Services
Dental Implants in Huntersville, NC
Replace one or more missing teeth, with a clear plan before you start.
A dental implant is a small post, usually titanium, placed in the jawbone to act as a new tooth root. After the bone bonds to it, it holds a crown, a bridge or a denture. Implants suit adults who are missing one or more teeth, have healthy gums and have enough bone to hold the post. At Kreeb Family Dentistry in Huntersville, the process starts with a consultation and imaging so you know your options before you decide.
At a glance
- Typical visitsSeveral, spread over a few months (consult, placement, healing checks, crown or denture)
- Healing before the final toothOften 3 months or more; some cases can get a tooth the same day or within a week
- ComfortImplant placement is done with local anesthetic; ask about comfort options
- RecoverySome soreness and swelling for a few days is common
- What drives costNumber of implants, bone grafting, type of restoration, imaging
- InsuranceCoverage varies by plan; call us with your insurance details
Is a dental implant right for you?
You may be a good candidate if you are in good general health, your gums are free of gum disease and you have enough jawbone to hold the implant. The exam checks each of these.
Some things make an implant harder or riskier, but not always impossible:
Gum disease or decay
These are treated first, so the implant starts in a healthy mouth.
Thin or soft bone
A bone graft can build up the area, which adds time.
Smoking
Implants in smokers fail more often. One review of many studies found the odds of implant failure were about 2.4 times higher than in non-smokers.
Diabetes
A 2022 review found a higher risk of implant failure in people with diabetes. Good blood sugar control before and after treatment matters.
Daily care
Implants need brushing, flossing and regular checkups, just like natural teeth.
If an implant is not the right fit, a bridge or a partial or full denture may be. The table below compares them.
What happens during dental implant treatment?
Implant treatment takes several visits over a few months. At your consultation, Dr. Bryan Kreeb explains each step and who will do it. Here is the general process:
Consultation and exam
We look at your teeth, gums and bite and take X-rays or other imaging to measure the bone. Your dentist explains the steps, the expected timeline and what drives the cost.
Extraction or bone graft, if needed
If a damaged tooth is still in place, it may need to come out first (see tooth extractions). A graft may be placed if the bone is thin.
Implant placement
The implant post is placed in the jawbone with local anesthetic.
Healing
The bone grows onto the implant surface. This is called osseointegration. The usual wait is at least 3 months. A temporary tooth can often fill the gap while you heal.
Abutment
A small connector, called an abutment, is attached to the implant. It holds the final tooth.
Final restoration
An implant crown, an implant bridge or an implant supported denture is made to fit your bite and attached.
For some patients, a tooth can be attached on the same day as the implant or within a week. Whether that is safe for you depends on the bone and the bite.
What is an implant crown?
An implant crown is a single replacement tooth that sits on one implant. It is screwed or cemented onto the abutment. It does not rely on the teeth next to it.
What is an implant supported denture?
An implant supported denture is a full or partial denture that snaps onto or is fixed to two or more implants. It moves less than a denture held by suction or adhesive. If you wear a denture now, ask whether it could be adapted or remade for implants. Our dentures and partial dentures page covers dentures on their own.
Implant vs bridge vs denture: how do they compare?
An implant replaces the root and the tooth. A bridge and a denture replace only the visible tooth. Each has a place, and the right choice depends on your mouth, health and budget.
| Option | Dental implant | Fixed bridge | Partial or full denture |
|---|---|---|---|
| What it is | A post in the jawbone with a crown, bridge or denture on top | A false tooth held by crowns on the teeth either side of the gap | A removable plate with false teeth, held by clasps, suction or adhesive |
| Typical visits | Several, over a few months | Usually 2 to 3 over a few weeks | Usually several over a few weeks, plus adjustments |
| How long it typically lasts | About 93 to 96 percent of implants were still in place after 10 years in a large review | About 89 percent of bridges were still in place after 10 years in a large review | Usually checked every year and remade after about 5 to 10 years as the fit changes |
| Care | Brush, floss and clean around the implant; regular checkups | Brush, clean under the false tooth with floss threaders; regular checkups | Remove and clean daily; relines as your gums change; regular checkups |
| Who it suits | Healthy adults with enough bone who want a fixed tooth that does not rely on other teeth | People whose neighboring teeth already need crowns, or who prefer not to have surgery | People missing many or all teeth, or who want a lower cost or non surgical option |
Swipe the table sideways to see every column.
Learn more about porcelain fixed bridges and dentures and partial dentures. If a damaged tooth can still be saved, a crown may be an option instead; see same-day crowns.
Does getting a dental implant hurt?
