Losing a tooth—whether it was due to an old injury, tricky decay, or just the passage of time—can genuinely impact your confidence, your diet, and how you feel about yourself.
But there’s great news: Dental implants offer a permanent, natural-looking solution that can truly transform your oral health and your quality of life.
At WDF Dental here in Raleigh, we see patients every day who want to smile, eat, and speak with confidence again. Dental implants are often the gold-standard treatment that makes that possible.
This guide will walk you through everything, from what an implant is and how the process works to the incredible long-term benefits and what it costs. We use advanced technology and years of restorative experience to ensure you feel supported through every step.
Think of a dental implant as the closest thing to getting your natural tooth root back. It’s a permanent replacement designed to provide structure and stability.
Every complete implant consists of three parts working together:
The Implant Post: A small, biocompatible screw (usually titanium) that is placed directly into your jawbone. This acts as the new tooth root.
The Abutment: The connector piece that sits on top of the implant post.
The Crown: The custom-designed "tooth" (made from porcelain or zirconia) that is secured to the abutment, perfectly matching your surrounding teeth.
For a deeper overview, visit WDF Dental’s main implant page: Dental Implants.
Implants are the preferred choice among dentists because they closely mimic the real thing—in look, feel, and function.
This is the most crucial benefit! When a tooth is lost, the jawbone beneath it starts to shrink. By replacing the root, the implant stimulates the jaw, actively stopping and preventing bone deterioration. Learn more about bone loss here: Tooth and Bone Loss From Gum Disease.
Implants are non-removable and feel completely stable, allowing you to:
Enjoy all your favorite foods comfortably.
Bite with natural strength.
Speak clearly without worrying about slippage.
Smile without hesitation.
Unlike bridges or traditional dentures that often need replacement every 5–10 years, dental implants, with proper care, can last 25 years or even a lifetime, making them a wise long-term investment.
Implants stand on their own. Bridges require anchoring to and altering the adjacent healthy teeth, but implants leave your neighboring teeth completely untouched.
Our modern crowns are custom-crafted with incredible precision, blending seamlessly with your natural smile. See how natural implants appear here: Dental Implants Look and Feel Like Natural Teeth.
We personalize every implant recommendation based on your specific needs:
Single-Tooth Implants: The perfect solution for one missing tooth.
Multiple-Tooth Implants: Used to support an implant-supported bridge when several teeth are missing in a row.
Full-Mouth or All-on-4 Implants: An advanced option for patients missing most or all of their teeth, using strategically placed implants to anchor a complete, fixed arch of teeth. See our guide on full-mouth solutions: Full-Mouth Dental Implants Cost.
Dental implants are a successful option for the vast majority of healthy adults. You’re likely a good candidate if you:
Have missing teeth.
Have healthy gums.
Have sufficient jawbone density (or are willing to get a graft).
Are in good overall health.
Want a permanent, long-term solution.
Patients with conditions like diabetes or gum disease can still qualify! Learn more about candidacy here: Can You Get Dental Implants If You Have Gum Disease?.
The implant process is completed in several thoughtful stages designed to ensure long-term success.
Initial Planning: We start with a consultation, using digital X-rays and 3D scans to precisely map out the best location for your implant.
Tooth Removal (If needed): If the damaged tooth is still present, we handle the extraction gently. Learn what to expect: Tooth Extraction Pain: What to Expect.
Bone Grafting (If needed): If your jawbone requires strengthening, we perform a graft to create a solid foundation for the implant.
Implant Placement: The post is carefully placed into the jawbone using local anesthesia or sedation for maximum comfort. Curious about sedation? Read: 5 Benefits of Sedation Dentistry for Anxious Patients.
Healing (Osseointegration): This key phase takes 3–6 months as the bone naturally fuses to the titanium post, creating incredible strength and stability.
Crown Placement: Once healed, we attach the abutment and then secure your beautiful, custom-designed crown, completing your new, permanent tooth!
For a step-by-step review: Dental Implant Procedure Steps.
The total cost of dental implants varies based on your needs (single tooth vs. full arch, whether grafting is required, etc.). We strive for transparent pricing and consider implants an investment in your health and confidence, given their long lifespan.
Single-Tooth Implant: Typically includes the implant, abutment, and crown.
Multiple Implants/Bridges
Full-Mouth Implants
Learn more about pricing: How Much Do Dental Implants Cost? and Dental Implants Cost and What to Expect.
We offer flexible Payment Options to ensure this life-changing treatment is accessible.
Your implant success relies on consistent, simple care—just like your natural teeth!
Daily Care Includes:
Brushing twice per day.
Flossing with implant-safe floss.
Attending routine checkups.
Explore proper aftercare: Aftercare for Your Dental Implants.
We combine advanced Digital Dentistry and AI Planning with a truly patient-first approach. We're here to guide you comfortably through every stage of this transformative process.
Meet our experts: Our Dentists and Our Team. See what our patients say: Patient Reviews.
Ready to Rebuild Your Smile?
If you're ready to explore how dental implants can change your life, we invite you to schedule a consultation with our Raleigh team.