Losing a tooth can impact your life in more ways than you might expect. It can affect your confidence when you smile, make it harder to enjoy the foods you love, and even lead to bigger health problems down the road, like bone loss in your jaw.
If you are dealing with a missing tooth or several missing teeth, you deserve a solution that’s just as strong and natural as the tooth you lost. For decades, dental implants have proven to be the most reliable, long-lasting, and life-like option available today.
At West Ashley Family Dentistry, Dr. James Dickert and Dr. Agatha Lynn help patients in Charleston rebuild their smiles with dental implants. They combine advanced training with a gentle, patient-focused approach to care. Here is everything you need to know about how implants can help you.
Why Consider Dental Implants?
Unlike dentures or bridges, which only sit on top of your gums or rely on other teeth for support, a dental implant replaces the entire tooth structure. This includes the root. A small titanium post is placed gently into your jawbone, where it fuses with the bone over time. This creates a foundation that is incredibly stable and strong.
Think of it like this: a bridge or denture is like parking a car on the grass. An implant is like building a concrete foundation and a garage. It’s built to last!
Because the implant becomes part of your body, it offers benefits that other options simply can’t match. Here are the main reasons patients in Charleston choose dental implants.
1. They Look, Feel, and Function Like Natural Teeth
This is the number one thing our patients love. A dental implant restores a custom-made crown that is matched to the color and shape of your surrounding teeth. Because the implant is anchored in your jawbone, it feels solid and secure.
You’ll barely remember it’s not your original tooth. You can brush, floss, eat, and smile with total confidence.
2. They Protect Your Jawbone and Keep Your Face Shaped Naturally
This is one of the most important health benefits. When a tooth is missing, the jawbone in that spot no longer has a root to stimulate it. Over time, the body absorbs that bone, causing it to shrink. This process, called bone resorption, can make your face look sunken or prematurely aged.
Dental implants are the only tooth replacement option that actually stimulates the bone, just like a natural tooth root. This stops bone loss in its tracks and helps preserve the natural contours of your face and smile.
3. They Are Built to Last a Lifetime
Other options, like bridges and dentures, will eventually need to be repaired, adjusted, or replaced. That cost adds up over the years. A dental implant, when placed by an experienced dentist and cared for properly with regular brushing and checkups, can last for decades or a lifetime. It’s an investment in your long-term health and peace of mind.
4. They Let You Eat All the Foods You Love
With removable dentures, you often have to give up chewy steaks, crisp apples, or crunchy vegetables. Dentures can slip, and they only restore a fraction of your natural chewing power.
Dental implants are different. They are fixed firmly in place and restore about 90% or more of your normal biting force. You can go back to enjoying all your favorite foods without worry. A healthy diet is easier to maintain when you can chew properly.
5. They Protect Your Healthy Teeth
Traditional tooth-supported bridges require the dentist to file down the two healthy teeth next to the gap. This means shaving away healthy enamel to create “anchors” for the bridge.
With an implant, your surrounding healthy teeth are left completely untouched. Dr. Dickert and Dr. Lynn place the implant only in the space where the tooth is missing. This preserves as much of your natural tooth structure as possible.
6. They Give You Back Your Confidence
Many patients with missing teeth or ill-fitting dentures feel self-conscious. They worry their teeth might slip while talking or clicking when they laugh. This constant worry can make social situations stressful.
Because implants are permanent and secure, they free you from that fear. You can speak clearly, laugh loudly, and smile brightly in any situation. That boost in confidence is something our patients tell us about all the time.
Patient Review
“I couldn’t be happier with my experience and my new smile. Dr. Dickert is a true perfectionist—he took his time, really listened to what I wanted, and made sure every detail was right. The result exceeded my expectations, and I feel so confident with my smile now. I would highly recommend him to anyone looking for outstanding dental care.”
– Laura Palenkas
Why Choose West Ashley Family Dentistry for Your Dental Implants?
Choosing where to have a dental implant placed is a big decision. You are trusting someone with your long-term health and the look of your smile. You want a team with the skill to get it right the first time. Here is why patients in Charleston trust Dr. Dickert and Dr. Lynn with their implant care.
The Advantage of Advanced Training
Placing a dental implant is not just about inserting a post. It requires a deep understanding of how your teeth, jawbone, and bite all work together. If the implant is placed in a way that doesn’t fit your bite correctly, it can cause discomfort, wear on other teeth, or even implant failure.
This is where Dr. Dickert and Dr. Lynn’s advanced training at the prestigious Dawson Academy makes all the difference. They have studied what is called “Complete Dentistry.” This means they don’t look at your missing tooth in isolation. They look at your entire mouth as a system.
Before placing an implant, they evaluate your bite, your jaw joints, and the health of your other teeth. Their goal is to make sure your new implant works in perfect harmony with everything else. This comprehensive approach protects your investment and your long-term oral health.
A Team You Can Trust
You have the benefit of two highly skilled dentists collaborating on your care. Both Dr. Dickert and Dr. Lynn are South Carolina natives and graduates of MUSC’s dental program. Dr. Lynn also served as a faculty member at MUSC until 2015, teaching other dentists about restorative dentistry and implants. This level of experience means you are in knowledgeable, capable hands.
They take the time to listen to your goals and answer your questions. They will never push a procedure you do not need. Instead, they will explain your options clearly and help you make a decision that feels right for you.
Personalized Care in a Comfortable Setting
A dental implant is a medical device, but your experience is about more than just the hardware. It’s about how you are treated as a person. Our office on St. Andrews Boulevard is designed to be a warm, welcoming place. From the friendly faces at the front desk to the gentle touch of our dental team, we want you to feel at ease.
We know that the idea of surgery can make some people anxious. If that sounds like you, we offer sedation options to help you relax completely during the procedure. Your comfort is just as important to us as the final result.
Long-Term Value and Peace of Mind
When you choose West Ashley Family Dentistry for your implants, you are choosing a solution built on a foundation of excellence. Dr. Dickert and Dr. Lynn use the highest quality materials and the latest digital technology to ensure precise, lasting results. Their commitment to continuing education means they stay current with the latest advancements in implant dentistry.
You are not just getting a new tooth. You are getting the peace of mind that comes from knowing your smile has been restored by a team dedicated to getting it right, for life.
Are Dental Implants Right for You?
Dental implants are a great option for most people who are missing one or more teeth. The best way to find out if they are right for you is to schedule a consultation. Dr. Dickert and Dr. Lynn have the training and experience to evaluate your situation and recommend the path that will give you the healthiest, most beautiful, and longest-lasting result.
We welcome patients from across the Charleston area, including West Ashley, downtown, Mount Pleasant, and James Island.
Learn More About Dental Implants:
- Dental Implants: Overview
- What Are Dental Implants?
- Dental Implant Procedure
- Dental Implants FAQ
- Cost of Dental Implants
- Types of Dental Implants
- Dental Implants vs Dentures
- Single Tooth Dental Implant
- Dental Implants for Multiple Missing Teeth
Schedule Your Implant Consultation Today
If you are ready to learn more about how dental implants can restore your smile and your confidence, we are here to help. Call our office at (843) 371-5480 or request an appointment online. Let’s talk about getting you back to a smile that feels as good as it looks.