Dental Implants in Huntersville
The Smile Architects provides implant dentistry in Huntersville, NC. Call 704-875-1621 to learn more about dental implant treatment and schedule your appointment.
At The Smile Architects, we understand how missing teeth can affect your dental function and overall oral health. Our life-changing dental implants serve as artificial tooth roots, providing a permanent foundation for tooth replacement options that look, feel, and function like natural teeth. Our Huntersville dental office specializes in cosmetic dentistry procedures that restore both aesthetics and functionality.
Dental implants are the best solution for replacing missing teeth because they are the only option that replaces both the root and the crown of the tooth. By doing so, dental implants prevent and even reverse bone loss in the jaw. This results in a stable bite, a comfortable restoration that looks and feels natural, and a more youthful appearance.
Understanding the Dental Implant Process in Huntersville
Types of Dental Implant Restorations
At our Huntersville practice, each dental implant procedure begins with a comprehensive evaluation of your dental and medical history. Our team carefully assesses your patient's oral health to determine if additional treatments like bone grafting might be necessary before placing your implants. Each dental implant consists of a titanium post that integrates with your jawbone, providing superior stability without affecting surrounding teeth.
The term “dental implants” is used to refer to a wide range of procedures and restorations supported by dental implants. The most common types of dental implant surgery have three parts: the dental implant itself (a post that is placed into your jaw to replace the root of your tooth), the restoration (a crown, bridge, or denture),bone grafting when necessary, and an abutment that serves to connect the two.
We offer the following dental implant restorations at The Smile Architects:
Comprehensive Implant Solutions for Every Need
Full Mouth Supported Dental Implants
A full mouth restoration is performed when all or most of the teeth in the mouth are compromised. It may involve replacing all of the teeth with dental implants or a combination of dental implants and other restorative procedures. Full mouth restorations can dramatically improve patients’ quality of life and appearance, making it easier to eat, speak, and smile with confidence.
Single Tooth Dental Implants
A single-tooth dental implant involves an implant post, an abutment, and a crown. The crown can be made with your choice of material, although most patients choose a tooth-colored option like our CEREC restorations for a natural appearance. Single-tooth dental implants are used as an alternative to a dental bridge; unlike a bridge, they place no stress on adjacent teeth.
Implant Supported Bridges
When two or more adjacent teeth are missing, an implant-supported bridge can be used to replace them. Depending on your needs, implants may be used to replace each of the missing roots, or we may only replace the two outermost missing teeth with implants and use those as a support for your restoration.
What are the advantages of an implant supported bridge?
Because of the natural look and feel of the porcelain and the functional stability provided by the implants, implant supported bridges are an effective solution to replace multiple missing teeth.
A traditional bridge uses teeth on either side of the gap where teeth are missing for support. An implant supported bridge uses two or more dental implants rather than the adjacent teeth. When a bridge uses natural teeth for attachment, they must be prepped for crowns and are then subject to increased stress which may be damaging - particularly if the existing tooth, roots, or surrounding bone structure are already compromised. A dental implant supported bridge replaced your missing teeth and avoids putting any additional stress on your natural teeth.
Implant Supported Dentures
Implant-supported dentures can be full or partial, fixed or removable. Dental implant treatment gives dentures more stability, eliminating the need for messy pastes or adhesives. This stability means your implant-supported dentures will never slip, fall out, or irritate your gums.
Why should I consider implant-supported dentures over traditional dentures?
This technique offers many advantages over traditional dentures for missing teeth.
Easy to care for, dental implant treatment can simulate the look and feel of natural teeth and stay fixed in place with the implants acting as anchors. Patients will not experience the typical rocking and movement or gum irritation associated with dentures.
Dental implant placement can also help alleviate the sunken look that can occur with bone loss in the jaw by stimulating bone growth in the area around the implant. This tooth replacement process can also help prevent future bone loss.
Benefits of Dental Implants at The Smile Architects
Our Huntersville patients experience numerous benefits from dental implants that other tooth replacement options simply can't match:
Preservation of jawbone integrity and facial structure
Enhanced chewing ability and speech clarity with tooth replacement
Improved oral health through easier cleaning between teeth
Long-lasting results with proper dental care
Protection of surrounding teeth from excessive strain
Natural appearance that blends seamlessly with existing teeth
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Implants
How painful is getting a dental implant?
Getting a dental implant is not painful at all. You will be given local anesthetic injections prior to your procedure to ensure that you don’t feel any discomfort while we work. In the hours after your appointment, the anesthetic will wear off and you are likely to feel some tenderness at the surgical site. This can be alleviated with over-the-counter pain medications and cold compresses, as well as a soft food diet.
Can you get a temporary tooth while waiting for an implant?
Yes, temporary restorations are available if you are getting a dental implant for a tooth that is visible when you smile. Ask us about your options during your consultation.
How long does it take for dental implants to heal?
Your soft tissues will heal shortly after your dental implant surgery—usually in about two weeks—but another healing process is taking place below the gum line. This process is called osseointegration and it occurs when your implants and your jawbone fuse together to create a stable base for your restorations. This can take up to 3 months.
Are dental implants covered by dental insurance?
Some insurance plans cover some aspects of dental implant surgery; others cover dental implants for missing teeth under certain circumstances. Your medical insurance may also pay a portion of the costs if your dental implants are needed as a result of a congenital condition, radiation treatment, or an accident. We can help you understand your benefits prior to scheduling your procedure.
Why Choose The Smile Architects for Dental Implants in Huntersville, NC
When considering implants in Huntersville NC, it's important to choose an experienced dental team that prioritizes your comfort and long-term oral health. At The Smile Architects, our comprehensive approach to the dental implant process ensures optimal results through:
Advanced diagnostic technology for precise implant placement
Personalized treatment plans for dental implants based on your unique dental needs
Streamlined dental implant procedure with maximum comfort
Ongoing support throughout your healing process
Beautiful, functional results from dental implants that can last a lifetime with proper care
Ready to explore how life-changing dental implants can restore your smile and confidence? Call The Smile Architects at 704-875-1621 to schedule your consultation for dental implants in Huntersville. Our experienced team is committed to excellent dental care and helping you achieve optimal oral health. Contact us today!