Dental implants
What Are They?
Dental implants offer patients a long-term solution to missing teeth as well as many benefits to both their health and quality of life. Your new teeth will be just as strong and stable as natural teeth, giving you the confidence to go about your daily routines without any anxiety, discomfort, or embarrassment.
Benefits
Whether you replace a single tooth or even a full arch of teeth, your benefits will include:
Long-Term Replacement
Bone Preservation
Eat the Foods You Love
Speak More Clearly
Increased Confidence and Self-Esteem
Preserve the Jaw and Improve Oral Health
Beautiful, Natural- Looking Smile
DENTAL IMPLANTS
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Dental Implants?
A dental implant is a prosthesis used to replace missing teeth. Essentially, it is a small titanium post/fixture that is inserted into the jawbone, on top of which a single crown (cap), a fixed bridge, a partial denture, or full denture can be attached. Once the implant integrates to your bone, a structure called an abutment is connected to the implant and then the artificial tooth/teeth are attached. Therefore, there are 3 parts to an “implant tooth”: the dental implant itself, the abutment, and the artificial tooth.
Who is a good candidate for Dental Implants?
Almost anyone who is missing a single tooth, multiple teeth, or all teeth are candidates for dental implants.
What are the advantages of Dental Implants?
Humans are “blessed” with 2 sets of teeth (baby teeth and adult/permanent teeth). When a single permanent tooth or multiple teeth are lost due to dental decay or gum disease, dental implants can now replace them as the 3rd set of fixed teeth! Dental implants can last a lifetime and can improve your appearance, your confidence, and your ability to eat the foods you like, and participate in an active lifestyle, without worrying about your teeth. Dental implants are made of titanium and can never get dental decay!
What are the disadvantages of Dental Implants?
Like any minor oral surgical procedure, there is a risk of infection, inflammation, and pain, but your surgeon will discuss how these can be managed for your specific situation. If there is no available bone to place the implant, then bone and gum grafting procedures may be required, which can increase the cost of your treatment. However, the upfront investment can pay off in the long term.
How much do implants cost and does insurance cover the cost?
In general, the cost of replacing a single tooth with a dental implant is almost the same as replacing it with a regular fixed bridge. Dental implant treatment may qualify for some insurance coverage, but situations vary. The cost will vary by patient needs, bone quantity, and region.
What is the success rate of Dental Implants?
It varies from individual to individual and with health and habits. For a healthy individual with good oral hygiene and good health, dental implants are predictably successful with reported success rates above 90-95 percent.
Do Dental Implants last?
Unlike natural teeth, dental implants are not susceptible to dental disease such as decay; however, the health of the gums is vital to maintaining lasting implant success. Conscientious home care by the patient and regular professional cleanings and check-ups are essential elements for dental implant sustainability. Each patient is different, and success relies upon diagnosis and planning, medical history, and a variety of other factors.
What if I want "metal-free" implants?
There is no such thing as “metal-free” teeth. Almost all materials used for teeth replacements have some sort of metal ions in them. Dental implants are made of titanium alloy (similar to hip implants, shoulder implants, and knee implants), which is highly biocompatible, and an allergy to titanium is extremely rare! Currently, there are no proven alternatives to titanium dental implants.
What is All-on-X?
All-on-X is a treatment procedure that essentially involves replacement of all missing teeth in one jaw by using only 4 implants. This procedure is especially beneficial in patients who have lost a lot of bone in the back areas of the mouth.
Can dentures be made into implants?
Dentures cannot be “made into implants”. Implants are metal screws placed into the jawbone to help anchor and support artificial teeth (dentures). It may be possible to have implants placed beneath existing dentures to aid in the stabilization and support for those dentures. This could only be done if the current dentures were otherwise in excellent condition. You should consult with your dentist to have your existing dentures carefully examined.
Are Dental Implants removeable or do they stay in your mouth?
No, dental implants are fixed solidly in the bone and allow teeth to be replaced in a manner that is closest to natural teeth.
How do Dental Implants help if I have partial or full dentures?
Actually, implants are most popularly used in patients who wear full dentures or partial dentures. Dental implants can be used to provide retention and support for a removable implant overdenture, which basically snaps on the implants! Therefore, the partial or full denture does not move and reduces the dependency on denture adhesives/denture glue. Or, dental implants can be used for a fixed denture, where a patient’s dentures are fixed/bolted to the implants through titanium components. Only the dentist can remove this from the mouth.
Testimonials
What Our Patients Say
“I Love My Smile”
Dr. Leach and his team were amazing and made me feel comfortable during my journey of having jaw surgery. He gained my trust quickly because he made sure he discussed all my options and reasons why I needed the surgery. After my jaw surgery, I love my smile and is no longer self-conscious about my jaw or the way my chin looks. I could not have asked for a better team or experience.
Candice C.
“One of the Biggest Fans”
In December of 2019, Dr. Daniel Leach performed an extensive oral surgery on our 19-year-old son. In the 4 to 5 years of preparation for this surgery with our orthodontist, Dr. Loring Ross, we met with many qualified oral surgeons. Our son felt most comfortable and confident with Dr. Leach, as did we. The communication between these two doctors was evident. In layman’s terms, my sons lower jaw was shifted to one ...
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Julie C.
"Love, Care, & Compassion”
Dr. Leach and all of his team treated me great. I received great customer service along with great patient care. Dr. Leach and his wife were great with me throughout this lengthy procedure. Not everyone can do what they do and actually enjoy doing it. Not everyone treats their patients with love, care, and compassion like they do. I felt 0 pain while under their care. They made my procedure as ...
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Emma V.
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We look forward to treating you! Call us today to schedule an appointment with one of our specialists or book an appointment directly online.
Address
4986 Calvin Street
North Charleston, SC 29418
Call Us
(843) 408-4808
Email Us
info@exemplarsurgery.com