Updated June 15th, 2025
Millions of Americans face tooth loss due to injury, decay, or gum disease. The good news is you don’t have to settle for gaps in your smile. At Harlow Dental, we help patients in Charlotte and surrounding areas restore function, health, and confidence with one of the most reliable solutions in modern dentistry: dental implants.
If you’re looking for long-term solutions for replacing missing teeth, this ultimate guide covers everything you need to know.
Why You Shouldn’t Ignore Missing Teeth
Even if you're only missing one tooth and it doesn’t seem like a big deal, your smile is a system, and one missing piece can throw it off balance. Here’s what can happen when gaps are left untreated:
- Surrounding teeth shift out of place
- Jawbone begins to shrink (bone loss)
- Changes in bite can lead to TMJ discomfort
- Difficulty chewing or speaking
- Decreased self-confidence
What Makes Dental Implants So Effective?
Dental implants are the gold standard for tooth replacement. This is because they replace both the visible crown and the tooth root. The implant itself is a small titanium post that’s placed in the jawbone, providing a stable foundation for a crown, bridge, or even full dentures.
Benefits of Dental Implants
- Look, feel, and function like natural teeth
- Prevent jawbone loss
- Keep surrounding teeth stable
- No slipping or clicking like traditional dentures
- Lasts decades with proper care
Dental implants are a permanent, low-maintenance solution that supports your entire smile.
Are You a Candidate for Dental Implants?
Most healthy adults are good candidates for implants. Ideal candidates:
- Have healthy gums and sufficient jawbone
- Don’t smoke or are willing to quit
- Are free from uncontrolled chronic diseases, like diabetes
- Commit to regular dental visits and excellent oral hygiene
Even if you’ve been told in the past that you’re not a candidate, advances in bone grafting and mini-implants might make treatment possible. Don’t rule yourself out. Come talk to our Charlotte dental team.
What to Expect: The Dental Implant Process
Here’s a general overview of what your journey might look like:
- Consultation — We evaluate your smile, take 3-D imaging, and create a custom plan.
- Implant Placement — The titanium post is surgically placed into your jawbone.
- Healing Period — The bone fuses with the implant (osseointegration) over several months.
- Abutment and Restoration — Once healed, we place the abutment and final crown, bridge, or denture.
- Smile, Eat, Speak, Repeat — You enjoy your new, fully functional smile for years to come!
How Much Do Dental Implants Cost?
The cost of replacing missing teeth with implants can vary depending on the number of teeth, the type of restoration, and whether additional procedures, such as bone grafting, are required. At Harlow Dental, we work with most major insurance plans and offer flexible financing options to make dental implants affordable for your budget. We’ll always provide a transparent, personalized treatment estimate before we begin.
Dental Implants vs. Other Tooth Replacement Options
Choosing the right solution for replacing missing teeth depends on your goals, budget, and long-term needs. Here’s a quick comparison of your options:
Dental Implants
- Replace both the tooth and the root
- Help prevent bone loss
- Look and function like natural teeth
- Fixed in place and long-lasting (20+ years)
- Higher upfront cost but minimal maintenance
Dental Bridges
- Only replace the visible part of the tooth
- Require filing down adjacent teeth
- Fixed in place, but does not protect against bone loss
- Typically lasts 10–15 years
- More affordable than implants, but may need replacement sooner
Removable Dentures
- Replace multiple missing teeth
- Do not prevent bone loss
- May slip or shift without adhesive
- Require daily removal and cleaning
- Lower initial cost, but often need adjustments or replacement within 5–8 years
While each option has its place, dental implants offer the most stable, natural-feeling, and long-term solution for replacing missing teeth.
Why Patients Choose Harlow Dental for Implants in Charlotte, NC
- Experienced, gentle care from Dr. Harlow and the team
- Advanced technology and 3-D imaging for precise results
- Comfortable, judgment-free environment
- Personalized care plans designed around you
- Transparent pricing and easy financing
Ready to Replace Missing Teeth? Call Us Now!
Replacing missing teeth with dental implants can enhance your appearance, improve your oral health, and improve your overall quality of life. Contact us today or schedule your consultation online to determine if dental implants in Charlotte, NC, are the right solution for you.