Dental Implants
Dental Implants That Feel Like Your Own Teeth
An implant replaces the root as well as the crown, which is why it protects the jawbone in a way bridges and dentures cannot. Done well, it is the closest thing modern dentistry has to a natural tooth.
- 3D cone-beam planning for precise placement
- Single-tooth, multi-tooth and full-arch options
- Implant-secured dentures that stop slipping
- Restorations crafted to match neighboring teeth
Why replacing a root matters
When a tooth is lost, the bone that once supported it begins to resorb. Within a few years the ridge narrows, neighboring teeth drift, and the face loses support around the mouth. A titanium implant post transmits chewing force back into the bone and largely halts that process.
That is why we often recommend an implant even when a gap is not visible when you smile. The benefit is structural, not only cosmetic.
The treatment sequence
We begin with a 3D cone-beam scan that shows bone volume, nerve position and sinus anatomy. From that scan we plan the exact angle and depth of placement before the appointment ever happens.
Placement itself is usually simpler than patients expect and is performed with local anesthetic. Healing and integration take roughly three to four months, during which you wear a temporary. Then the final crown, bridge or denture attachment is fitted.
Full-arch and denture stabilization
If you already wear a lower denture that moves while you eat, as few as two implants can transform it into a stable, snap-in appliance. Full-arch fixed restorations supported by four to six implants are also available for patients who want to be done with removable prosthetics entirely.
Frequently asked questions
- Am I a candidate for dental implants?
- Most healthy adults are. Uncontrolled diabetes, active gum disease and heavy smoking reduce success rates, and insufficient bone may require grafting first. The 3D scan gives a definitive answer.
- How long do implants last?
- The implant post itself is frequently a lifetime restoration. The crown attached to it may need replacement after ten to twenty years of normal wear.
- Does getting an implant hurt?
- The placement is done under local anesthetic and most patients report less discomfort than an extraction. Soreness for two to three days is typical and manageable with over-the-counter medication.
Explore related care
Ready when you are
New patients are welcome at Charlotte Harbor Dental. Call us or send a message and we will find a time that works.