Guided Implant Surgery
Implants
provided by Dr. Marashi and Dr. Coviak
in Charlotte, NC at Greater Charlotte Oral and Facial Surgery
 Dental implants
are a permanent solution for missing teeth. At our Charlotte oral surgery practice, we use advanced 3D-guided techniques to place each implant precisely, giving you a new tooth that looks, feels and functions like your own. The titanium implant acts like an artificial tooth root, stimulating and preserving the jawbone just as a natural root would. Once fully integrated, the only thing you see is a natural-looking crown that blends seamlessly with your smile. Guided surgery makes the process smoother and safer, so you can regain your smile with confidence.
Many Charlotte patients enjoy almost-natural function after implant treatment. Because the implant and crown mimic a natural tooth so closely, eating and talking often feel completely natural again, and the restored tooth supports your facial structure. With guided surgery, we place implants in the ideal position every time. The result is a comfortable, long-lasting tooth replacement that fits your smile and preserves your bone.
What Are Dental Implants?
A natural tooth has two main parts: the root (below the gum) and the crown (visible tooth). A dental implant replaces the root with a small, medical-grade titanium post surgically placed into the jawbone. An abutment (connector) is attached on top of the implant, and a custom crown (artificial tooth) is cemented or screwed to the abutment. After placement, you won’t see any metal – only the lifelike crown sits above the gum line. Over time, the bone grows around the implant in a process called osseointegration, locking it firmly in place. This stable foundation means the new tooth can handle biting and chewing just like a natural tooth.
Benefits of Guided Implant Surgery
Guided surgery offers several advantages for patients:
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Precision & Predictability - Using 3D CT scans and CAD/CAM planning, we create a custom surgical guide for your mouth. This lets us place implants with unmatched accuracy, exactly where they belong. Every angle and depth is predetermined, making the surgery very predictable and precise.
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Stability & Bone Health - The titanium implant post becomes part of your jaw. The living bone grows tightly around it (osseointegration), preserving bone volume and facial structure. This secure anchoring provides stable support for your crown, just like a natural tooth root.
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Natural Function & Look - The final implant-supported tooth looks and feels like your own tooth. You’ll chew and speak comfortably without slippage, and no one can tell it’s an implant. The crown is color-matched and shaped to blend in with your teeth, so your smile looks natural.
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Faster Recovery & Lower Risk - Guided placement often makes the surgery faster and less invasive. Because we’ve pre-planned every detail, there are fewer surprises during surgery, which greatly reduces complications. Patients typically heal more quickly and comfortably thanks to the accuracy of the guided approach. |
The Implant Placement Process
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Initial Consultation & 3D Planning - Your oral surgeon will first evaluate your mouth and jaw with a thorough exam. We take a 3D CT scan of your jaw, giving a detailed map of bone, nerves and sinus cavities. Using specialized software, we plan the exact positions, angles and depths of each implant. A custom surgical guide is then fabricated to match your anatomy. This careful planning ensures the implants are placed safely and optimally.
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Guided Implant Placement - On surgery day, we keep you comfortable with IV sedation and local anesthesia. Using the 3D-printed guide, the surgeon makes a tiny incision and drills a small channel at each implant site. The titanium implant post is then inserted through the guide into the bone with great precision. If needed, minor bone grafting can be done at the same time to strengthen the site. Because the guide controls every step, the placement is very fast and accurate.
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Healing (Osseointegration) - After placement, the implant needs time to fuse with your jawbone. Over the next 3–6 months, bone cells grow around and bond to the implant, locking it in place. This process (osseointegration) not only secures the implant, it also keeps the bone healthy. During healing, we often attach a temporary crown or bridge so you can eat and smile normally while waiting for the final restoration.
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Final Restoration - Once fully healed, we uncover the implant and attach a small connector called an abutment. A custom-made crown is then fitted onto the abutment. The new tooth is polished and adjusted so that it looks and feels like your natural teeth. When finished, only the ceramic crown is visible above the gum – no metal is seen. You leave with a fully functional, attractive tooth that lets you eat, speak and smile confidently. |
Guided Dental Implant Surgery in Charlotte
For more information on guided surgery, call Greater Charlotte Oral and Facial Surgery at (980) 332-7990 today, or contact us at one of our locations!
FAQs
What makes guided implant surgery different from traditional implants?
Guided implant surgery uses 3D imaging and custom-made surgical guides to plan and place implants with pinpoint accuracy. This approach increases precision, minimizes surgical risks, and typically results in a smoother, faster recovery compared to traditional freehand techniques.
Is guided dental implant surgery safe?
Yes, guided dental implant surgery is very safe. The use of digital planning and surgical guides reduces the risk of complications by ensuring the implant is placed exactly where it should be, avoiding nerves and sinuses and improving overall outcomes.
How long does it take to heal after dental implant surgery?
Healing typically takes between 3 to 6 months. During this time, the implant integrates with the bone through a process called osseointegration. A temporary restoration may be placed while healing completes, and the final crown is placed once integration is confirmed. |
