Dental Implants

Dental implants closely mimic the function and appearance of natural teeth, allowing patients to speak, eat, and smile with renewed confidence.

What are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are artificial tooth roots that offer a permanent alternative to bridges or dentures. They are the longest-lasting and most natural-feeling tooth replacement option available today—often considered the gold standard in modern dentistry. Whether replacing a single tooth or a full arch, implants provide unmatched function, aesthetics, and comfort.

Dental Implant Experience

Dr. Williams applies proven clinical skill and specialized implant knowledge to restore smiles others may consider untreatable. Excellence in implant surgery begins with the team behind your care.

So, whether you need a single dental implant or a full-arch restoration of your smile, our team is committed to helping you regain comfort, confidence, and lasting oral health. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Williams to learn how implants can change the way you live and smile.

Dental Implants Services

Single Tooth Replacement

Ideal for replacing one missing tooth, often placed at the time of extraction if bone is sufficient. It provides a natural look without affecting neighboring teeth.

Implant Supported Bridge

Used when several teeth in a row are missing. Two implants can often support a three-tooth bridge, providing strength and saving cost compared to placing multiple single implants.

Implant-Supported Overdenture

A removable denture that snaps onto implants for added stability—no adhesives needed. Greatly improves comfort, speech, and chewing compared to traditional dentures.

Full Arch Restoration (All-on-4®)

Designed to replace a full upper or lower arch of teeth using as few as four implants. This fixed solution offers natural appearance, excellent stability, and no removable parts. It is ideal for patients transitioning from dentures.

Zygomatic Implant

For patients with severe upper jawbone loss, zygomatic implants anchor into the cheekbone (zygoma), avoiding the need for extensive bone grafting. Teeth can often be placed immediately, reducing wait times and surgical interventions.

Bone Grafting for Implants

Bone grafting can repair dental implant sites with inadequate bone structure due to previous extractions, gum disease or injuries. This allows us to place implants of proper length and width, and a chance to restore functionality and appearance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Am I a candidate for dental implants?

We understand how missing or failing teeth can affect your confidence and daily life. It can be discouraging to hear that you are not a candidate for dental implants due to limited bone or certain health conditions. Even with traditional options like bridges or dentures, it can feel disheartening if the results do not provide the comfort, stability, or appearance for which you were hoping.

Fortunately, as a board-certified oral surgery specialist, we offer advanced techniques to rebuild bone and often have multiple approaches to place implants that enhance stability, function, and aesthetics. In most cases, there are very few absolute reasons why an oral and maxillofacial surgeon cannot place implants. We work closely with your dentist and healthcare providers to develop a personalized, long-term solution that fits your unique needs and goals.

Am I a candidate for bone grafting?

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What to expect before, during, and after implant surgery?

Dental implants are a modern, reliable solution to replace missing teeth and restore function and appearance. At Carolina Oral & Facial Surgery, we make the implant process precise, comfortable, and personalized—so you can feel confident every step of the way.

How Long Does Implant Placement Take?

The procedure to place a dental implant is typically quick and efficient. For one implant, surgery can take less than 30 minutes. For multiple implants, expect one to two hours, depending on your specific case. If you’re also having a tooth extracted, the implant can often be placed at the same appointment, saving you time and reducing the overall treatment timeline.

Personalized Treatment Planning

Every case begins with a consultation and digital imaging, including X-rays or 3D scans. Dr. Williams will develop a customized surgical plan based on your overall health, anatomy, and specific implant needs. In addition, our office will coordinate all aspects of surgical care with your restoring dentist to ensure a seamless treatment plan. A surgical guide may be created for surgery by Dr. Williams or your restoring dentist. This careful planning ensures ideal implant positioning and long-term success.

What Happens During the Procedure?

Pre-Surgical Comfort Measures: You may receive a short course of antibiotics. We also offer intravenous (IV) sedation for greater comfort, in addition to local anesthesia to numb the surgical site.
Surgical Placement: Once you are comfortable, Dr. Williams makes a small incision to access the jawbone. A space is created for the implant using specialized instruments, and a titanium implant post is gently inserted into the bone.
In some cases, the implant is left exposed through the gum, while in most cases, it is fully covered beneath the tissue to allow protected healing.

Healing After Dental Implant Surgery

Once the implant is placed, healing begins. This period allows the bone to fuse with the implant in a process called osseointegration, creating a solid foundation for your future tooth. Healing times vary based on the bone quality and quantity but typically range from three to six months.

The Next Step: Abutment Placement

After the implant has integrated with your bone:

A brief uncovering procedure may be performed to place a healing cap or abutment (support post).
This stage encourages proper gum contouring and provides access for your final crown.
The implant’s stability is tested to ensure it is ready for the final impressions taken by your restoring dentist.

In some cases, impressions for your restoration may be taken at the time of surgery if conditions are ideal.

When Can Dental Implants Be Placed?

Implants can be placed in different timelines based on your clinical condition:

Immediate Placement: If there’s no infection or bone loss, an implant can often be placed at the same time as tooth extraction.
Delayed Placement: If infection or bone quality is a concern, the implant is placed a few months after extraction to allow healing.
Delayed with Bone Grafting: If the tooth has been missing for a long time, the jawbone may have shrunk. In these cases, a bone graft may be needed to rebuild the site before implant placement.

How Many Implants Do You Need?

Single Tooth: One implant typically supports one missing tooth.
Multiple Teeth: Two implants can support a bridge to replace three adjacent teeth.
Back Teeth: Molars have multiple roots, so they may require larger or wider implants to properly restore chewing function.

A Clear Path to Your New Smile

Dental implants are a proven, long-term solution. Whether you’re replacing a single tooth or planning a full-arch restoration, Dr. Williams and the team at Carolina Oral & Facial Surgery provide expert care, advanced technology, and personalized attention to ensure your implant journey is smooth and successful.

A Conservative and Life-Changing Solution

Tooth loss impacts more than just your appearance—it can affect your ability to chew, speak, and smile comfortably. Even a well-made denture can shift during speech or meals, leading to embarrassment or discomfort. Unlike bridges, which require grinding down adjacent teeth, dental implants are the most conservative solution. They preserve healthy tooth structure and bone, offering a secure, functional, and beautiful alternative to traditional methods.

Since the first modern dental implant was placed in 1965, the technique has advanced into the most effective and natural tooth replacement option available today. Dental implants closely mimic the function and appearance of natural teeth, allowing patients to speak, eat, and smile with renewed confidence. Unlike other options, implants also help preserve jawbone structure and facial aesthetics, contributing to long-term oral health. When placed by a skilled, board certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon in collaboration with a restorative dentist, implants can deliver results that are not only functional and beautiful—but built to last a lifetime.