Dental Implants
WHAT IS A SINGLE DENTAL IMPLANT PROCEDURE?
Huntersville (Charlotte Metro), NC
A clear walkthrough of what happens before, during, and after single-implant surgery
A clear walkthrough of what happens before, during, and after single-implant surgery
A single dental implant replaces one missing or failing tooth with an artificial root and crown that function like a natural tooth. At Lake Norman Oral & Facial Surgery, Dr. Raymond J. Haigney II performs single-implant placement as outpatient surgery, most often completed in a single appointment under local anesthesia. If your general dentist has identified you as a candidate, they will typically refer you to an oral surgeon like Dr. Haigney for evaluation and treatment, then coordinate with them on your final restoration.
Your implant consultation starts with a review of your current medications and medical history, since anesthesia will be used during treatment. IV sedation is available for patients who want it, in addition to standard local anesthesia. Dr. Haigney takes a 3D X-ray of the treatment site to evaluate bone density and confirm the implant will have a stable foundation. If bone volume is insufficient, a bone graft or sinus lift may be recommended first. When a graft is needed, it generally must heal for three to six months before implant placement, though in select cases the implant can be placed at the same time as the graft.
On surgery day, Dr. Haigney numbs the area with local anesthetic before making a small incision in the gum tissue. A precise, narrow channel is drilled into the jawbone, and the implant — typically a titanium post, though zirconia options exist — is placed into that channel. A healing cap is fitted over the implant to protect it, and the site is left to heal for up to three months.
During the healing period, a biological process called osseointegration occurs: bone cells grow directly onto the implant surface, fusing it to the jaw the same way a natural tooth root is anchored. This fusion is what gives an implant its long-term strength and stability, and it cannot be rushed — patients who push ahead before healing is complete risk implant failure. Most patients wear a temporary appliance with a lifelike tooth during this stage, so there is no visible gap in the smile while healing progresses.
Once the implant is fully integrated, restoration begins. Dr. Haigney or your restorative dentist removes the healing cap and attaches an abutment, which acts as the connector between the implant and the visible crown. The custom-made crown is then cemented or screwed onto the abutment, matched in shade, size, and shape to blend naturally with your surrounding teeth.
Unlike a bridge, a single implant does not require altering or crowning the adjacent healthy teeth. Unlike a removable partial, it does not rely on clasps or need to be taken out at night. Because the implant itself replaces the tooth root, it also helps prevent the localized bone loss that follows tooth loss — a benefit no other restoration option provides. To understand these advantages in more depth, see why a dental implant is often the recommended option for a single missing tooth.
Most patients return to normal activity within a day or two of implant placement, with mild swelling or soreness managed with over-the-counter medication. Soft foods are recommended for the first several days near the surgical site. The overall timeline, from initial placement to final crown, typically runs three to six months, most of which is quiet healing time rather than active treatment.
Patients weighing a single implant against a bridge or partial denture are really weighing a permanent solution against a temporary one. A bridge requires shaving down the two healthy teeth on either side to serve as anchors, and it typically needs replacement every seven to ten years. A removable partial avoids altering neighboring teeth but relies on clasps that can loosen and does not stop the bone loss that follows a missing tooth. A single implant is the only option that replaces the tooth root directly, which is why it is generally the option recommended for long-term oral health, even though it takes longer to complete than the alternatives.
Patients often ask whether the procedure will be painful. With local anesthesia and, when needed, IV sedation, most patients report the day of surgery is far more comfortable than they expected, with any real discomfort limited to the healing days that follow. Another common question is whether age is a barrier — it generally is not, as long as a patient has sufficient bone volume and reasonably good general health. Patients with diabetes, osteoporosis treatment history, or a smoking habit should discuss these factors directly with Dr. Haigney, since they can affect healing time and candidacy but rarely rule out treatment entirely.
If you are missing a tooth or know one needs to be extracted, a single dental implant is worth discussing with your dentist. Call Lake Norman Oral & Facial Surgery in Huntersville at (704) 987-3132 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Haigney and find out if you are a good candidate.
Related Article: Why a Dental Implant?
Dr. Haigney and his team provided exceptional care throughout my implant journey. From the initial consultation to the final restoration, every step was explained clearly and performed with precision. My new implants look and feel completely natural. I can't believe I waited so long to get this done!
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