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Restore Your Smile With Confidence And Functionality

Dental Implants - Rock Hill, SC

Dental implants are the perfect solution for missing teeth.

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What Are Dental Implants and Why Are They Important?

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At River District Family Dentistry, we understand the importance of having a healthy and complete smile. Unfortunately, many individuals may suffer from tooth loss due to various reasons such as decay, injury, or age. In order to restore their smiles and functionality of their teeth, dental implants have become a popular option for tooth replacement.

But what exactly are dental implants and why are they important? In this article, we will dive deeper into the world of dental implants and discuss their benefits, procedure, and various types available.

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The Benefits of Dental Implants: Why Choose Them Over Other Options?

Dental implants, preferred for their durability, offer permanent tooth replacement. Unlike dentures or bridges, they last a lifetime with proper care. Here are their key advantages:"

  • Natural Look and Feel
  • Improved Speech and Chewing
  • Long-Term Solution
  • Preserves Jawbone
  • Easy Maintenance
  • Improved Oral Health
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The Dental Implant Proceedure

The dental implant procedure involves a few steps and may take several months to complete. Here is an overview of the process:

Types of Dental Implants

  • Consultation

    The first step is to schedule a consultation with your dentist to determine if you are a good candidate for dental implants. During this visit, your dentist will examine your oral health and discuss your treatment options.

  • Planning

    Once you have been approved for dental implants, your dentist will create a detailed treatment plan. This may involve taking X-rays and 3D scans of your jawbone to determine the best placement for the implants.

  • Implant Placement

    The next step is to surgically place the dental implant into your jawbone. This involves making a small incision in your gums and drilling a hole into the bone. The implant, which is made of titanium, is then placed into the hole and covered with a healing cap. Over the next few months, the implant will fuse with the jawbone in a process called osseointegration.

  • Abutment Placement

    Once osseointegration has occurred, your dentist will attach an abutment to the implant. This serves as a connector between the implant and the prosthetic tooth.

  • Restoration

    Finally, a custom-made crown, bridge, or denture will be placed on top of the abutment to complete the dental implant procedure.

Implants: Why Choose Them Over Other Options?

Dental implants have become a preferred method for tooth replacement due to their numerous advantages. Unlike dentures or bridges, dental implants are a permanent solution that can last a lifetime with proper care. Here are some of the benefits of choosing dental implants over other options:

  • Natural Look and Feel: Dental implants are designed to look and feel like natural teeth. They provide a more natural appearance compared to dentures or bridges, which may appear bulky or fake.
  • Improved Speech and Chewing: Dentures can often slip or click when speaking, making it difficult to speak clearly. Dental implants eliminate this issue and allow for improved speech. They also function just like natural teeth, making it easier to chew and eat your favorite foods.
  • Long-Term Solution: With proper care, dental implants can last a lifetime. This makes them a more cost-effective option in the long run compared to bridges or dentures, which may need to be replaced every 5-10 years.
  • Preserves Jawbone: When a tooth is lost, the jawbone in that area can begin to deteriorate. Dental implants help stimulate bone growth and preserve the jawbone, preventing further bone loss.
  • Easy Maintenance: Dental implants do not require any special maintenance. Simply brush and floss them like natural teeth, and visit your dentist regularly for check-ups.
  • Improved Oral Health: Unlike bridges, which require the grinding down of adjacent teeth, dental implants do not affect neighboring healthy teeth. This helps maintain good oral health in the long run.

Which Dental Implant is Right for Me?

There are various types of dental implants available depending on your specific needs. We will determine which type is best for you based on factors such as the number of missing teeth, bone density, and personal preference.

