Dental Implants – Indian Land, SC
Long-Lasting and Lifelike Tooth Replacement
Are you tired of your denture shifting out of position? Do you wish that you didn’t have to worry about eventually getting your restoration replaced? For those looking for a truly long-term solution to tooth loss, you’ll need to replace the root as well, not just the crown. Dental implants in Indian Land, SC are the only treatment that addresses this, and Dr. Candon is more than prepared to create a treatment plan that makes your smile complete once again. Call our dental office today to start your first implant consultation!
Why Choose BridgeMill Dental Care for Dental Implants?
- Works With Top Implant Specialists in Indian Land
- Replace Single, Multiple, or All Teeth
- Detailed Planning Process by Experienced Team
What is a Dental Implant?
Dental implants consist of three main components. This includes the titanium post that integrates with your bone tissue, the restoration that completes your smile, and the abutment that reliably attaches the two components together. Each component plays an important role in mimicking your previous tooth. Everything from the esthetics to the function is accounted for, so you can smile and eat all the foods you enjoy with confidence.
Partnered with Indian Land’s Best Specialists
In order to make your dental implant treatment as successful as possible, it’s important that we partner with some of the best implant specialists in Indian Land to get your treatment done. After completing your consultation, you’ll meet with them so they can perform the surgical portion of your procedure. Then, you’ll come back to our dental office to have the restoration fitted to the implant(s). It’s one of the ways we ensure that your care is comprehensive and personalized.
The 4-Step Dental Implant Process
While dental implants offer an incredibly comprehensive solution for tooth loss, they do involve a lengthy process, which can take a few months to complete. Even so, the advantages you will have with these titanium posts will make your investment worthwhile. Our team works closely with local highly-experienced implant specialists to ensure that you receive the best care for restoring your smile. Until then, read on to learn the four major steps of the dental implant process and what you can expect from them.
Initial Dental Implant Consultation
The beginning of your treatment will always start with your initial consultation. During this visit, our team will evaluate your oral health, the surrounding facial structures, and your smile. This will allow us to verify if you’re an eligible candidate for the procedure. This appointment will also be the perfect time to ask any questions you may have, as we’ll be more than happy to walk you through the entire process and discuss the overall cost.
Some people might require preliminary treatments before moving forward with getting dental implants. This may involve gum disease therapy, bone grafting, or even tooth extractions. Once we’ve ensured that your oral health is in good condition for the titanium posts, we can develop the remainder of your treatment plan.
Dental Implant Surgery
Your oral surgeon will begin your procedure by completely numbing the areas in your mouth with a local anesthetic. They may even provide you with sedation dentistry to keep you relaxed and stress-free throughout your treatment. They’ll then make a tiny incision in your gums to reach the jawbone. Your implants will be properly placed in their pre-planned locations and angles before your gums are sutured around them. You’ll receive a protective dental cap above the implant post to keep it safe while you recover.
Dental Implant Osseointegration & Abutment
Once you’ve undergone your placement procedure, you’ll have to allow your implants to complete osseointegration for the next several months. This is the process where the metal posts fuse with your jawbone, becoming one with your facial structure and creating the stable foundation necessary for successful restorations that can last a lifetime. When this process is finished, we’ll place your abutments atop the implants and give your gums some time to heal.
Delivery of Dental Implant Restoration(s)
After you’ve recovered from getting your abutments, you’ll come back to our office to receive your restoration(s). During this visit, we’ll place your new dental crown, bridge, or denture atop the metal connectors, ensuring that they’re well-fitted and feel natural for you. Once we’ve confirmed that your bite is comfortable and you’re satisfied with the results, you’ll be on your way to enjoying your brand-new pearly whites!
Benefits of Dental Implants
When you replace a tooth with a dental implant, it becomes part of your existing oral structures. This includes your bone tissue, just like your natural tooth roots. After the implant has finished the process known as osseointegration, you’ll be able to chew even the toughest of foods without worry. Steak, apples, nuts, and even chewing gum can all be enjoyed once you’ve completed treatment. Furthermore, success rates are typically as high as 95 percent, even after ten years of use! They often last a lifetime after placement, making them one of the best long-term solutions for tooth loss.
Other added benefits of dental implants in Indian Land include:
Are Dental Implants Right for You?