Implant placement is done with local anesthetic, so the area is numb during the procedure. You may feel pressure. Tell the dentist if anything feels sharp, and more anesthetic can be given. Ask about comfort options at your consultation if you feel nervous.
Afterward, some soreness, swelling or bruising is common for a few days. Most people manage it with the aftercare steps and pain relief your dentist recommends.
What is recovery like after implant placement?
Recovery happens in stages. Here is what to expect:
First few days
Eat soft foods, keep the area clean as instructed and avoid smoking. Some swelling and tenderness are normal.
First weeks
The gum heals over or around the implant. Keep any follow-up visits.
Healing months
The bone bonds to the implant. You will not feel this happening.
Long term
Brush twice a day, floss daily and keep your regular checkups. Gum infection around an implant (peri-implant disease) can cause bone loss, so cleanings matter.
Call the office if you have bleeding that will not stop, swelling that gets worse after the third day, a fever, pus, or numbness that does not wear off.
What are the risks of dental implants, and the alternatives?
Implants have a high survival rate, but no one can guarantee a result. Known risks include:
Infection
at the implant site, early or months later.
Nerve injury
which can cause tingling or numbness in the lip, chin or tongue. It is usually temporary but can last.
Sinus problems
with upper back implants, if the implant or graft affects the sinus.
Implant failure
when the bone does not bond to the implant or bone is lost later. The implant may need to be removed and, in some cases, replaced.
Higher risk with smoking and diabetes
Your alternatives:
- A fixed bridge uses the neighboring teeth as supports.
- A partial or full denture is removable and needs no surgery.
- Doing nothing. You can leave a gap. Ask your dentist what may change over time in your mouth so you can decide with full information.
How much do dental implants cost in Huntersville?
The cost of dental implants depends on your treatment plan, and your dentist explains it after the exam. The main things that drive the price are:
Number of implants
and teeth being replaced.
Bone grafting
or other preparation, if needed.
Type of restoration
a single implant crown, an implant bridge or, where suitable, an implant supported denture.
Imaging
such as a 3D scan.
Extractions
before the implant, if needed.
Insurance coverage for implants varies widely from plan to plan. Call the office with your plan details before you start. Ask about payment options on our insurance and payment page or by phone.
Why patients choose Kreeb Family Dentistry for dental implants
Training in implant care
Dr. Bryan Kreeb completed a residency in Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD) at the University of Florida, covering implant restoration and surgical techniques. He trained with the Garg Implant Continuum and is a member of the International Dental Implant Association.
One plan for the whole mouth
As family dentists, we look at the implant alongside your other teeth, gums and bite.
Same-day crowns in the office
for natural teeth that can still be saved, so you can compare options in one place.
Early hours
The office opens at 7:00 AM, Monday to Friday.
Questions
Frequently asked questions
Still wondering about something? Call us and our team will help.
How long do dental implants last?
Many implants last 10 years or longer. In a large 2019 review, about 93 to 96 percent of implants were still in place after 10 years. How long yours lasts depends on your bone, your gums, smoking, diabetes and how well you care for it. The crown on top may wear and need replacing sooner than the implant.
Do dental implants need to be replaced?
The implant post often stays in place for many years, but the crown or denture on it can wear, chip or loosen over time and may need replacing. Some implants fail and need to be removed. Read more in how often dental implants need to be replaced.
Am I too old for dental implants?
Age alone does not usually rule out implants for adults. What matters more is your general health, your gums, the bone in your jaw and the medicines you take. The exam checks these. Implants are usually not placed until the jaw has finished growing.
How long does the whole implant process take?
Most cases take a few months from placement to the final tooth. The usual healing time is at least 3 months. Extractions or bone grafts can add months. In some cases a tooth can be attached on the same day or within a week. Your plan gives your expected timeline.
Can I get an implant the same day my tooth is removed?
Sometimes. If the bone is healthy and there is no infection, an implant can be placed at the same visit as the extraction. In other cases the site needs to heal first, or a bone graft is needed. The exam and imaging show which applies to you.
Does insurance cover dental implants?
Some dental plans cover part of the cost, others cover only the crown or none of it. Coverage varies widely. Call the office with your plan details. Ask about payment options when you call.
Can implants hold my denture in place?
Often, yes. Two or more implants can hold a full or partial denture so it moves less when you eat and speak. Whether this works for you depends on the bone and the denture. Ask at your consultation whether your current denture could be adapted.
Book your dental implant consultation in Huntersville
If you are missing a tooth or are unhappy with a loose denture, start with a consultation. Your dentist will explain your options and what drives the cost.