Here are some common types of dental implants:

  • Single Dental Implant: As the name suggests, a single dental implant is used to replace a single missing tooth. This type of implant consists of one titanium post, which is surgically placed into the jawbone. It is then topped with a custom-made crown, giving the appearance and function of a natural tooth.
  • Multi-Tooth Implant: If you are missing multiple teeth in a row, your dentist may recommend a multi-tooth implant. This involves placing two or more implants into the jawbone and attaching a bridge to replace the missing teeth. This is a great option for those who do not want a denture or are not candidates for a full implant.
  • Full Implant: A full implant, also known as an All-on-4 implant, is used to replace all of the teeth on one or both arches. This procedure involves placing four implants per arch and attaching a custom-made denture on top. This is a great option for those who have lost all of their teeth and want a durable, permanent solution.
  • Same-Day Implant: This type of implant is becoming increasingly popular due to its convenience. It involves placing the implants and attaching a temporary restoration all in one day. This allows patients to leave the office with a fully functioning smile, without having to wait for the implants to heal before receiving their permanent restoration.

No matter which type of dental implant you may need, the overall procedure is relatively similar. It typically involves multiple steps and can take several months to complete. However, the results are well worth the wait.

Pricing

The pricing of dental implants can vary depending on several factors, including the geographical location, the complexity of the case, the number of implants needed, the type of restoration (crown, bridge, denture), and any additional procedures required (such as bone grafting or tooth extractions). It’s important to note that the following information is a general guideline, and actual costs may vary:

  • Single Tooth Implant: The cost for one dental implant might cost $1,000–$3,000
  • Multiple Teeth Implants: The cost can increase accordingly if you need several implants to replace several teeth. The total cost will depend on the number of implants required and the type of restoration.
  • All-on-4 or All-on-6 Implants: This procedure involves the placement of a full arch of teeth using a limited number of implants. The cost can range from $15,000 to $30,000 or more, depending on the specific case and the materials used.
  • Additional Procedures: If bone grafting, sinus lift, or other supplementary procedures are necessary to ensure the success of the implant, the cost will be higher due to the added complexity and materials involved.

It is important to consult with a qualified implant dentist to assess your specific needs and receive an accurate cost estimate. Dental insurance coverage for implants may vary, so consult your insurer to determine the extent of coverage, if any.

Dental implants have several long-term benefits, including enhanced aesthetics, stability, durability, and functionality. Even though the initial cost of dental implants is more than that of other options for tooth replacement, such as dentures or bridges, implants have these advantages. We are created to seem like real teeth; if taken care of properly, they can endure for a long time.

Ultimately, dental implants invest in your oral health and overall well-being. It’s advisable to discuss the financial aspects and available payment options with your dental provider to make an informed decision based on your individual needs and budget.

FAQs

These are the most frequest questions we receive with regard to Dental Implants.

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  • How painful is it to get dental implants?

    The full mouth dental implant procedures at River District Smiles Dentistry are performed by Dr. Hubis using general anesthesia. This means you will be fully asleep and pain-free during the tooth extraction and implant processes. When it’s time to wake up, you’ll receive a long-acting, local anesthetic to ensure you continue to experience no pain.

    Our team will also prescribe powerful pain relievers, but many of our patients report that over-the-counter medications provide enough pain relief during their at-home recovery period. You may experience some discomfort for up to a week, although it’s not uncommon for patients to return to work and go about their routine activities within a day or two of getting implants.

  • Are dental implants permanent?

    Full mouth dental implants are considered permanent in that, unlike dentures, your tooth replacements can’t be removed without professional dental assistance. Also unlike dentures, the high-quality dental implants and replacement teeth we offer at River District Smiles Dentistry are designed to last a lifetime, as long as the patient adheres to the simple oral hygiene and dental maintenance plan we provide.

  • Are dental implants safe?

    The high-grade titanium dental implants we use are safe for almost 100% of patients. Titanium dental implants have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and they have been scientifically proven to bond to the jawbone better than other implant materials. This helps them mimic the functionality of healthy natural tooth roots.

    Although there is a slight risk of rejection of the implant material, reports of patients experiencing this with high-grade titanium are extremely rare.

    Of course, dental implantation is a surgical procedure, so the same safety concerns that apply to any type of surgery with general anesthesia come into play for dental implants. When you turn to River District Smiles Dentistry for full mouth dental implants, you’ll meet with Melissa and Dr. Matthew Hubis who will evaluate not only your oral health but also your overall medical condition. If you smoke, take certain medications or have pre-existing conditions such as uncontrolled high blood pressure or diabetes, you will likely need to take some steps to get medical clearance prior to surgery.