No matter how many teeth you’re missing, you don’t have to settle for a traditional dental bridge or denture. Dental implants are a versatile treatment that can be used to replace one, several, or an entire arch of missing teeth! With a specific number of dental implants and a custom-made restoration, we can help you overcome any level of tooth loss.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?
Almost anyone can get dental implants. In general, you’ll need these three things to be considered a good candidate:
- Good overall health: Placing dental implants requires minor surgery. You’ll need to be well enough to undergo and recover from it.
- Great oral health: Oral health issues like cavities and gum disease can pose a threat to your dental implants, so they’ll need to be addressed beforehand.
- Adequate jawbone density: In order for your dental implant(s) to form a strong foundation, it’s essential that you have a strong, sturdy jawbone.
To see if you’re a candidate for dental implants, come visit us for a consultation! If we find any issues, we may be able to help you get ready for your new smile with a preliminary treatment like bone grafting or gum disease treatment. From there, we can begin planning out your dental implant treatment, including how many dental implants you’ll need, depending on your number of missing teeth.
Missing 1 Tooth
Replacing a single tooth with a dental implant is relatively straightforward. One dental implant is placed into the jawbone where the missing tooth’s roots once were. Once it has healed into place, we’ll cover it with a beautiful custom-made dental crown. In the past, traditional dental bridges were the only way to replace a missing tooth, which required altering and weakening the two remaining healthy teeth on either side. Dental implants are completely self-supported, making them a much healthier choice!
Missing Multiple Teeth
The traditional way to replace several missing teeth is with a dental bridge or removable partial denture. Thankfully, you can now opt for far more comfortable, longer-lasting, and more stable alternatives with dental implants. Several dental implants can be placed throughout the jaw to give maximum support to a dental bridge or partial denture with minimal surgery.
Missing All Teeth
While today’s dentures are far more comfortable and functional than they were in the past, many patients still find themselves getting frustrated with them. If this sounds familiar, you may be interested in implant dentures. With just four, six, or eight strategically placed dental implants, we can anchor your denture in place and give it the stability you’ve always wanted. You’ll never have to worry about your new teeth slipping, popping, or clicking, and you can comfortably eat all your favorite foods once again.
Understanding the Cost of Dental Implants
While the cost of your treatment can vary in many different ways, dentists often note that they are still one of the most cost-effective solutions to tooth replacement out there. The number of teeth you need to replace, the specific teeth you have missing, and the preparatory treatments you might need to complete the procedure (i.e. gum therapy, bone grafts) can all influence total costs. Even if the upfront costs appear to be high, you’re not having to replace your restorations after several years, effectively saving you money in the long-term.
Dental Implant Failure & Salvage
Rest assured that dental implants almost always succeed. Since they boast a long-term success rate of 95%, your placement surgery should go pretty darn smoothly. That said, please call us if your rebuilt smile feels uncomfortable or your dental implants seem “off.” We may be able to restore your grin with a dental implant salvage treatment. If we find that your prosthetic has failed, we’ll quickly work to replace it with a new one!
Learn More About Dental Implant Failure & Salvage
Dental Implant FAQs
Since dental implants in Indian Land are designed to be a long-term solution for one or more missing teeth, it is natural to have a few questions before moving forward. For answers to your specific questions, we recommend scheduling an appointment so our knowledgeable team can provide the information you need one-on-one. However, we’ve also listed some frequently asked questions below to help until then!
Does the Surgery Hurt?
Not surprisingly, one of the most popular questions from patients is, “Will getting dental implants hurt?” Fortunately, powerful anesthetics paired with the latest techniques allow Dr. Candon to complete the procedure virtually pain-free! Plus, our dedication to your comfort doesn’t stop in the treatment chair. After you leave our office, we will continue to stay in touch with you. That way, if you have any questions or experience any abnormal symptoms, we are there to help. From start to finish, our goal is to make your journey to a full, healthy smile as enjoyable as possible!
What Is the Recovery Process of Dental Implants Like?
Deciding to rebuild your smile is the first step, but the recovery process following your procedure is equally as important for the short and long-term success of your dental implant. Priority number one is keeping the implant site clean, which is why you should continue brushing and flossing while your healing. However, be extra careful around your wound to prevent irritating the area. It is also beneficial to avoid hard, chewy, or crunchy foods that can crack, pull, or damage the implant. Lastly, attend all your follow-up appointments to ensure you are healing properly and any warning signs are addressed early on.
