Dental Implants in Charlotte

To find out if you are a good candidate for dental implants in Charlotte, schedule a consultation with Dr. Kleinheinz. During this visit, we’ll review your health history and oral hygiene habits. After having an open conversation about your needs and goals, Dr. Kleinheinz will thoroughly examine your teeth and gums, performing X-rays and 3D imaging to determine if implants are your best option.

We may recommend dental implants if:

• You are missing one or more teeth.
• You are generally healthy.
• You do not have an active gum disease or other oral infection.
• You do not smoke or are willing to quit smoking.
• You have not experienced significant jawbone loss, or if you have, are willing to undergo a bone graft procedure first.

To ensure your implants last, you must commit to consistent oral hygiene habits, including regular brushing and flossing. During your consultation, Dr. Kleinheinz will answer any questions you have, ensuring you feel confident in your care.

A placement for a dental implant in Charlotte takes around one hour to complete.

If we are placing an implant for the first time, only one session is necessary. If we are restoring a dental implant, then it will take two sessions to complete.

Despite dental implants being unfamiliar to some, periodontists have extensively used them for years. In 1965, an orthopedic surgeon, Branmark, performed the first titanium dental implant. Technology has made huge strides since then. Dental implants are a leading solution for tooth replacement, providing a safe and reliable option when other treatments aren’t suitable.

If you want to prepare for a dental implant in Charlotte, there are a few things you can do:

• Stop taking Omega-3 and Vitamin E supplements and any supplements containing them for 7 days prior to procedure.
• Refrain from taking NSAIDs and any anticoagulants (aspirin, baby aspirin, Motrin, Advil, etc) 7 days prior to procedure.
• Abstain from taking steroids or using any Retinol-based products to including those with Vitamin C and A for at least 3 days prior to procedure.
• Avoid alcohol 3 days prior to the procedure.
• Begin prophylactic antiviral and/or antibiotic treatment for viral conditions such as Herpes Simplex Virus.

After you get a dental implant in Charlotte, you might experience any and all of these after effects of the surgery:

• Swelling of the gums and face
• Bruising of the skin and gums
• Pain at the implant site
• Minor bleeding

All of this is normal during healing. The stitches in your mouth will also fully dissolve. If you have dissolvable stitches, consume soft foods for the first day after your appointment.

Unlike bridges or dentures, dental implants are permanent, lasting 20 years or more with proper care. In the months after you receive dental implants in Charlotte, your bone integrates with the implant post, fusing securely. Once this bond forms, which typically takes about 3 months, the implant looks and feels like a natural tooth, behaving as though it were always there.

However, practicing good oral hygiene habits is essential to extending your implants’ life—not just during the healing process. Aside from brushing and flossing twice daily, Dr. Kleinheinz recommends prioritizing healthy habits like staying hydrated, eating a balanced diet, and avoiding smoking to reduce the risk of infection. Routine exams and cleanings are crucial to maintaining your oral health, regardless of whether or not you have implants.

Following these guidelines also minimizes maintenance. Typically, Dr. Kleinheinz only needs to replace the crown every 10 to 15 years due to daily wear.

Dental implants, crowns, and veneers can all improve your smile’s appearance, function, and overall health. However, each procedure serves a distinct purpose.

Dr. Kleinheinz may recommend dental implants in Charlotte if you are missing a tooth, whether it be from trauma, congenital issues, or decay following extraction. Implants replace an entire tooth, connecting to the jawbone.

Veneers do not replace the root of a tooth. Instead, veneers consist of bonding a custom-fit porcelain “cap” to the front of the teeth to correct chips, stains, and bite issues. To ensure a strong foundation before application, we must address any cavities, gum disease, and enamel decay, so the veneers can prevent further damage for years to come.

Unlike veneers, crowns cover the entire tooth, strengthening a damaged tooth’s structure. However, crowns do not extend into the jawbone like implants do to replace a missing tooth. They begin at the gum line, extending to the surface.

At Kleinheinz Dentistry, we’re invested in your long-term health and confidence. During your consultation, we’ll help you decide which procedure aligns with your functional and aesthetic needs.