English 
Spanish 
When something truly matters, we don’t leave it to chance. Think about it—when your car needs repairs, you don’t just hand the keys to a random stranger; you take it to a trusted mechanic who knows every bolt and wire like the back of their hand. When you want a meal that’s more than just food, you seek a chef who can turn simple ingredients into something unforgettable. So why should your smile be any different? An implant dentist can do more than replace missing teeth—they can restore confidence and comfort. At Carolina Dental Arts, we believe that every patient deserves the care of professionals who not only meet expectations but exceed them. This isn’t just a job for us—it’s a responsibility we take to heart because we know that the quality of our work directly impacts your quality of life.
When it comes to your smile, experience matters. Trust matters. And at Carolina Dental Arts, you can feel confident knowing you’re in good hands.
What Is an Implant Dentist?
Dentistry is a broad field, with specialists dedicated to different aspects of oral health. A cosmetic dentist focuses on enhancing the appearance of your smile with treatments like veneers and whitening. A pediatric dentist specializes in children’s dental care, ensuring young patients develop healthy habits early. An endodontist treats issues within the tooth, performing procedures like root canals to address deep infections. Each of these specialists plays a vital role. An implant dentist is uniquely qualified to restore missing teeth at the foundational level.
Unlike traditional tooth replacement options that only restore the visible part of the tooth, dental implants address the problem at its source—the missing root. We place a small titanium post into the jawbone, integrating with the bone over time. This post acts as a replacement root, providing a stable foundation for a crown, bridge, or denture. But why does that matter?
When a tooth is lost, the surrounding jawbone begins to deteriorate in a process known as bone resorption. These changes occur because tooth roots naturally stimulate the bone, keeping it strong and healthy. Without this stimulation, the bone weakens, neighboring teeth can shift, and your facial structure may change over time—sometimes leading to a sunken appearance. Dental implants preserve the jawbone, maintaining both function and facial structure.
What To Expect From Your Time With an Implant Dentist
Your journey to a restored smile begins with a comprehensive consultation. At this first appointment, we take the time to understand your dental health, discuss your goals, and determine the best course of action for your treatment. Whether you’re missing a single tooth or considering full-mouth restoration, we carefully evaluate your needs to ensure the best possible outcome.
A key part of this process is advanced imaging using Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT). Unlike traditional X-rays, CBCT creates a detailed, three-dimensional view of your teeth, jawbone, nerves, and surrounding tissues. The scanner rotates around your head, capturing multiple images reconstructed into a full 3D model. This technology allows us to assess bone density, identify potential complications, and determine the exact placement of your implant. Using CBCT, we can ensure a precise, customized treatment plan that minimizes risks and maximizes long-term success.
Once we have a clear picture of your oral health, we determine which dental implant option is right for you. Several factors influence this decision, including your current health and the strength of your jawbone. From there, we will outline a treatment plan tailored to your unique situation, ensuring that your implant provides a strong, lasting foundation for your new smile.
When it comes to implant placement, the process will depend on your specific needs. Some treatments may be completed more quickly, while others require additional steps to ensure the best long-term results. Regardless of the approach, our team prioritizes precision, expertise, and patient comfort every step of the way.
Mini Dental Implants vs. Traditional Implants: How Are They Different?
At Carolina Dental Arts, we offer traditional dental implants and mini dental implants to restore missing teeth with strength and stability. Both options provide lasting solutions but differ in design, placement, and the requirements for a successful outcome.
Traditional dental implants are larger in diameter, measuring about 5 millimeters. Because of their size, they rely on a strong, healthy jawbone for support. However, in cases where a patient’s bone isn’t sufficient to hold a traditional implant, a bone grafting procedure may be necessary to rebuild the structure before placement. This step can provide an excellent long-term foundation. However, it does require additional healing time and may not be the best option for those with underlying health conditions that make more invasive procedures challenging.
Mini dental implants offer an excellent alternative for patients who may not be ideal candidates for traditional implants. These implants are less than 3 millimeters in diameter—nearly half the size of their traditional counterparts. Their smaller size provides two key advantages. First, we can place them using a minimally invasive technique. Traditional implants require incisions and a series of drills to create space in the bone. Still, mini implants need only a small pilot hole, allowing for a quicker, more comfortable procedure. Second, because they are narrower, mini implants can often be placed without bone grafting, even in areas with reduced bone density.
Let’s Restore Your Smile Together
At Carolina Dental Arts, we understand that choosing an implant dentist is a big decision. That’s why we’re here to guide you every step of the way, offering expert care, advanced technology, and a patient-centered approach designed to make your journey as smooth and comfortable as possible.
Schedule a free consultation today, and let’s find the best path forward—because you deserve a smile that lasts a lifetime.
Stay informed about the latest in dental implants! Follow us on Facebook and Instagram to learn how implants can restore your smile, confidence, and quality of life.
