Dental Implants in Greer

A dental implant is today's most advanced type of tooth restoration. Implants feel and look just like natural teeth, providing excellent restorative and cosmetic benefits. A single-tooth implant consists of a biocompatible titanium post that bonds with your jawbone, a stainless steel abutment, and a lifelike dental crown.

The Dental Implant Process

Standard dental implants take at least a few months to install. The process starts with extracting the problem tooth. If the tooth has been missing for an extended time, you may need a bone graft to receive an implant. Bone grafts need four to six months to heal before implant installation.

To place the implant post, the dentist opens the gum and screws the post into the jawbone. The dentist adds the abutment as a cap and closes the gums. The implant will take a few months to bond with the jawbone enough to place the dental crown.

When the jawbone and post have successfully healed, the dentist can reopen the gums and attach the crown to the post.

Durable

While the dental implant post itself could last a lifetime, the crown on top may need replacement every 10 to 15 years due to wear and tear.

Easy Care

If you have a dental implant, you can care for it just like a healthy natural tooth by brushing, flossing, and making regular dental visits.

Improves Chewing Function

People with missing or damaged teeth understand that chewing can pose a problem. Dental implants will fully restore your chewing function.

Look and Feel Like Natural Teeth

Today's dental implants are difficult to distinguish from natural teeth. Once they have fully healed, they also feel exactly like natural teeth. You can smile, speak, chew, and laugh without worrying about who will see your missing teeth.

Most patients who are missing teeth are good candidates for implants, but these criteria apply:

Healthy Gums

Ensure that you treat and control gum disease before getting a dental implant. Gum health is essential to a successful surgery.

Healthy Jawbone Mass

You can receive a bone graft if you have insufficient bone mass.

Physically Healthy Enough for Surgery

If you are in poor general health, you may not be able to undergo implant surgery. Another type of restoration, like a bridge or dentures, may be more appropriate in your case.

Because of the natural look and feel and the functional stability provided by the implants, implant supported bridges are an effective solution to replace multiple missing teeth.

A dental implant supported bridge replaces missing teeth by placing two or more dental implants rather than using adjacent teeth as supports. Unlike traditional bridges that can weaken the healthy teeth that are used for supports, dental implants avoid putting additional stress on your natural teeth and help preserve the health and function of the surrounding bone tissue and teeth. 

An implant supported denture requires the placement of four to six dental implants as “anchors” to provide a sturdier fit and minimal mobility for your denture. With implant supported dentures, there is no plate covering the roof of the mouth, so speaking and eating are more natural and comfortable than with traditional dentures. For qualifying patients, our doctors may be able to complete the removal of all teeth and the placement of a temporary arch on the same day.