Dental implants are the closest thing modern dentistry has to a natural tooth. Each implant consists of a small titanium post placed into the jawbone by a trusted oral surgeon or periodontist, which then fuses with the surrounding bone through a process called osseointegration. Once that integration is complete, a custom-crafted crown, bridge, or implant-supported denture is attached on top — creating a restoration that looks, feels, and functions like the real thing.

Unlike removable partial dentures, implants stay securely in place around the clock. Unlike traditional bridges, they don’t require reshaping the healthy teeth on either side of the gap. The titanium post also stimulates the jawbone, helping to prevent the bone loss that typically follows tooth extraction and can alter the shape of your face over time.

Most adults in good general health who have experienced tooth loss are candidates for dental implants, though a few factors affect eligibility. Adequate bone density in the jaw is essential to support the implant post. Patients who have experienced bone loss after an extraction may need a bone grafting procedure to rebuild the foundation before implant placement can occur. Active gum disease must also be addressed beforehand.

During your consultation at Imagine Dentistry, Dr. Coambs performs a thorough clinical evaluation using digital imaging and your full health history to determine whether implants are the right fit. If they are, she’ll coordinate your care with a trusted surgical partner in the Charlotte area and outline each step of the process so you know exactly what to expect.

At Imagine Dentistry, our role focuses on the restoration phase — the visible portion of your implant that you’ll actually see and use every day. Once your implant has been placed and has fully integrated with the jawbone, we take over with the precision work of designing and attaching your custom restoration.

Here’s what that process typically looks like:

• Consultation and planning: Dr. Coambs reviews your imaging, evaluates the implant site, and maps out the restoration that best fits your bite and smile goals
• Digital impressions: We use our iTero Lumina scanner to capture a detailed 3D model of the implant site and surrounding teeth — no uncomfortable traditional molds required
• Custom fabrication: Your crown, bridge, or implant-supported denture is crafted to match the color, shape, and translucency of your natural teeth
• Attachment and adjustment: At your final appointment, your restoration is placed and fine-tuned for comfort and a secure fit

For patients facing more complex cases involving multiple missing teeth, we also offer full-mouth restorations that may incorporate implant-supported prosthetics as part of a broader treatment plan.

Whether your implant is restoring a single tooth or anchoring a larger prosthetic, we build each restoration to our own exacting standards — both functional and esthetic.

Choosing where to complete your implant restoration is a decision that directly affects how your smile looks and how it performs for years to come. Dr. Coambs has received a Charlotte Magazine Top Dentists Award every year since 2016, a recognition based on peer nominations that reflects consistent clinical excellence. Her Dawson Academy training means she approaches every implant case with a full understanding of how occlusion, jaw function, and esthetics work together — not just the isolated tooth being replaced.

Our team also invests in technology that makes the restoration process more comfortable and precise. The iTero Lumina scanner creates detailed digital impressions that feed directly into the design of your restoration, reducing guesswork and improving fit. The result is a tooth replacement that integrates seamlessly into your existing smile rather than standing apart from it.

Dental implants have the potential to be one of the most meaningful investments you make in your health and confidence, and the quality of the restoration is what makes that investment pay off. At Imagine Dentistry, Dr. Coambs combines decades of clinical experience, advanced training, and a genuine commitment to individualized care to deliver results that hold up beautifully over time. We accept most PPO dental insurance plans and offer flexible financing options through CareCredit, Cherry, and our in-house Membership Plan.

If you’re missing one tooth or several, we’d love to help you understand what’s possible. Request an appointment with our team today and take the first step toward a complete, confident smile.