Replacing lost teeth is important and can restore both your confidence in your appearance and your daily quality of life. At West Ashley Family Dentistry, Dr. James Dickert and Dr. Agatha Lynn provide comprehensive dental implant treatments for replacing missing teeth. We offer all types of dental implants in Charleston, SC. This sophisticated option will restore your smile as well as look and feel completely natural. Dental implants offer the most life-like tooth replacement especially when you compare them to traditional dentures and bridges. They also provide key benefits for your long-term dental health.
What Is A Dental Implant?
A dental implant consists of a tiny titanium post. An oral surgeon will insert it into the jaw bone during a surgical procedure. This post will replace the root of a tooth and support the dental prosthesis. It will stimulate healthy bone growth to reduce the risk of jaw shrinkage, a common side effect of long-term tooth loss. Dental implants offer patients many important benefits for overall and long term dental health:
- Improved bone and gum health (compared to alternative restorations)
- Avoids degradation of remaining healthy teeth (as in conventional bridgework)
- Improves the appearance of the smile and lower face
- Enjoy a healthy diet without restrictions
- No worry of slippage or dentures “falling out”
About the Procedure
Before beginning treatment, our dentists will need to make sure you qualify for dental implants. You must be free of any oral health issues such as gum disease. Some patients may need bone grafting to ensure there is enough bone to support the implants. Dr. Dickert or Dr. Lynn will coordinate the surgical phase of your implant procedure with a local oral and maxillofacial surgeon who will perform the implantation of the post.
Generally, a period of 3-6 months of recovery is necessary for all soft tissues to heal and the post to integrate into the bone. Depending on the type of implant you are receiving, your dentist will attach the abutment to the post on your second visit. This will serve to secure the final restoration and will need to heal before the final step.
Your dentist will place the final restoration, a custom made dental crown, bridge or denture on the post. We will make all the necessary adjustments for a comfortable fit and then permanently secure it to the post. You can care for your dental implants just like real teeth with daily brushing, flossing and routine dental visits.
Types of Dental Implants
Single Tooth Implants
A single tooth dental implant is the most popular type of implant we use today. When you lose a single natural tooth, we will recommend a dental implant when possible. Not only does it replace all parts of the missing tooth but it does not require damaging adjacent teeth accommodate it, as is the case with a dental bridge.
Implant Secured Dental Bridge
Dental implants can effectively replace many consecutive teeth. We will place implants to serve as the anchors for your custom dental bridge. This provides a secure restoration that will fit beautifully with your remaining teeth. Using implants will also reduce changes in the structure and look of the jaw.
All-On-Four
Implant-secured dentures, or All-on-Four dentures, offer a more comfortable and lasting result when replacing a full arch of your top or bottom teeth. We will coordinate the surgical phase with a local specialist who will strategically place as few as four dental implants in the jaw. These implants support a hybrid denture and will maintain healthy jaw bone structure. No more slipping dentures or daily use of adhesives! With a good oral hygiene routine and proper dental care, you can expect your dental implants to last for years.
Schedule A Consultation
If you would like to learn more about how dental implants can replace your lost or missing teeth, schedule a consultation with Dr. Dickert or Dr. Lynn. Our Charleston dentist office welcomes new patients and provides personalized dental care for your specific needs. Please call our office at (843) 371-5480 or request an appointment online.
Learn More About Dental Implants in Charleston, SC