Replacing lost teeth is crucial for restoring your smile, your confidence, and improving your daily life. Dr. James Dickert and Dr. Agatha Lynn specialize in dental implant treatments to replace missing teeth.
At West Ashley Family Dentistry, this advanced option restores your smile with a natural look and feel. Dental implants are the most realistic tooth replacement compared to traditional dentures and bridges. They also bring key benefits for your long-term dental health.
Dental Implants in Charleston, SC
A dental implant is a small titanium post that an oral surgeon places into your jawbone during surgery. This post acts like a tooth root to support a 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 benefits for overall and long-term dental health, including:
- Improved bone and gum health (compared to alternative restorations)
- Avoids degradation of remaining healthy teeth (as in conventional bridgework)
- Improves the look of your smile and lower face
- You will enjoy a healthy diet without restrictions
- You don’t have to worry about slippage or dentures “falling out”
About the Procedure
Before treatment, our dentists will need to make sure you qualify for dental implants. You need to have good oral health, have enough jaw bone, be free of gum disease and other problems. If we find other issues, we will fix them before we can place implants.
Sometimes, patients might need bone grafting to make sure there’s enough bone to support the implants. A bone graft takes healthy bone from other parts of your body and grafts it in your jaw. This will create a better base for the implant post to attach to. Dr. Dickert will work with a local surgeon who specializes in oral and maxillofacial surgery to place the implant post.
Typically, it takes 3 to 6 months for the gums to heal and for the implant post to join with the bone. On your next visit, your dentist will attach the abutment to the post. The abutment piece secures the final tooth replacement to the post.
Your dentist will place the final replacement on the post, which could be a custom dental crown, bridge, or denture. They’ll make sure it fits well and then firmly attach it to the post. You can take care of your dental implants just like real teeth by brushing them daily, flossing, and scheduling routine dental check-ups.
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 tooth, we will recommend a dental implant when possible. It replaces all parts of the missing tooth and doesn’t need damaging adjacent teeth for it to fit. This is usually the case with a dental bridge.
Implant-secured Dental Bridge
Dental implants can replace several teeth in a row effectively. We’ll position implants to act as anchors for your custom dental bridge. This provides a secure restoration that will fit beautifully with your remaining teeth. Using implants also helps maintain the structure of your jawbone.
All-On-Four
Implant-supported dentures, or All-on-Four dentures, provide a comfortable and long-lasting result. All-on-Four replaces a full set of upper or lower teeth. We’ll work with a local specialist to place as few as four dental implants in your jawbone.
These implants will support a hybrid denture that stays securely in place and keeps your jawbone healthy. Say goodbye to dentures that slip or need adhesive every day to stay put. With regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups, your dental implants can last for many years.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Recovery Time for Dental Implants?
The recovery time for the implant procedure can vary. It depends on your overall health, the number of implants, and how complex your case is. Initial healing takes about 1 to 2 weeks.
You might feel a bit uncomfortable with some swelling after this, but you can take regular painkillers to help manage it. The next few months will be about healing, which dentists and oral surgeons call osseointegration. Just make sure to follow the advice your dentist or oral surgeon gives you after the surgery.
What is The Best Age for Implants?
Implants are typically for patients who are at least 18 years old. This is because the jawbone should be fully grown to hold the implant. But there are other things to think about when deciding if implants are right for someone. Their health, the strength of their bones, and how well they take care of their teeth are some factors. Age is just one piece of the puzzle.
Does Insurance Cover Implants?
Most dental insurance plans don’t cover the cost of dental implants. However, some plans may offer partial coverage. If your plan doesn’t cover the implant, it might cover other parts of the process, like the crown on top.
The specifics depend on your insurance plan. The best way to find out is to check directly with your insurance provider. They can give you the most accurate information about what your plan covers and what you’ll need to pay out-of-pocket. We will help you take full advantage of your benefits after that.
Are Implants Permanent?
Tooth implants are a long-term permanent solution for replacing teeth. With proper care and maintenance, they can last a lifetime. This includes good oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups. However, you might need to replace the crown after 10-15 years because of normal wear and tear.
Can You Get Implants for Multiple Missing Teeth?
Yes, dental implants are a good solution for multiple missing teeth. Instead of replacing each tooth one by one, an oral surgeon can use an implant-supported bridge or denture to replace several teeth. This method is a popular and effective way to restore both the look and function of teeth. Tooth implants offer a secure and long-lasting solution for multiple missing teeth.
Can You Get Dental Implants After Having Dentures for Years?
Yes, you can get implants after having dentures for years. All-on-Four implants can effectively replace old dentures. However, your dentist or oral surgeon will need to check the health of your jawbone and overall health before the procedure. Patients who switch from traditional dentures to implant-supported dentures might need a bone graft to qualify.
Dentures don’t keep your jawbone strong like natural teeth do. Without this stimulation, the bone can shrink and weaken. A bone graft helps rebuild and strengthen the jawbone so it’s strong enough to support dental implants. This procedure ensures a solid base for the implants, which is important for their success.
Schedule An Exam and Consultation
To learn more about how dental implants can replace your lost or missing teeth, schedule a dental exam with Dr. Dickert or Dr. Lynn. Our Charleston dental 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.
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