Medically Reviewed by Dr. Jim Meletiou, DDS on September 22, 2026
Dental implants enhance your smile by replacing a missing or damaged tooth with a natural-looking, fully functional restoration that supports how you speak, chew, and maintain your oral health over the long term. When a tooth is missing, the effects reach well beyond appearance, and implants remain one of the most reliable ways to address that gap.
For many patients, dental implants offer a path toward a fuller smile, renewed self-assurance, and restored bite function. Before moving forward with treatment, it helps to understand how the process works, what it typically costs, and the benefits implants can provide.
What Exactly Are Dental Implants?
A dental implant is made up of two main parts working together. A titanium post is surgically placed within the jawbone by an oral surgeon, where it gradually fuses with the surrounding bone over a period of healing to function as a new tooth root. Once that healing is complete, our team at The Smile Architects designs and places a custom porcelain crown on top, restoring the visible, functional part of the tooth. Because implants combine a stable foundation with a natural-looking crown, they can, with consistent care, last for decades.
How Dental Implants Can Benefit Your Smile
Beyond enhancing the way your smile looks, dental implants can also help restore everyday function and support better oral health overall. Patients who choose implants may experience benefits such as:
- Replacement of teeth that are missing or damaged
- Reduced risk of jawbone loss in the area of the missing tooth
- Renewed stability for surrounding teeth
- Restored ability to chew normally
- Improved clarity of speech
- A natural appearance that can last for many years
- Preservation of your natural face shape
Different Types of Dental Implants
Patients can typically choose from a few main categories of dental implants, including endosteal, subperiosteal, and zygomatic options. Endosteal implants, the most frequently used type, are anchored directly into the jawbone. Subperiosteal implants rest beneath the gum tissue but sit above the jawbone rather than within it, and are typically reserved for patients who do not have enough healthy jawbone for an endosteal implant. Zygomatic implants are anchored in the cheekbone instead and are generally used only in more complex cases. Depending on your needs, implants can replace a single tooth, several teeth, or support a full arch of replacement teeth.
How Our Team Supports Your Implant Treatment
At The Smile Architects, we work alongside trusted oral surgeons who handle the surgical placement of the implant post itself. Our role focuses on evaluating your candidacy, planning the restoration that will sit on top of the implant, and designing and placing the final crown once healing is complete. This team approach means you get coordinated care between the surgical and restorative phases of treatment, with our office guiding you through what to expect at each step.
How Long Does Getting Dental Implants Take?
According to the Cleveland Clinic, dental implants can fill in gaps in your smile while also helping you chew and speak more easily once healed. Completing the full implant process typically takes a few months from start to finish, though many patients find the results are well worth the time involved. The process usually begins with a consultation to determine whether you are a suitable candidate for treatment. Once your oral surgeon places the implant post, the surrounding bone generally needs about three to six months to fuse with it before the final restoration can be attached.
What Do Dental Implants Typically Cost?
While dental implants represent a meaningful financial investment, they can offer several advantages over other tooth replacement options and, with proper care, may last a lifetime. Pricing tends to vary based on how many implants are needed, the overall complexity of the surgical placement, whether bone grafting is required, and the type of restoration selected. Because these variables differ so much from patient to patient, the most reliable way to get an accurate number is a consultation where we can review your specific treatment plan and provide a detailed estimate. Financing through Cherry, CareCredit, or an in-house payment plan can help make this investment more manageable.
Caring for a Dental Implant Long Term
A dental implant does not decay the way a natural tooth can, but the gum tissue and bone around it still need consistent care. Brushing twice a day, flossing or using an interdental brush around the implant crown, and keeping up with regular dental visits all help prevent a condition called peri-implantitis, which is an infection of the tissue surrounding the implant that can otherwise threaten its long-term stability. Routine cleanings also give our team a chance to check the health of the implant site at each visit.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Implants
Does The Smile Architects place the implant post itself?
Our team coordinates with trusted oral surgeons who handle the surgical placement of the implant post. We then design and place the crown that restores your smile once the surgical site has fully healed.
How long do dental implants last?
With consistent oral hygiene and regular dental visits, the implant post can last decades, and in many cases a lifetime. The crown attached to it may need replacement after ten to fifteen years due to normal wear.
Am I a good candidate for a dental implant?
Good candidates generally have enough healthy jawbone to support an implant and are free of uncontrolled gum disease. A consultation with our team, alongside an evaluation from an oral surgeon, is the best way to confirm candidacy for your specific situation.
What happens if I do not have enough jawbone for an implant?
A bone grafting procedure performed by an oral surgeon can build up the jawbone in the area before an implant is placed. This adds time to the overall treatment plan but can make an implant possible for patients who would not otherwise qualify.
Have More Questions About Dental Implants?
If you are thinking about enhancing your smile through dental implants, our team at The Smile Architects can help evaluate your candidacy and walk you through your available options, including coordinating with an oral surgeon for the surgical portion of your care. Get in touch with our office in Huntersville, NC to schedule a consultation.
About the Author
Dentist, The Smile Architects
Dr. Jim Meletiou is a graduate of the University of Iowa College of Dentistry, where he later taught Oral Diagnosis and Radiology. He brings decades of clinical experience to patients at The Smile Architects in Huntersville, NC.