Dental Implants in Ballantyne, NC
Restore Your Smile, Elevate Your Life
- Dentist With Advanced Training
- Same-Day Emergency Care
- Replace One Tooth to a Full Arch
- 3 Types of Sedation Available
Helping Charlotte Smile Again
Our doctors have helped many patients restore their smiles with this versatile tooth replacement solution, so they've seen firsthand how transformative it can be. Whether you have one missing tooth, a few missing teeth, or widespread tooth loss, we have what you need to restore dental form and function.
We Accept Insurance and Financing
While dental implants are not covered by basic insurance, your insurance may contribute to the cost of your restoration and any preparatory procedures you need. We are not in network with any insurance providers, but we can check to determine if your benefits will apply to your treatment and help you get reimbursement.
At Precision Dental Partners, we also accept CareCredit® financing, which lets you pay for your care in manageable monthly installments.
What Can Implant Treatment Offer You?
Better Oral Health
When you lose natural teeth, you also lose their roots. Without these roots stimulating the bone tissue, the jawbone will begin to atrophy and recede. Dental implants don't just replace a missing tooth; they function as tooth roots, stimulating your jaw and helping prevent bone loss. This can eliminate the need for other procedures like bone grafting later.
More Attractive Appearance
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.
Improved Dental Function
Missing teeth can leave you unable to eat your favorite foods, or result in you only chewing with certain areas of your bite, causing strain on the jaw. Replacing one lost tooth or many teeth with implants can restore 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 solution.
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 are used:
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 denture). 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.
Implant-Supported Crowns,
Bridges, and Dentures
The type of restoration you need will depend on how many teeth you're missing:
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 from our Ballantyne dental office can restore your smile, stimulate your jawbone, and give you the comfort and function you need.
Candidacy Factors for Implant Treatment
Sufficient Jawbone Density
Your jawbone must have 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. We can also explore the All-on-4 dental implant method for full denture patients.
No 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 Ballantyne dentists of any pre-existing conditions you have before undergoing surgery.
Preparatory Procedures to Improve Your Candidacy
If you're not currently a candidate for dental implants, you may be able to improve your candidacy by undergoing preparatory treatment first. We may recommend:
Broken, decayed, and otherwise unhealthy teeth have to be removed from the dental arches before we can place implants and a restoration. Dental decay can spread to your other teeth, requiring the need for additional restorative dentistry procedures. By removing them now, you can protect your oral health and receive a restoration that meets your needs.
Dental implants can't be placed when you have gum disease because the condition affects the supporting tissues of the mouth — the gums and jawbone — creating an unstable environment for implants. You will have to treat any gum disease before you're a candidate for dental implants.
With tooth loss comes jawbone atrophy. If you don't have enough jawbone density to support dental implants, bone grafting can reinforce the jawbone so it can securely support implants. If you want to skip bone grafting, we can determine if you're a candidate for the All-on-4 method.
A sinus lift is a type of bone grafting for the top dental arch. If bone atrophy has occurred in this dental arch and your sinuses are low, we may recommend a sinus lift to raise them and make more room for implants.
Keeping You Comfortable With 3 Sedation Options
Do you have dental anxiety, a sensitive gag reflex, or trouble sitting still? In addition to local anesthesia to minimize pain at the treatment site, we can administer one of three sedation options to keep you comfortable throughout treatment:
Nitrous Oxide
The lightest form of sedation we offer, nitrous oxide is a gas that is administered through a nose mask. It takes effect quickly and keeps patients calm throughout treatment. Once treatment is complete and the mask is removed, the nitrous oxide wears off quickly so you can drive yourself home shortly after your appointment.
Oral Conscious Sedation
Oral conscious sedation is a pill that is taken about an hour before your procedure to put you in a state of relaxation. Because it keeps you calm and makes you feel a little sleepy, someone will have to drive you to and from your appointment.
IV Sedation
Intravenous sedation puts you in a state of deep relaxation, without rendering you completely unconscious. This form of sedation can be adjusted throughout your treatment to keep you comfortable. With this form of sedation, an anesthesiologist will monitor you throughout treatment to ensure your safety. Someone will have to drive you to and from your appointment.
Our Dental Implant Process
Dr. Betancourt performs your implant placement at our affiliated Advanced Dentistry of Blakeney office in Charlotte, and the same team coordinates your custom crown, bridge, or denture, so every stage of treatment stays connected rather than being referred out.
Caring for Your Dental Implants and New Restoration
When cared for properly, your dental implants can last for the rest of your life. Implant-supported crowns can last 10-15 years, implant-supported bridges can last 10-20 years, and implant-supported dentures can last 10-20 years before needing to be replaced. However, their longevity will depend heavily on how you care for them. We recommend:
Following an At-Home Routine
You can care for your dental restoration like you would care for your natural teeth. Whether you have a crown, bridge, or denture, be sure to brush it twice a day with nonabrasive toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush. You should also floss daily around all of your teeth and your dental implants. If you have an implant-supported denture, you can use a floss threader to clean underneath it.
Being Mindful of Bad Habits
While your restoration will be made from durable materials so it can withstand normal biting and chewing forces, it can still become damaged. Be mindful of your habits and try not to chew on fingernails or pens, eat ice, or use your teeth to open packages. This will protect both your restoration and your remaining natural teeth.
Attending Dental Checkups
Regular checkups with your dentist and dental hygienist will contribute to good overall oral health, maintaining a healthy environment for your dental implants. Your dentist can also help catch any problems before they become serious and tell you when it's time to replace your crown, bridge, or denture.
FAQ About Dental Implants in Ballantyne, NC
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. We will provide you with an estimate during your free consultation at our Ballantyne office serving Charlotte.
Is dental implant surgery painful?
We make the process virtually painless by using local anesthesia and optional sedation. Your 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.
