Dental Implants Charlotte
A Smile That Is Built to Last
Living with missing teeth may be your current reality, but it doesn’t have to stay that way. With the help of dental implants at Holt Family Dentistry, Dr. Shah can rebuild your smile so that it lasts for decades or even a lifetime! His ability to surgically place each implant post helps to create a stable foundation for the custom restoration Dr. Gordon-Holt will later put into place. Let us help you enjoy life to its fullest. Call our dental office to schedule a consultation with our team of experts who are ready to build you a more permanent smile with dental implants in Charlotte.
Why Choose Holt Family Dentistry for Dental Implants?
- Dr. Shah is Qualified to Place Dental Implants In-House
- High-Quality Dental Restorations to Enhance Appearances
- CT/Cone Beam Scanner Used for Advanced Imaging
What Are Dental Implants?
As titanium, screw-like posts that fit into the jawbone, dental implants are the only restorative treatment that restores teeth from roots to crowns. While others only replicate the look of a full smile, dental implants provide maximum support and functionality because of the continuous stimulation provided to the jawbone. Not only does this allow for greater bite force when eating, but it also reduces the chances of bone resorption (weakening) and facial sagging over time.
Who Dental Implants Can Help
Whether you are missing a single tooth, multiple teeth, or all of your teeth, dental implants could be the solution for you. If you meet certain health requirements, we can put together a plan that best meets your needs. Continue reading to learn more about how dental implants can help a wide range of tooth loss sufferers.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?
To qualify for implants, a consultation with your Charlotte cosmetic dentist must be completed. Because dental implants require surgery, patients must be in good health, have healthy gums, have adequate bone to support the implant and be committed to meticulous oral hygiene and regular dental visits. If you are considering implants, a thorough evaluation by your dentist will help determine if you would be a good candidate. If you suffer from chronic problems, such as clenching or bruxism, or systemic diseases, such as diabetes, the success rate for implants decreases dramatically. Additionally, people who smoke or drink alcohol heavily may not be good candidates.
Missing One Tooth
To replace a single tooth, one dental crown is attached to one dental implant, so you don’t need to rely on the surrounding teeth for support. The dental crown is colored to blend in seamlessly with the rest of your smile. No one will be able to tell the difference between your replacement tooth and natural teeth.
Missing Multiple Teeth
Three or more consecutive missing teeth can utilize two dental implants to secure a bridge. Dental implants can also be used to support a partial denture if you are missing multiple teeth in different locations of an arch, filling in the gaps like a puzzle piece.
Missing All Teeth
If you’ve lost all of your teeth, dental implants could still be an option for you. Through four to six strategically placed dental implants, a full denture can be supported to replace an entire arch of missing teeth. This way, your smile will be firmly set into place and you can show off a fully functional smile!
The 4-Step Dental Implant Process
- Initial Dental Implant Consultation – A scheduled consultation with Dr. Shah and Dr. Gordon-Holt is required, as they will examine your jawbone and oral and overall health. This will determine if you are cleared for implant surgery or if you need additional help to strengthen your smile in preparation for dental implants in the future.
- Dental Implant Surgery – Dr. Shah will complete the dental implant surgery in-house so that you can remain with the same trusted professionals. He will position each implant in the appropriate location, ensuring it is at a proper depth for maximum support.
- Dental Implant Osseointegration/Abutment – Once the surgery is complete, the implants must fuse with the bone (osseointegration). This can take 4-6 months, but once you are fully healed, you’ll return to our dental practice to receive your metal connector appliances that hold your restoration in place.
- Delivery of Dental Implant Restoration(s) – Whether you need a dental crown, bridge, or denture, Dr. Gordon-Holt will ensure that the finalized restoration looks and feels comfortable once put in place.
Benefits of Dental Implants
There are many benefits of dental implants that you may not have considered. While they can replace missing teeth much like other similar solutions (i.e., dental bridges, dentures), they can:
- Rebuild teeth from the roots up
- Deliver greater bite force and chewing power
- Provide continuous stimulation to the jawbone
- Last for decades or potentially, a lifetime
- Improve confidence and physical aesthetics
- Be easy to maintain over time
- Save money in the long run because denture adhesive and replacements are not required
- Maintain a high success rate of 95% even after 10 years
Understanding the Cost of Dental Implants
If you’re considering ways to rebuild your grin, you might notice that dental implants tend to cost more than other options, due in part because of the surgical procedure involved. It’s important to note, however, that this restorative treatment comes with many unique advantages over the alternatives, too. They’re typically stronger and more durable than dentures and dental bridges, making them well worth the investment.
There’s no one price for dental implants because it depends on your unique circumstances. Our team is happy to give you a detailed estimate once you’ve had a consultation appointment with one of our dentists. Until then, continue reading to learn more about what impacts the cost, and feel free to contact us to schedule your appointment or request more information.
