Dental Implants
We rely on our teeth for many basic functions. When they are gone, it makes life difficult.
Fortunately, you can replace your missing teeth and restore the function of your bite with dental implant-supported replacement teeth.
Precision Dental Partners can perform the entire dental implant procedure from start to finish at our Charlotte, NC, practice.
How Do Dental Implants Work?
Dental implants give restorations like crowns, bridges, and dentures outstanding stability that lets you eat what you want, speak clearly, and smile confidently. When you choose dental implant surgery, the following components can be used to replace one tooth or several teeth:
Dental implants are threaded posts that are inserted into your jawbone to act as a replacement for your missing tooth roots. They are made of biocompatible titanium and provide permanent support for your restoration.
The abutment piece is a connector between the implant and restoration. Once your implant fuses with your jawbone, this connector piece is placed to join the implant and the dental restoration, replacing a tooth from the root to the chewing surface.
The final step is placing the restoration (the crown, bridge, or dentures). You don't need a single implant for every lost tooth. For example, an entire denture on the upper or lower jaw can be supported by just four to eight implants.
What Can Implant Treatment Offer You? Benefits of Dental Implants
Jawbone Stimulation
When you lose natural teeth, you also lose their roots. Without the roots stimulating the bone tissue, the jawbone will begin to atrophy. Dental implants don't just help to replace a tooth; they act as tooth roots to stimulate your jaw and prevent it from receding.
Better Aesthetics
Missing teeth may make you feel reluctant to share your smile. Our dental implant–supported restorations are made with lifelike materials and customized to blend in with your natural teeth. Thanks to implants, you can be sure your restoration will not shift out of place when you speak or eat. No one will know you have a restoration.
Better Function
Missing teeth can leave you unable to eat your favorite foods, or cause you to only chew with certain areas of your bite, causing strain on the jaw. Replacing one lost tooth or many teeth with dental implants can restore your function and maintain the balance of your bite. If you wear traditional dentures and are tired of an unstable bite, implants are the most effective dentistry solution.
Can Dental Implants Benefit You?
Whether you have lost one tooth or many teeth, dental implants are a wise investment to support your long-term oral health. Patients find freedom in what they can eat, and confidence in their smiles after implant surgery.
At our dental practice, Dr. Mason Pirtle helps patients restore the look and function of their smiles by offering both dental implant placement and restorations in one convenient location. For a free consultation to discuss your dental implant treatment with Dr. Pirtle, contact our Charlotte, NC, office:
(704) 771-1371
How Many Adults Are Missing Teeth?
Implant-Supported Crowns, Bridges, and Dentures
The best type of restoration for you will depend on how many teeth you're missing:
If you're missing a single tooth, we can replace it with a titanium dental implant and a crown.
If you're missing two or more teeth in a row, we can fill the gap with a dental bridge anchored by implants.
No matter how many teeth you're missing, dental implants can restore your smile, stimulate your jawbone, and give you the comfort and function you need.
We Accept Insurance and Financing
While dental implants are not covered by basic insurance, we have ways of making this life-changing treatment affordable. We accept CareCredit® financing, which lets you create payment plans to make the cost of your dentistry procedures more manageable.
Candidacy Factors for Implant Treatment
Sufficient Jawbone Density
Your jawbone must have the sufficient density to support implants. Unfortunately, jawbone density decreases when you have missing teeth, leaving many patients unable to receive dental implants immediately. If this is the case, you may need bone grafting to restore your jaw density so you can qualify for implant surgery.
Smoking
If you're a smoker, we recommend you quit several months prior to your dental implant surgery. Smoking increases the chance of implant failure because it decreases blood flow to wounds and weakens your immune system, hindering the healing process necessary for a successful outcome.
Good Oral Health
Teeth decay, gum disease, and other oral health concerns should be addressed before dental implant surgery. If an infection or other oral health issues are present in the mouth, the implants will fail. We can perform restorative dentistry procedures to give your smile a healthy foundation for dental implants.
Good Overall Health
For any surgical procedure, patients should be in good overall health beforehand. If you have heart disease, high blood pressure, uncontrolled diabetes, or other autoimmune disorders, the healing process can be more difficult. Check with your doctor and inform our dentist of any pre-existing conditions you have before undergoing surgery.
Start the Process
Often, patients are referred to multiple outside specialists to complete the process of dental implant surgery. At our practice, the entire dental implant placement and restoration can occur under one roof, under a single doctor's supervision. We're located in the beautiful Ballantyne neighborhood and serve patients throughout the Charlotte, NC, area. To learn more about our practice and get a free consultation, contact our Charlotte, NC, practice today:
(704) 771-1371
Implant-Supported Crowns Are A Popular Procedure
Our Dental Implant Process
Our dentist and dental care team can perform your entire implant procedure at our Charlotte, NC, dental office. Unlike some offices that refer patients out for implant placement and other stages of treatment, our dentist can place your implant, and provide your custom crown, bridge, or denture. Here is a look at what to expect from start to finish:
Dental implant surgery is a multi-step process that's performed in its entirety at our Charlotte, NC, practice.
Tooth Loss Can Impact Your Overall Health
Severe tooth loss—having 8 or fewer teeth—impacts the ability to eat meats, fruits, and vegetables, and presents yet another challenge to having a healthy diet. CDC
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Implants
How much do dental implants cost?
The cost of dental implants can vary based on a variety of factors, such as the number of teeth you are replacing, any necessary preparatory procedures, and the type of restoration used. It's also important to understand that basic insurance does not cover implants, but most plans contribute to restorations and preparatory work. We will help to get you the most coverage possible, and we can help arrange financing for any remaining out-of-pocket expenses.
Is dental implant surgery painful?
We make the process virtually painless by using local anesthesia and optional sedation. Our dentist will also provide advice regarding pain management. Often, over-the-counter meds are sufficient to maintain your comfort as you heal.
How long do dental implants last?
By maintaining excellent oral hygiene and making regular visits to your dentist, you can expect your dental implants to last the rest of your life. However, your restorations will probably need to be replaced about every 10 years.
What if I don't qualify for dental implants?
Patients with insufficient jawbone density may not qualify for traditional implants, but that doesn't mean you can never take advantage of this solution. We offer All-on-4 dental implants for patients who need to replace a full arch of teeth. This approach is specifically designed to benefit those who have experienced some degree of bone atrophy after tooth loss, without the need for a bone graft. If you have experienced significant bone recession, we can coordinate a grafting procedure to restore the jaw and create a viable foundation for dental implants.
