higher than other options, an implant's longevity often makes it the more economical choice over time.

In many cases, yes, at least in part. Coverage varies considerably from one plan to the next, so I would warmly encourage you to review your benefits with us beforehand so there are no surprises.

From beginning to end, the process often spans three to six months. Please do not let that timeline concern you—the great majority of that time is simply allowing the implant to settle securely into the bone, while the appointments themselves are brief.

Your jawbone needs time to grow snugly around the implant and hold it firmly in place. This natural process cannot be rushed, much as a healing bone cannot bear weight before it is ready.

Healthy adults of nearly any age are wonderful candidates, and there is no upper age limit. For younger patients, we simply ask that the jaw has finished growing, which generally occurs around age eighteen.

Implants offer remarkable stability, allowing you to eat and speak with complete ease and no worry of slipping. Dentures remain a more affordable, removable option, though many of our patients find implants to feel far more natural and comfortable.

True rejection is exceedingly rare, as titanium is remarkably well accepted by the body. On the uncommon occasion an implant does not succeed, it is usually due to infection or insufficient bone rather than your body resisting it.

Caring for an implant is wonderfully simple: brush twice daily, floss, and keep up with your regular visits. While the implant itself cannot decay, the gums surrounding it still deserve your faithful attention.

It cannot. Because both the implant and crown are artificial, they are immune to decay. The supporting gums and bone, however, still require good hygiene to stay healthy.

This is simply the term for the implant fusing with your jawbone. Over several months, the bone grows firmly around the titanium post, anchoring it as securely as a natural root.

Almost certainly not. The crown is carefully matched to the color and shape of your surrounding teeth, allowing it to blend in beautifully and remain entirely your secret.

Once your implant has fully healed, you may enjoy nearly any food you like, from a crisp apple to a hearty meal. During the first few weeks of healing, we will simply ask you to favor softer foods.

Please do not be discouraged. A procedure called a bone graft can gently build up the area to provide the support an implant needs, making this option available to far more patients than you might expect.

Indeed you can. A small number of implants can support a bridge or even a full set of teeth, so there is no need for an implant in every space—a thoughtful approach that also helps with cost.

The risks are low, though I believe in being candid with you: infection, nerve sensitivity, or an implant that does not fuse as hoped. Choosing an experienced provider and following your aftercare instructions reduces these chances considerably.

I would gently but firmly advise against it. Smoking slows healing and raises the likelihood of failure by reducing blood flow to the gums and bone. Even pausing during the healing period meaningfully improves your outcome.

Should this occur, the implant can usually be removed and replaced. We allow the area to heal, add bone if needed, and try again—and a second attempt very often succeeds beautifully.