Preliminary Treatments & Dental Implant Surgery
During your consultation, your dentist will examine your mouth to determine whether any preexisting conditions need to be cleared up, first. Depending on what they find, you might have added expenses to your final invoice. For example, if they find tooth decay or gum disease, they’ll work with you to address it before proceeding with dental implants.
It’s also important to note that they require enough density in your jawbone to support them. If we inform you that you don’t have a strong enough jaw, don’t lose hope! In many cases, a bone graft can bulk it up sufficiently so that you can move forward.
Then, we consider the cost of the procedure itself. Because we have an expert on-site who can perform the surgery, you won’t have to seek outside help for this step in the process. This can save you the extra fees that can build up when multiple providers are involved. Our dentists can also go over sedation options with you, which can also influence the amount owed.
The Parts of Your Dental Implant
Your dental implants might not be the same price as someone else’s because several factors are considered when determining the fee, including:
- Number required. People getting multiple implants will pay more than those who only need one.
- Size or material. Typically, titanium is used for the surgical implant but other options, like zirconia, may cost more. Also, some people require shorter rods than others, which usually means they’re less expensive.
- Like most other products, various manufacturers make restorations differently to meet the needs of their clients.
If you’re not sure what the different brands have to offer, feel free to inquire. We’re happy to provide as much information as you need to feel comfortable and confident in your decisions.
How Dental Implants Can Save You Money
Many patients are tempted by restorations that cost less upfront like dental bridges and dentures. While these might save you money in the immediate future, you may end up paying more in the long run. This is because dental implants can last 30+ years with the right care, while the alternatives usually need to be repaired or replaced more frequently. For example, dentures need periodic adjustments and may not last more than 10 years. Plus, they require additional products like cleaning solutions, adhesives, and special pastes that you don’t need with this restoration.
Dental implants are unique in that they’re the only tooth replacement that functions as a standalone structure. The abutment that’s inserted into your jaw makes them sturdier and more reliable than other treatments. It also stimulates your jawbone when you chew which can prevent facial collapse as well as additional tooth loss.
It might seem like you’re picking the more expensive option with dental implants, but it could contribute to your budget over time.
Does My Dental Insurance Cover Dental Implants
Typically, dental implants are not covered by insurance policies although there may be some exceptions. Every policy is different so it’s important to understand what’s included in yours. If you’re not certain, you’re welcome to ask one of our friendly office staff. They’re happy to help you with any forms needed to maximize your benefits.
Making Dental Implants Affordable
If you don’t have insurance and are worried you can’t afford dental implants, you’re in luck! We believe that your budget shouldn’t keep you from getting the happy, healthy smile you deserve. We’ve partnered with a 3rd party financer, CareCredit, to offer low- or no-interest payment plans. If approved, you’ll be able to break up your invoice into several smaller, more manageable installments. If you’d like help applying, please let us know and we’ll gladly assist with the paperwork.
Dental Implant FAQs
How Long Do Dental Implants Last?
With excellent care, dental implants can last for thirty years or more, which is several times longer than traditional dental restorations like bridges or dentures. To get the most out of your investment, be sure to practice proper oral hygiene every day by brushing, flossing, and using antibacterial mouthwash. Foods that are extremely sticky or crunchy can damage the artificial teeth, so remember to chew carefully. It’s also crucial that you have regular dental appointments to keep your teeth and gums in good health. Avoiding bad habits like smoking or using your teeth to open packages or bottles are also great ways to keep your implants in excellent shape.
Does Getting Dental Implants Hurt?
Since the jawbone doesn’t contain many nerve endings, it’s easy to keep patients comfortable when dental implants are being placed. Before the procedure begins, our oral surgeon will numb the area with a local anesthetic and dental sedation. While you shouldn’t experience any pain during the procedure, your mouth may be sore for a few days afterward. This can be managed with prescribed or over-the-counter pain medication, and using a cold compress can help reduce discomfort and swelling. Contact us if your soreness seems to be getting worse after a few days.
Are Dental Implants Safe?
The dental implant process begins with a consultation to ensure that you can be a good candidate for the treatment. Our team will carefully examine your mouth and facial structures to determine if you’re a suitable candidate since not everyone is immediately eligible. Oral health issues like gum disease, tooth decay, and low jawbone density can preclude you from getting implants, but these problems can usually be treated so you can start the process later. If you have any medical conditions like diabetes or cancer that can make the procedure risky, we will thoroughly discuss the issue at your consultation.
How Successful Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants boast a success rate of over 95% when placed by a skilled professional, making them an excellent investment in your appearance and oral health. However, the success of your implants largely depends on how well you take care of them. Since molars endure more stress than the front teeth during the chewing process, they can be slightly more likely to fail.
Am I Too Young to Get Dental Implants?
Some younger patients will have to wait a few years before replacing lost teeth with implants. The jaws of most people aren’t fully grown until early adulthood, and the jaws of men usually take longer to develop than those of women. Placing implants before the jaw is fully grown can cause complications by interfering with its development, and most dental professionals will not place implants before a patient is at least eighteen.