Dental Implants Mt Pleasant

Truly Permanent Replacement Teeth

Dentist showing a patient a model of the teeth with dental implants in Mount Pleasant

As great as dentures and dental bridges are, dental implants stand above. These restorations replace whole teeth instead of just the crowns, providing beautiful and lifelike results that can be trusted to last for decades. For more details on dental implants in Mt Pleasant, please keep reading or see us for a consultation.

Why Choose Smileworks General & Cosmetic Dentistry for Dental Implants?

  • Partnered with Local Implant Specialists
  • Multiple Sedation Options for Easier Treatment
  • Affordable Third-Party Financing Available

What Are Dental Implants?

Dentist showing a model of a dental implant to a patient

Dental implants are tooth-sized posts made of titanium. Their design lets them act as alternative tooth roots for missing teeth.

Dental implants work through a unique placement method. Dentists set them in your jaw’s empty sockets (rather than on your gums) to fuse with nearby bone tissue. Once that’s done, the implant posts meld with (and stimulate the growth of) nearby bone tissue and become parts of your jaw.

The 4-Step Dental Implant Process

Illustration of a dental implant and crown replacing a missing lower tooth
  • Initial Dental Implant Consultation – You’ll first consult with one of our dentists before you undergo treatment. That way, we can learn about your oral health and smile goals to see if implants would be a good fit for you.
  • Dental Implant Surgery – If you decide to proceed, we’ll refer you to a local specialist for your dental implant surgery.
  • Dental Implant Osseointegration/Abutment – Once your dental implants fuse with your jaw, we’ll place their abutments (i.e., metal connectors).
  • Delivery of Dental Implant Restoration(s) – After your mouth has fully healed, you’ll see us so we can attach your final restoration. This item could be a dental crown, bridge, or denture.

Benefits of Dental Implants

Man shaking hands with his dentist
  • A Gorgeous Grin – Because they’re capped with porcelain, dental implants blend seamlessly with your smile.
  • High-Success Care – When placed properly, dental implants have a long-term success rate of over 95%!
  • Younger Look – Since dental implants stimulate your jawbone, they help your face look full and youthful.
  • Easy Eating – By restoring your bite force, dental implants help you chew tough foods.
  • Long-Lasting Results – Dental implants can last thirty years (or more) with proper care.

Dental Implant FAQs

Can I take my dental implants out?

Some patients wonder whether dental implants function like dentures, which are usually intended to be removable for cleanings. However, this treatment involves surgically placing a support rod into your jaw, which eventually fuses with the bone to become a more permanent part of your mouth.

Then, when you’ve healed sufficiently, our team will place an appropriate restoration, such as a dental crown, to function as a replacement tooth. These aren’t intended to be removed except by a professional, like one of our Mt Pleasant providers.

Does getting dental implants hurt?

These are the only restorations that involve oral surgery, and it’s only natural to wonder whether your procedure might hurt. Our team partners with local experts to provide accurate placement, and they will numb and/or sedate you for the procedure itself. That means you likely won’t feel any discomfort until afterwards, when the medications wear off.

Then, it’s normal to experience aches and inflammation, though these symptoms often peak around the third day following your procedure, then gradually subside. You can try holding an ice pack to the tender side of your face to reduce swelling and soreness. It’s also often safe to take over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, to ease your symptoms.

How long do dental implants last?

Dental implants are known for their resilience and longevity, and often last 30+ years if cared for properly. However, their lifespan can depend significantly on you and your habits. For example, smokers, patients who grind their teeth, and those who neglect their daily dental hygiene routine are more likely to experience complications that lead to failure.

You can help protect your new teeth by brushing and flossing twice daily, avoiding using your teeth as tools to open packages, choosing foods carefully, and visiting our office in Mt Pleasant every six months for a routine checkup and cleaning.

How successful are dental implants?

Dental implants are the only replacement teeth that involve oral surgery, and you’re not alone if you’re wondering how successful the procedure usually is. Thankfully, this treatment has an incredibly high success rate of over 90% when it’s performed by a qualified provider, meaning that most patients are unlikely to develop complications as long as they follow their oral surgeon’s post-operative instructions carefully.

You can help prevent potential failure by keeping your mouth clean, sticking to soft foods at first, and visiting our team regularly for standard preventive care.