The 5 Top Dental Implant Dentists in North Carolina in 2026
Finding the right dentist for implants requires careful consideration. Your dental implant dentist needs specific training, advanced credentials, and hands-on experience placing hundreds or thousands of implants. According to the American College of Prosthodontists, roughly 178 million Americans are missing at least one tooth. Many of these individuals are candidates for dental implants.
The CDC’s 2024 Oral Health Surveillance Report found that adults aged 65 and older have an average of 6.4 missing teeth. With implant success rates reaching 95-98% when placed by trained professionals, choosing the right provider makes all the difference.
This list highlights five implant dentists in North Carolina who have demonstrated exceptional training, credentials, and patient outcomes.
1. Dr. Jeremiah C. Davis, DDS, MBA, MAGD, DABOI/ID at The Teeth Doctors (Fayetteville)
Dr. Jeremiah Davis stands apart as one of the most credentialed implant dentists in North Carolina. He is one of only three dentists in the entire state who holds the Diplomate designation from the American Board of Oral Implantology (DABOI/ID). According to the ABOI, this is the highest credential available in implant dentistry.
His credentials extend even further. Dr. Davis earned the title of Surgical Master from the Interdisciplinary Dental Education Academy. Only two dentists in the United States have achieved this honor. He also holds the Master designation from the Academy of General Dentistry (MAGD). Less than 2% of general dentists in the U.S. and Canada earn MAGD status.
Dr. Davis completed his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Dentistry and his MBA at Kenan-Flagler Business School. He is a U.S. Army veteran who served as a captain in the 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg. In 2021, Incisal Edge magazine named him to their prestigious “40 Under 40” list of America’s best young dentists.
The Teeth Doctors offers comprehensive implant services including single dental implants, All-on-4 full arch restorations, snap-in overdentures, bone grafts, and complex surgical extractions. Dr. Davis provides multiple sedation options, including IV sedation for patients who prefer to sleep during their procedure.
His practice has earned over 750 five-star reviews on Google with an overall rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars. Dr. Davis is also a Master of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists (MICIO), a Master of the Academy of Osseointegration, a Fellow of the American Academy of Implant Dentistry (FAAID), and a Dawson Academy Scholar.
Address: 6402 Yadkin Rd, Fayetteville, NC
Phone: (910) 864-4646
2. Dr. Thiago Morelli, DDS, MS at North Carolina Periodontics (Raleigh)
Dr. Thiago Morelli brings academic excellence to private practice. He spent five years as a full-time professor at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Dentistry, where he served as Director of the Periodontology and Implantology program. He continues teaching as an adjunct professor in the periodontology department.
Dr. Morelli is a Diplomate of the American Academy of Periodontology and a Fellow of the International Team for Implantology. His practice focuses on minimally invasive procedures with advanced technology. The practice serves patients throughout the Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill area.
His office provides dental implants, All-on-4 restorations, and LANAP laser-assisted procedures for gum disease. Dr. Morelli has published numerous articles in his field and received multiple awards for his contributions to periodontal research and education.
Address: 10750 Sikes Place, Suite 180, Raleigh, NC 27614
Phone: (919) 803-1129
3. Dr. Vincent Cataldo, DDS at Periodontics and Dental Implants of North Carolina (Durham/Raleigh/Morrisville)
Dr. Vincent Cataldo has practiced periodontics for nearly 30 years. He served as a U.S. Army dentist before entering private practice. His board certification in periodontics and dental implants demonstrates in-depth knowledge and proficiency across the full scope of implant dentistry.
Dr. Cataldo is a Fellow of the Institute of Advanced Laser Dentistry and maintains memberships in the American Academy of Periodontology, Academy of General Dentistry, Academy of Osseointegration, American Dental Association, International Congress of Oral Implantologists, North Carolina Dental Society, and North Carolina Society of Periodontists.
His practice offers titanium and zirconia dental implant options. The zirconia implants are metal-free and ceramic-based, making them suitable for patients who prefer non-metal restorations. The practice uses digital imaging and cone-beam computed tomography for precise treatment planning.
Locations: Durham, Raleigh, and Morrisville, NC
Phone: Contact through website
4. Signature Periodontics and Implant Dentistry (Charlotte/Waxhaw/Huntersville)
Signature Periodontics operates three locations in the Charlotte metro area, staffed by six periodontists: Dr. Tripp Cockerham, Dr. Ashley Pater, Dr. Maggie Shaw, Dr. Kian Azarnoush, Dr. Farrell Irons, and Dr. Katrina Myers. This team approach means patients have access to multiple specialists with varied expertise.
