Single & Multiple Dental Implants in Durham, NC

A dental implant is a small titanium post that acts as an anchor for your replacement tooth. The post is inserted into the jawbone to replace the roots of your missing tooth; the surrounding bone can then fuse with the implant as it would your natural tooth’s roots. Once the implant is in place, our dentist can attach a dental restoration to the top. Most restorations are a crown or bridge. The finalized implant is designed to look, function, and feel just like your natural teeth.

Dental implants can be used to replace a single tooth, several teeth, or an entire dental arch. Because the implant acts as an anchor, your crown, bridge, or partial denture can remain securely in place.

At our Durham, NC office Dr. Erfan Imeni places both single and multiple dental implants in Durham, NC. Where an entire arch is missing, full-mouth treatment with All-on-4 implants is usually the better option.

See our full range of dental implants in Durham, NC to compare every tooth-replacement option.

The Dental Implant Process, Step by Step

Replacing a tooth with an implant is a sequence rather than a single appointment. Whether you need a single tooth implant or several placed at once, the stages are the same — what changes is how many sites are treated in a visit. Knowing the stages in advance makes the timeline much easier to plan around.

1. Consultation, 3D Scan and Planning

The first visit establishes whether an implant is the right answer at all. Dr. Imeni examines the site and the neighbouring teeth, and a CBCT 3D X-ray shows the bone in three dimensions — its height, its width, and where the nerve and sinus sit. That scan is what turns placement from an estimate into a plan: the implant position is decided digitally beforehand, and a 3D-printed surgical guide is produced so the implant goes exactly where it was planned.

2. Placing the Implant

The implant is placed under anesthetic, with anesthesia and sedation available if you would rather be more relaxed. If the failing tooth is still in place, it can often be removed at the same appointment. Guided placement is generally quicker and less invasive than working freehand.

3. Healing and Osseointegration

The jawbone then grows onto the surface of the titanium post and locks it in place. That process is called osseointegration, and it is the reason an implant behaves like a tooth root rather than a peg pushed into the jaw. This is the stage that takes time rather than effort, it commonly runs over several months, and it varies from patient to patient. Some cases allow the implant to be placed and the restoration completed immediately — Dr. Imeni will tell you at the planning stage which applies to you. A temporary tooth can usually be worn in the meantime so you are not left with a visible gap.

4. Abutment and Final Crown

Once the implant is stable, a small connector called an abutment is fitted and an impression or digital scan is taken for the final restoration. The crown is matched to the shade and shape of the teeth beside it. Where several teeth in a row are missing, two implants can carry a bridge rather than placing one implant per tooth.

Single Tooth Implant or Multiple Tooth Implants?

A single tooth implant replaces one missing tooth with one post and one crown, and it is the most straightforward version of the treatment. Where two or more teeth are missing, the answer is not automatically one implant per gap: two implants can carry a bridge across three or four teeth, which is often both stronger and less expensive than placing a separate tooth implant for every space. Dr. Imeni works the number of posts out at the planning stage from the CBCT scan, so you know the count before treatment starts rather than partway through it.

Dental Implant Cost in Durham, NC

Our single implant is $3,495, and that figure covers the implant itself, the abutment that connects it, and the crown on top. It does not include an extraction if the tooth is still in place, or a bone graft if the site needs building up first — those are quoted separately once the CBCT scan shows what is actually needed, so the number you are given reflects your case rather than an average.

What moves the total is the number of implants, whether grafting is required, and the type of restoration placed on top. Because replacing a missing tooth is restorative rather than cosmetic, dental insurance commonly covers a share of the treatment, and HSA or FSA funds can usually be applied. Pricing also varies for in-network insurance patients based on in-network contracted fees and coverage. Our guide to dental implant cost in Durham, NC breaks the figures down in full.

There are many benefits to dental implants, but some of the most significant benefits include:

• A healthier, more beautiful smile. When you lose a tooth, the supporting bone begins to deteriorate and shrink. This can not only affect the stability and function of your jaw but also cause your face shape to change. Because dental implants are inserted into the bone, they prevent bone loss and help your face maintain its natural shape. Dental implants also only affect the area of the missing tooth. There is no need to grind down neighboring teeth to accommodate a restoration.
• More comfortable restorations. Dental implants are securely inserted into the bone, which means they do not become loose or slip out of place as dentures do. In addition, because the restorations are attached to the implant and do not lie directly on the gum tissue, you can avoid common denture issues, such as gum irritation, exposed nerves, or ill-fitted restorations.
• A more confident you. When you replace your missing teeth with dental implants, you no longer have to be embarrassed about showing off your smile. Because dental implants do not move around like dentures, you can also speak and eat with confidence and without discomfort. Your smile will look and feel better, and when your smile feels great, you feel great!

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If your oral health is good enough to handle a tooth extraction, you are most likely a good candidate for a dental implant. Dental implants are great for patients who are missing teeth as a result of injury, decay, disease, or other reasons. Generally, patients need to have good oral health and sufficient bone density to receive an implant. When you visit with Dr. Erfan Imeni, he can help you know if a dental implant is right for you.

