Dental Implants in Charlotte

This question may play a big role in your decision because many people like to avoid surgery. A dental implant procedure does require surgery, but it’s minimally invasive. Using the latest technology, we can locate your jawbone and make minor incisions in the gum to place the implant.

While it does require surgery, the recovery isn’t long and drawn out like most traditional surgeries. Dental implant recovery only requires 1-2 days of rest. You’ll also have to eat soft foods for a short period while you adjust to your new tooth and the pain subsides.

We’re often asked, “How bad are dental implants pain?” Or, “Do dental implants hurt?” During the dental implant process, you shouldn’t feel pain as the incision area will be numbed with an anesthetic. After the procedure, you will feel some level of discomfort, which is often reported to be mild. We recommend using over-the-counter pain relief. The pain level depends on the number of implants placed during your procedure. No excessive discomfort should occur after around ten days. If the pain worsens after ten days or seems excessive at any point, contact us, as this could be a sign of infection.

The Dental Implant Cost Guide conducted a study to find the average cost of a dental implant. According to the study, the average dental implant cost in the U.S. is $1,000 to $3,000, costing almost as much as the dental implant procedure. Know that these costs aren’t set in stone. We’ll have a better idea of the cost of your needs after the examination. Contact us if you’re interested in getting a dental implant, so we can book you for an appointment. We’re excited to hear from you!

When you spend money on something expensive, you want to ensure you get your money’s worth, which is true with a dental implant. They are completely worth your money because you’re investing in your health. Dental implants can last 10 – 30 years, longer than any other tooth replacement choice. Depending on age, the implant and abutment can last the rest of your life. The implant lasts 10 – 15 years because of general wear from chewing. The best ways to keep your implant in good condition is to:

• Brush and floss twice a day.
• Come to Crown Point Family Dentistry for 6-month checkups.
• And don’t smoke as it may cause gum disease.

The general idea is that you need to maintain healthy and hygienic practices to keep your implant in great shape.

The decision between dental implants versus dentures comes down to the patient. We offer both, and they each have advantages and disadvantages. The cost of dentures is less expensive than dental implants. One trade-off of this cost is durability. Dental implants can last 10 – 30 years, while dentures well-kept may last 5 – 7. Dentures usually require more checkups per year than dental implants.

Another factor is how many teeth are missing. You may want dentures for a set of teeth as they’ll be less expensive. Dental implants are usually used to cover gaps in one or two missing teeth. While dental implants cost more, they’ll save you much more money in the long run. If you have the money, we generally recommend getting dental implants, but each case is unique and you can decide after speaking with our dentist. Please book an appointment by contacting us!

If you plan on doing general anesthesia, you’ll need to fast 24 hours before your procedure. And be sure to come in comfortable clothes.

Yes, antibiotics and other specific medications will be prescribed before your dental implant procedure according to your medical history and specific needs.

Immunosuppressants prevent the body from attacking your implant. This same medication is used during transplants (i.e., heart transplants). It’s essential for people that suffer from chronic diseases. 

Listening to our staff and taking the medication as instructed is very important. Not complying with the instructions could lead to an implant rejection which suppresses bone growth and bone density and causes pain in the area of the implant. 

One of the most common misconceptions we hear at Crown Point Family Dentistry is that seniors might be “too old” for dental implants. Nothing could be further from the truth!

“Dental implants have a success rate of approximately 98% of healthy patients, regardless of age,” confirms Dr. Cerasaro. We’ve successfully placed implants for patients in their 70s, 80s, and beyond with fantastic results.

What truly matters isn’t your age on paper, but your overall health status. Certain conditions like uncontrolled diabetes or severe osteoporosis may require additional evaluation or treatment before proceeding with implants, but age itself is rarely a limiting factor.

Some medications common among seniors may affect healing or osseointegration, which is why we conduct thorough medical reviews during consultations. Sometimes simple adjustments to medication timing or implant protocols can address these concerns.

For many of our older patients, dental implants have been truly life changing. After years of struggling with loose dentures or missing teeth, they rediscover the joy of eating favorite foods and smiling with confidence. As one 79-year-old patient recently told us, “I wish I’d done this years ago—these teeth feel like they’ve always been part of me!”

When considering dental implants, it’s natural to wonder about potential risks. The good news is that implants have an impressive 95-98% success rate, but like any surgical procedure, complications can occasionally arise.

Infection is the most common concern, typically presenting as redness, swelling, or discharge around the implant site. The good news? Most infections respond well to antibiotics when caught early. That’s why those follow-up appointments are so important!

In rare cases, nerve injury can occur during implant placement, potentially causing numbness or tingling in your lip, tongue, or chin. This is precisely why we use advanced 3D imaging at Crown Point Family Dentistry—to clearly visualize nerve pathways before surgery and minimize this risk.

Peri-implantitis is essentially gum disease affecting implants. It causes inflammation and bone loss around the implant and requires prompt treatment to save the implant. Regular check-ups help catch this early when it’s most treatable.

“Dental implants have a success rate of approximately 98% in healthy patients, regardless of age,” Dr. Cerasaro often reminds patients. “The key is proper planning, skilled technique, and diligent aftercare.”

Recovery from dental implants follows a fairly predictable timeline, though everyone heals at their own pace.

The first 24-48 hours bring some swelling and discomfort—perfectly normal responses to surgery. Most patients manage these symptoms easily with prescribed medications and cold compresses. Many are surprised by how manageable this phase actually is!

Within 3-7 days, you’ll likely return to most normal activities, though you’ll need to stick with softer foods to protect the surgical site. By the 2-3 week mark, your soft tissue healing will be largely complete, and you’ll be feeling much more like yourself.

The final phase—osseointegration—is where patience comes in. This biological process, where your jawbone actually grows around and bonds with the implant, takes 3-6 months to complete. It’s happening silently beneath the surface, creating that rock-solid foundation for your new tooth.

“Most patients return to work the day after implant surgery,” Dr. Cerasaro explains with a reassuring smile. “They’re often surprised by how quickly they bounce back, even though the complete healing process continues behind the scenes for several months.”

Caring for your dental implants is refreshingly straightforward, almost identical to maintaining natural teeth. This simplicity is part of what makes implants so popular.

Brush twice daily using a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste. The gentle approach protects both your implants and your natural teeth from unnecessary wear.

Daily flossing remains essential, though you might find specialized tools like interdental brushes or implant-specific floss easier to use around your new teeth. Many of our patients love water flossers for cleaning around implants and under bridges—they’re especially effective at reaching those tricky spots.

Professional cleanings every 3-6 months complete your maintenance routine. These visits allow us to check your implants’ condition and address any concerns before they become problems.

“Treat dental implants like natural teeth with good oral hygiene—brushing, flossing, and regular dental visits,” Dr. Cerasaro reminds patients. “This simple routine protects your investment for decades to come.”

With proper care, your implants can provide a lifetime of comfortable chewing, confident smile, and worry-free living, making them perhaps the best investment you’ll ever make in yourself.