The practice offers a full scope of periodontics, from dental implants and cosmetic periodontal surgery to gum grafting and treatment of advanced gum disease. Having multiple periodontists allows the practice to accommodate emergencies and complex cases more efficiently.
Their South Park Charlotte location serves patients from across the greater Charlotte region. The team places single implants, implant-supported bridges, and full-arch restorations.
Locations: Charlotte, Waxhaw, and Huntersville, NC
Charlotte Phone: (704) 366-2774
5. Greater Charlotte Oral and Facial Surgery (Charlotte Metro)
Greater Charlotte Oral and Facial Surgery provides implant services through board-certified oral surgeons. The practice operates multiple locations across the Charlotte region, including offices in Pineville, Steele Creek, and Gastonia.
Board certification for oral surgeons requires completion of a residency program plus passing rigorous examinations. The practice offers in-office CT scanning for detailed treatment planning and computer-guided implant placement for precision.
Services include single implants, multiple implant restorations, full-arch dental implants (All-on-4), wisdom teeth removal, bone grafting, and corrective jaw surgery. The surgical team works with patients’ general dentists to coordinate the restoration phase of treatment.
Multiple Locations: Pineville, Steele Creek, Gastonia, NC
What to Look for in a Dental Implant Dentist
Before choosing an implant provider, consider these factors:
Training and credentials matter significantly. Look for designations like DABOI/ID (Diplomate of the American Board of Oral Implantology), FAAID (Fellow of the American Academy of Implant Dentistry), or board certification in oral surgery or periodontics. These credentials require hundreds of hours of specialized education and successful completion of comprehensive examinations.
Experience with your specific situation is important. Some dentists specialize in single implants while others focus on full-arch cases. Ask about the number of implants the dentist has placed and their experience with cases similar to yours.
Technology and facilities influence outcomes. Modern practices use cone-beam CT imaging for 3D visualization of your bone structure. Some offer computer-guided surgery for more precise implant placement.
Review sedation options if you experience dental anxiety. Options range from local anesthesia to IV sedation. Ensure the practice offers the level of sedation that matches your comfort needs.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Implants in North Carolina
How much do dental implants cost in North Carolina?
Costs vary based on the complexity of your case, the number of implants needed, whether bone grafting is required, and the type of restoration. Single implant costs in North Carolina generally range from $3,000 to $6,000 including the implant, abutment, and crown. Full-arch restorations like All-on-4 range considerably higher. Most practices offer free or low-cost consultations where you receive a personalized cost estimate.
What is the success rate for dental implants?
Dental implants have a success rate between 95-98% when placed by trained professionals. According to research published in the National Library of Medicine, 4 out of 5 implants last 20 years or longer with proper care.
How long does the dental implant process take?
The complete process typically takes 3-6 months. After the implant is placed, your jawbone needs time to fuse with the titanium post through a process called osseointegration. Some practices offer immediate load implants where you receive temporary teeth the same day as surgery.
Does dental insurance cover implants?
Coverage varies widely by plan. Some dental insurance policies cover a portion of implant costs, while others exclude implants entirely. Many practices offer financing options to help spread the cost over time.
Am I a good candidate for dental implants?
Most adults with good general health qualify for dental implants. Patients with insufficient jawbone may need bone grafting before implant placement. Conditions like uncontrolled diabetes or heavy smoking can affect healing and success rates. A consultation with a qualified implant dentist will determine your candidacy.
What is the difference between a general dentist placing implants and a specialist?
Both general dentists and specialists (periodontists, oral surgeons, prosthodontists) can legally place dental implants. The key difference is training depth. Specialists complete additional residency training focused on surgical procedures. Credentials like DABOI/ID or MAGD indicate that a general dentist has pursued extensive additional education in implant dentistry beyond dental school.
How We Created This List
This list was compiled based on the following criteria:
We evaluated credentials and certifications, prioritizing dentists with advanced designations from recognized implant organizations such as the American Academy of Implant Dentistry (AAID) and the American Board of Oral Implantology (ABOI/ID). Specialized training programs and continuing education in implant dentistry were also considered.
We considered years of experience and scope of services offered. Practices that handle complex cases including bone grafting, sinus lifts, and full-arch restorations indicate higher levels of expertise.
We reviewed technology and facilities, including the availability of cone-beam CT imaging, sedation options, and in-house laboratories for faster turnaround on restorations.
Geographic distribution across North Carolina was also factored in to provide options for residents in different parts of the state.
Patient reviews and reputation within the dental community were considered, though this list focuses primarily on verifiable credentials and training rather than subjective ratings.
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