Bone Density and Bone Grafting

An implant needs enough bone to hold it. Bone begins to shrink as soon as a tooth is lost, so the longer a gap has been there, the more likely it is that the site needs building up first. A bone graft adds material to the area and is left to mature before the implant goes in — it lengthens the timeline rather than changing the outcome. The CBCT scan taken at your consultation is what answers this question; it cannot be judged by looking. Grafting is quoted separately and is not included in the single-implant price shown above.

Health Conditions That Affect Implant Success

Gum disease is the most common reason an implant is delayed. Active infection has to be brought under control first, because the bacteria that loosen natural teeth will attack the bone around an implant in the same way — periodontal treatment comes before implant surgery, not after it. Smoking slows healing and lowers implant success rates. Uncontrolled diabetes has a similar effect. None of these rule an implant out on their own; they change the sequence and the odds, and you are told plainly where you stand before anything is booked.

When Another Option Suits You Better

An implant is not automatically the right answer. Where several teeth in a row are missing, a dental bridge can be the simpler solution. Where an entire arch is gone, All-on-4 implant-retained dentures replace a full arch on four implants rather than one per tooth, and conventional dentures remain a valid choice. Our guide on choosing between a dental implant and a bridge sets the two side by side.

What is a dental implant made of?

A dental implant is a small titanium screw that acts as an anchor to a dental restoration. The implant is inserted into your jawbone to replace the roots of your missing teeth, and your restoration is attached to the top of the implant.

Will my restoration look natural?

Absolutely! Dental implants are designed to feel, look, and function like your natural teeth.

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Am I a good candidate for a dental implant?

You may be a good candidate for dental implants if you have good oral health and sufficient bone density. Anyone who is missing a tooth, whether from decay, injury, or other factors, may be a good candidate.

How successful are dental implants?

Dental implants have carried a high success rate for more than three decades. While our dentist can successfully insert your implant, maintaining good oral hygiene is essential for your implant to last.

Are dental implants painful?

All dental implant procedures are performed under anesthesia to help minimize any discomfort. After surgery, Dr. Erfan Imeni may prescribe pain medication; however, most patient experience minimal discomfort during their recovery at home. Generally, patients feel great the following day and can return to work and other daily activities.

How much does the treatment cost?

Treatment cost varies, depending on how many implants you have placed. Cost is also affected by the type of restoration you receive, and other factors that your personal case may involve. After a thorough examination from our dentist, we can provide an estimate of your treatment cost.

For a complete local breakdown — including typical Durham price ranges, what affects the total, and how insurance and HSA/FSA funds can help — read our guide to dental implant costs in Durham, NC.

Does insurance cover dental implant procedures?

Your insurance may cover your implant procedure, depending on your specific insurance plan. If your insurance plan does not currently cover implants, it may be possible to receive additional coverage. We encourage you to talk with your insurance provider to discuss your coverage options.

Can I replace several missing teeth with multiple dental implants in Durham, NC?

Yes. Multiple dental implants can support an implant bridge that replaces several teeth in a row without placing one implant per tooth, and separate single implants can restore gaps in different parts of the mouth. If every tooth in an arch is missing, full-mouth All-on-4 treatment is usually the better option.

How do I choose a dental implant dentist in Durham, NC?

Look for a Durham dentist who takes a CBCT 3D scan before planning your implant rather than a flat X-ray, uses a surgical guide to place it, explains why a particular restoration was chosen for your case, and gives you a written estimate before you commit. Dr. Erfan Imeni plans implant cases at our Durham, NC office from a CBCT scan and a printed surgical guide.

How long does the procedure take?

Completing a dental implant procedure involves several steps, including a healing period, which varies by patient. Generally, treatment can last several months; however, there are some options where implants can be placed and restorations completed immediately.

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To learn more about dental implants, and to schedule your appointment with our caring dentist, Dr. Erfan Imeni, we invite you to contact our office today! We look forward to caring for your smile!

How long do dental implants last?

The titanium post is designed to be permanent, and implants placed decades ago are still in service. The crown on top is the part that wears; it is a restoration like any other and may need replacing after a number of years. What really decides the lifespan is the health of the gum and bone around the implant, which is why cleaning around it and keeping regular check-ups matters more than anything else you can do.

What is recovery like after implant surgery?

Most patients find it easier than expected. Some swelling and tenderness for a few days is normal, and Dr. Imeni goes through pain relief with you. Keep to softer foods while the site settles and keep the area clean. Call the office if swelling increases after the third day rather than easing, or if pain worsens instead of improving.

Should I choose a dental implant or a dental bridge?

A bridge is quicker and involves no surgery, but it relies on the teeth either side, which have to be reshaped to carry it. An implant stands on its own, leaves the neighbouring teeth untouched, and preserves the bone in the gap — which a bridge does not. A bridge is often the better answer when the adjacent teeth already need crowns anyway. Both are compared in detail in our guide on whether an implant or a bridge is better.

Can I have a dental implant if I smoke?

Yes, but it is worth knowing that smoking lowers the success rate. It restricts blood flow to the gum and bone, which is precisely what has to heal around the implant. Stopping — even just for the weeks around surgery and healing — measurably improves the odds. Smoking will not stop us treating you; we will tell you honestly what it does to the result.