Dental Implants in Charleston

What are dental implants?

If you are missing teeth, you can find the best means of support for restorations with dental implants in Charleston. Dental implants are titanium posts that are surgically implanted in the jaw bone to replace tooth roots. Dental implants can provide you with a lifetime of outstanding support while preserving the bone mass of your jaw.

3-D model of dental implant, Charleston, SC.

Dental Implants

Benefits of Dental Implants

Cost of Dental Implants

Implant Supported Dentures

Benefits of Implant-Supported Dentures

Restoring Dental Implants

What to Expect During Dental Implant Surgery

Timeline of Dental Implants

Before & After Dental Implants

Dr. Rink on Dental Implants

Dr. Rink has done a lot of work on my aging teeth, the most recent being two dental implants connected by a bride( with the help of periodontist, Dr. Caputo. The teeth look beautiful! Dr. Rink makes sure that not only do the teeth look wonderful but he strives to give the patient perfect comfort. I have always found his staff to be efficient, kind and knowledgeable.

A. Matheson

What are the benefits?

Advancements in dentistry mean results are lasting longer than ever before. Your crown, bridge, or denture will eventually need to be replaced, but with good oral hygiene and regular checkups, implants can last decades.
Our professionals prefer implants because they are the only treatment that guards against bone recession, a natural consequence of missing teeth. This benefit results in better oral and overall health.

Conventional dentures rest on the gums, secured with a mild adhesive, but still prone to slipping while eating or speaking. Implant-supported dentures, on the other hand, remain firmly in place through all everyday functions.
A dental implant can provide bridge support that is more secure, and requires no alteration to adjacent teeth, when compared to a traditional prosthetic.

Who is a good candidate for dental implants in Charleston?

Anyone interested in dental implants in Charleston, SC, should have adequate bone mass in their jaw. If you have been missing a tooth for a long period of time, you may need a bone graft in order to properly accommodate an implant.

Because the ability of your bones to heal is crucial to this procedure, non-smokers make the best candidates. Smokers should refrain from smoking for a period to ensure proper healing.

Meeting with our team of qualified experts for a consultation is the best way to determine whether you are a good candidate for dental implants. The procedure is often an integral part of a full mouth restoration plan. He can review your medical history, explain the factors that affect the cost of dental implants treatment, and discuss your goals to help determine if the procedure is right for you.

What can I expect from my procedure?

Our dental implants in Charleston require two surgeries. During the first surgery, a local anesthetic is applied before a small incision is made in the gums, exposing the jawbone. A pilot hole is drilled into the bone, and the threaded dental implant is inserted. Next, the gum is stitched closed over the implant.

Understanding the Dental Implant Process and Next Steps

Over the next three to six months, the dental implant and bone will become fused in a process called osseointegration. Once this process is complete, you will return for a second surgery. Once again, your surgeon will administer a local anesthetic before placing a small incision in the gums to expose the implant. A special abutment is placed on the implant, which will serve as the connection point to your restoration.

The gums are stitched closed around the abutment to facilitate proper healing. Once the gums have healed, we will schedule an appointment to begin creating your custom implant-supported crown, bridge, or set of dentures. The timeline for dental implants varies from patient to patient. If you wish to learn more, contact us for a consultation to receive some of the best dental implants Charleston has to offer.

Dental Implant FAQs

Can I eat normally with dental implants?

Yes, once healed, dental implants allow you to eat, chew, and speak comfortably, just like natural teeth.

Do dental implants require special care?

No, care for implants like natural teeth: brush, floss, and maintain regular dental checkups to ensure longevity.

Can dental implants be done in a single day?

In some cases, same-day implants are possible, but most patients require a multi-stage process for the best outcome.

How long do dental implants last?

With proper care, dental implants can last 20 years or more, often providing a lifetime solution for missing teeth.

What is the recovery time after dental implant surgery?

Initial healing takes about 1-2 weeks, but full healing and osseointegration can take 3-6 months.

Are there any risks associated with dental implants?

Risks include infection, nerve damage, and implant failure, though complications are rare when performed by a qualified dentist.

How long does a dental implant procedure take?

The process can take several months, including implant placement, healing, and adding the final crown or bridge.

Are dental implants painful?

The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, so discomfort is minimal; mild soreness after surgery is normal and manageable.