How Successful Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are a durable, effective, long-lasting solution for patients missing one, a few, or an entire arch of teeth. But how successful are they? Thanks to the latest technology and high-quality materials, dental implants currently hold an impressive 95% success rate. Plus, our implant dentist in Indian Land takes measures to extensively qualify patients beforehand to ensure they have the highest likelihood of success. Qualifications like adequate bone density, healthy gums, and a commitment to good oral health are just a few of the ways we can make sure our patients enjoy state-of-the-art dental care that lasts.
Will My New Smile Look Natural?
Centuries prior, items like seashells, animal bones, and cadaver teeth were used to replace missing teeth. Yikes! Fortunately for patients today, the dental implants we use are crafted from only the best materials. In fact, they are custom-made to match the size, shape, and color of your missing tooth so the results are flawless. Plus, their unmatched durability means no movement while you smile, talk, or chew, making the results even more natural!
What are the Stages of Dental Implant Treatment?
Getting dental implants takes several appointments, each of which incur their own unique cost. After your initial consultation with Dr. Candon, you’ll be referred to an implant specialist, who will surgically place the implant posts into your jawbone. Once your mouth has healed, you’ll undergo a smaller surgery to receive your abutments, which are tiny metal attachments that connect your implants to your restoration. Lastly, you’ll return to our office so we can design and place your prosthetic teeth.
You may also require preparatory treatments, such as bone grafting or periodontal therapy, before implants can be placed. A detailed treatment timeline will be laid out for you at your consultation.
Are Dental Implants Worth the Investment?
It’s important to ensure your dental implants are affordable, but don’t forget why you’re considering them in the first place. Implants provide a powerful, stable foundation for replacement teeth, restoring greater chewing power and keeping them securely in place. Additionally, since implants can last for decades (and even a lifetime with great maintenance), they could ultimately end up saving you money over traditional bridges or dentures that have to be replaced every decade or so.
Does My Dental Insurance Cover Dental Implants?
While many dental insurance companies don’t cover the implants themselves, they might mitigate the cost of other parts of the treatment, such as periodontal therapy or your restoration. At BridgeMill Dental Care, we’re proudly in-network with a variety of popular plans, including Delta Dental Premier, Aetna, and Cigna. For uninsured patients, we offer financing through CareCredit as well as an in-house membership plan, in which you receive a discount on most treatments in exchange for a low annual fee.
Maintaining & Caring for Your Dental Implants
Getting dental implants is exciting! By caring for them properly, they can last upwards of three decades or even a lifetime! This makes them the longest-lasting tooth replacement option on the market. However, they will only last when you maintain them correctly. Here are some steps that you should be taking.
Make Oral Hygiene a Priority
Dental implants can’t get cavities like normal teeth can, but you still need to practice excellent oral hygiene. In addition to keeping your surrounding teeth in good shape, sticking to an excellent oral hygiene routine can prevent other dental problems, like gum disease, that can cause your implants to fail. Remember to brush, floss, and rinse with mouthwash every day.
Eat a Healthy Diet
One of the many benefits of getting dental implants is the fact that you don’t need to worry about any eating restrictions. You can easily enjoy nutritious meals without struggling to chew. Just remember to brush, floss and rinse with mouthwash every day.
Break Bad Habits
Refrain from smoking or using other tobacco products immediately after your dental implant placement. This can slow down healing and increase your risk of developing an infection. Don’t use your teeth as tools either. You could end up accidentally damaging your dental implants or surrounding teeth. Instead, try to find some scissors, pliers, a bottle opener, or another tooth that can help you complete your task safely.
Protect Your Dental Implants
Your dental implants may be strong, but they aren’t completely indestructible. You should always wear a mouthguard to protect your dental implants and natural teeth when participating in sports. If you grind your teeth at night, ask about a nightguard to protect your implants from additional wear and tear.
Schedule Regular Dental Checkups
You should always attend regular cleanings and checkups twice a year. This way, we can monitor your dental implant and spot any issues as early as possible. By catching potential problems now, you can keep them from becoming more serious and leading to greater complications.