Dental Implants

A number of factors can cause tooth loss, including genetics, age, periodontal disease, and trauma. Losing a tooth or teeth may change the way you look or cause difficulty in speaking or eating. At the Charleston Center for Cosmetic and Restorative Dentistry, we offer dental implants in Mt Pleasant, to replace a missing tooth or teeth and restore the functionality and the attractiveness of your smile.

What are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are artificial teeth, each comprised of an artificial tooth root that can securely hold a replacement tooth where your natural tooth once was. The tooth root is made of titanium, which is a biocompatible material that will fuse naturally to the jawbone. When the titanium root is inserted, the dental implant permanently replaces the root of the dead or damaged tooth. The artificial tooth can then be mounted on this root.

What can Dental Implants Achieve?

Dental implants can achieve the following:

Replace missing teeth without affecting adjacent teeth.
Stabilize, and secure dentures, making them more comfortable.
Support a bridge without the need for a removable partial denture.
Resolve bite problems caused by shifting teeth that move to fill in spaces left by missing teeth.
Help prevent premature aging by stopping bone loss that follows the tooth loss. (Because dental implants become integrated into the bone itself, this stops bone loss, a major cause of premature aging.)

Who is a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?

Individuals who have suffered tooth loss, whether one or multiple teeth, are good candidates for dental implants. People who would like a full upper or lower set of teeth, or a set of teeth for the entire mouth are also good candidates for dental implants. Candidates for dental implants in Mt Pleasant, should meet the following qualifications:

Are generally in good health
Do not smoke
Have one or more missing teeth
The jawbone has reached full growth
Have chipped, cracked, or otherwise damaged teeth
Would like to achieve a natural-looking smile and repair their teeth
Have healthy oral tissues
Have adequate bone to secure the implants or can have a bone graft
Are able to commit several months to the dental implant process
Are looking for a good alternative to dentures
Want to improve their speech

Benefits of Dental Implants

Dental implants are the ideal choice for many patients because of the many benefits they provide:

Feel and look like your natural teeth
Allow you to speak and eat as you normally would
Are as strong and durable as your natural teeth are
Require the same care as your natural teeth, making them convenient and easy

Last for many years
Can support existing dentures to make chewing and speaking more comfortable
Remain firmly in place, as your natural teeth would
Improve confidence and self esteem

How do Dental Implants Work?

Our dental implants in Mt Pleasant are comprised of three parts: the post, which is a metal screw that is placed directly into the jaw, the abutment, which is a base that is placed on top of the post, and the crown, which is an artificial natural-looking tooth that is placed on top of the base.

The posts are inserted into your jaw through a small incision in the gums. If your jaw bone is too soft or there is not enough bone tissue, you may need bone grafting as a preliminary step. You will will heal for 4-6 months as they fuse with the surrounding bone, during which time you’ll wear a temporary restoration provided for you.

Dental implants are comprised of three parts: the post, which is a metal screw that is placed directly into the jaw, the abutment, which is a base that is placed on top of the post, and the crown, which is an artificial natural-looking tooth that is placed on top of the base.

Implant Options and Types

Single Tooth Replacement

This dental implant that replaces a single missing tooth, making it an ideal choice for patients who have had an injury or extraction that resulted in the loss of one or two teeth.

Multiple Tooth Replacement

Implants can secure dental bridges to replace several adjacent missing teeth at once during a single restoration. This type of dental implant is supported with two or six titanium posts, depending on jawbone density and the number of missing teeth.

Dental Implants Used in Full Mouth Reconstruction (All-on-4s)

All-on-4 dental implants hold the arches of artificial teeth firmly in place with use four posts. All-on-4s replace all the teeth of the lower or upper jaw. These implants provide the most cost-efficient procedure, providing the fastest and most natural-looking solution to permanently replace the teeth.

Same-Day Dental Implants

The technology of same-day dental implants ensures that the screw holding the abutment can fuse to the jawbone better. The extraction sites are filled immediately with implants, promoting a faster healing time, and providing a shorter treatment period. Same-day dental implants are best for those whose natural bone is strong and secure enough to support immediate placement and the pressure from a new tooth.

Recovery After Dental Implants

Your recovery takes place in several stages after each part of the implant procedure. You will experience swelling, bruising, minor bleeding, and some pain.You may need to eat soft foods during the healing period.

Why Choose Dr. Rink?

Dr. John Rink is a leader in the field of restorative and cosmetic dentistry in Mount Pleasant, SC. Over his career of more than 30 years, he has helped thousands of patients to achieve the bright, beautiful smile they always wanted. As an accredited dentist, he is passionate about changing the lives of his patients for the better with technologically advanced, state-of-the-art treatment. He is known for his professional, yet compassionate and understanding approach to patient care. Call today to find out more about your the best dental implants in Mount Pleasant, SC.

Dr. Rink and an assistant working with a patient