Are you self-conscious about your smile because you have missing teeth? A missing tooth does more than leave a gap. It can throw your bite out of alignment, change the shape of your face over time, and make you hesitant to smile in photos or conversations. Dental implants replace the tooth root as well as the visible tooth, so you can get a great smile again and keep your remaining teeth stable.
At Charlotte Dental Arts, we help patients throughout the Charlotte, NC, area understand which tooth-replacement option fits their case, their budget, and their long-term oral health goals. A dentist in Charlotte, NC might highly recommend dental implants for you as the right choice for getting back on track and getting that big, beautiful smile once again.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are artificial roots placed in the jawbone to replace missing teeth. Over time, the bone grows around the post and holds it firmly in place, a process called osseointegration. The gap left by the missing tooth is filled once a metal connector, called an abutment, attaches the new false tooth to that anchored root, revealing a full set of teeth again.
Because the implant replaces the root, it also transfers chewing force into the jawbone the same way a natural tooth would. That is a key difference between implants and other replacement options that only sit on top of the gum.
Two Types of Dental Implants: Endosteal and Subperiosteal
There are two different types of dental implants: endosteal and subperiosteal. Endosteal implants are placed directly in the bone. They are the most common type, made from material that is safe for the body, and a single implant can anchor one or multiple teeth.
Subperiosteal implants are used when the jawbone is not healthy enough to support an endosteal implant. Instead of drilling into the bone, these implants rest on or above it, secured under the gum tissue. Your dentist will determine which type fits your jaw structure during a consultation and imaging review.
Why Replacing Missing Teeth Matters for Your Long-Term Oral Health
Tooth loss changes more than your appearance. Without a root to stimulate it, the jawbone in that area begins to shrink, which can affect the fit of neighboring teeth and the shape of your face over the years. Replacing the missing tooth as soon as reasonably possible helps protect the bone and bite you still have.
Dental implants offer several benefits over leaving a gap unaddressed:
- Jawbone preservation: The implant post stimulates the bone the same way a natural root does, which can slow the bone loss that follows tooth loss.
- Stable chewing and speech: A securely anchored tooth restores biting force and helps you pronounce words clearly again.
- Protection for neighboring teeth: Implants do not rely on adjacent teeth for support, so those teeth are not shaved down or placed under added strain.
- Facial shape support: Preserving jawbone volume helps maintain the natural contour of your lower face.
Long-term data backs up why implants are considered the standard of care for tooth replacement. A large-scale review of a national dental implant registry found that between 90 and 95 percent of implants remained successful after 10 years of function, one of the highest long-term success rates of any dental treatment (National Institutes of Health, PMC).
Dental Implants vs. Bridges and Dentures: Comparing Your Options
Dental implants are not the only way to replace a missing tooth, and your dentist will walk you through the full picture before recommending a path forward. A traditional bridge uses the teeth on either side of the gap for support, which means those healthy teeth need to be reshaped to hold the bridge in place. A removable denture rests on the gums and can shift while eating or speaking.
Dental implants stand apart because they do not depend on neighboring teeth and they replace the root, not just the visible tooth. If you would like a closer look at how implants, bridges, and dentures compare on comfort, longevity, and cost, our dental implants vs. dentures vs. bridges comparison breaks down each option in more detail.
Are You a Candidate for Dental Implants?
Most healthy adults with sufficient jawbone density are good candidates for dental implants, and patients with lower bone density can often still qualify with the help of a bone graft. Your dentist will evaluate your gum health, bone volume, and bite before recommending endosteal or subperiosteal placement.
Conditions such as uncontrolled gum disease, certain autoimmune conditions, or heavy smoking can affect healing and may need to be addressed first. To see the specific factors we review during a candidacy evaluation, visit our page on who qualifies for dental implants.
What to Expect During the Dental Implant Procedure
The placement of implants can take a minimum of three months or as many as nine months from start to finish. The procedure is broken up into multiple appointments to keep discomfort as low as possible for the patient. We may recommend that you see a range of dental specialists, from a periodontist to an oral surgeon, before the process is complete.
Implant treatment generally breaks down into five steps:
Evaluation to confirm your jawbone is healthy enough for the implant, surgical placement of the implant post, osseointegration, which is the two-to-six-month process of the bone fusing around the implant, abutment placement to connect the implant to the new tooth, and finally placing the permanent crown, bridge, or denture. Implants placed today can last for decades with proper care. Our page on how long dental implants last covers the maintenance habits that support that lifespan.
How Much Do Dental Implants Cost in Charlotte, NC?
Implant cost depends on how many teeth you are replacing, whether bone grafting is needed, and which restoration, a crown, bridge, or denture, is attached to the implant. Because every case is different, we recommend a consultation and imaging review before discussing a specific number for your treatment plan.
Many dental insurance plans cover part of the surgical or restorative portion of implant treatment, and financing options are available for the remaining balance. For a breakdown of typical price ranges and payment options, visit our dental implant cost guide for Charlotte, NC.
Ready to Replace Your Missing Teeth?
Dr. Edwin Porter has placed and restored dental implants for patients throughout the Charlotte area for more than 25 years, handling evaluation, surgical planning, and same-day CEREC restorations in one office. That in-house approach means fewer outside referrals and a treatment plan built around your specific bone structure and goals.
Are you tired of seeing spaces in your teeth or feeling like you cannot smile as big and wide as you want to? Call our doctor in our office in Charlotte, NC, today, or use our online form to schedule a consultation today.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Implants for Missing Teeth
How long does getting a dental implant take from start to finish?
Most implant treatment takes three to nine months from evaluation to the final restoration. The timeline depends mostly on osseointegration, the period when the jawbone fuses around the implant post, which typically lasts two to six months. Cases that require a bone graft first can take longer, while a single implant in dense, healthy bone often finishes closer to the shorter end of that range.
Is getting a dental implant painful?
Implant surgery is performed under local anesthesia, and many patients describe the procedure itself as producing pressure rather than pain. Mild soreness and swelling for a few days afterward are common and typically respond well to over-the-counter pain relief or a short course of medication your dentist prescribes. Discomfort generally improves within a week as the surgical site heals.
Can I get dental implants if I have bone loss?
Bone loss does not automatically rule out dental implants. A bone graft can rebuild the volume and density needed to support an implant, and many patients who lost teeth years ago still qualify for treatment once grafting restores the foundation. Your dentist will confirm candidacy with imaging and a clinical exam before recommending a specific treatment plan.
How much do dental implants cost in Charlotte, NC?
Cost depends on the number of teeth being replaced, whether bone grafting is needed, and the type of restoration attached to the implant. Because every treatment plan is different, an accurate estimate requires a consultation and imaging review. Many dental insurance plans cover a portion of implant treatment, and financing options can help cover the remaining balance.
How long do dental implants last?
Dental implants are designed to last for decades, and many function for a patient’s entire lifetime with proper care. Long-term registry data shows that 90 to 95 percent of implants remain successful after 10 years of use. Daily brushing and flossing around the implant, along with regular dental checkups, are the biggest factors in reaching that long-term success.