    Dr. Matthew Hubis has many years of experience providing full mouth dental implants for a wide variety of patients, all of whom have their own unique oral and overall health conditions. When you entrust your teeth replacement to our team of experts, you can feel confident that your safety and satisfaction are our top priority.

  • What is the failure rate for dental implants?

    The success rate of dental implants in general is about 95%. Failure of the full arch dental implants at River District Smiles Dentistry is extremely rare.

    Will my dental implants look like real teeth?

    When you trust Dr. Hubis at River District Smiles Dentistry to replace your failing teeth with full mouth dental implants, you can rest assured that your new teeth will not only look like healthy natural teeth, but they’ll also be customized for you in terms of size, color and function.

    You’ll receive an initial set of temporary acrylic teeth on the same day as you get your dental implants. At River District Smiles, we’re committed to satisfying our patients by providing the look and feel of beautiful natural teeth.

  • Can periodontal disease affect dental implants?

    For patients with severe or extensive periodontal (gum) disease, replacing their failing teeth with implant-supported artificial teeth is the gold standard in treatment because there is no other cure for this condition. At River District Smiles, we remove the bacterial infection that causes gum disease as part of the implantation process, which means you can start life fresh with your new teeth.

    However, it will be critical to adhere to the immediate post-implantation care and hygiene instructions as well as the long-term implant maintenance plan you receive from our team to minimize the risk of infection after your dental implants are in place. Your long-term plan will include regular visits to a dentist who’s trained to recognize the signs of infection and inflammation around dental implants.

    Additionally, it has been documented that smoking increases the risk of periodontitis around dental implants. It’s important that patients who smoke give up this habit before getting dental implants and during the healing process. For ideal long-term results, patients should abstain from smoking and vaping after getting implants.

  • Do I have to quit smoking to get dental implants?

    Smoking typically takes a heavy toll on oral health, and any smokers who are thinking about getting dental implants are strongly encouraged to give up the habit for good. After all, studies have shown that smokers face a much higher risk of implant failure than nonsmokers and former smokers.

    Why? Smoking interferes with blood flow to the gums and jawbone, which can delay the post-implantation healing process and hinder the integration of implants into the jawbone. Smoking also increases patients’ risk of peri-implantitis, which is inflammation of gum and/or bone tissue caused by a bacterial infection around the base of a dental implant.

    With that said, smoking does not automatically make a patient ineligible for dental implants at River District Smiles. If you smoke, you should discuss your habit, including how many cigarettes or e-cigarettes you smoke, with Dr. Hubis who will evaluate your health, medications and other factors to determine your eligibility for the dental implantation procedure. If you can’t give up smoking altogether, you will be asked to commit to no smoking for at least two weeks before your dental implantation procedure and for six months afterward to promote successful healing.

  • Can I get full mouth dental implants if I have only a few bad or missing teeth?

    If you’re asking this question, it’s likely that you are a candidate for full mouth dental implants. Many of the best candidates for full arch or full mouth dental implants at River District Smiles have either lost most of their teeth or most of their teeth are failing. They may have been told by their dentist that their advanced gum disease or tooth decay will eventually lead to tooth loss. During your consultation or during a brief phone call, we may find that single dental implants would better suit your needs.

  • How long does it take to recover from the full mouth dental implant procedure?

    Some people recover enough to go about their routine activities the day after their procedure, but most take three to five days to feel ready to resume their active lifestyle.

    For optimal recovery results, it’s important to follow the guidelines for diet and care provided by your River District Smiles Dentistry. For example, use ice for any facial swelling the first two days and allow stitches to dissolve on their own, which usually occurs in seven to 10 days.

    You’ll need to stick to a soft diet for the first few days after you get dental implants and continue to avoid tough, chewy foods for up to six months while your implants fully integrate with your jawbone.

    Additionally, although your long-term oral hygiene routine will be similar to the guidelines for natural tooth maintenance, you’ll receive instructions for special cleaning techniques for the weeks immediately following your dental implantation.

  • For budgetary reasons, can I get dental implants for the upper and lower arches at separate times?

    In some cases, patients may be able to get a complete row of dental implants for the upper or lower arch while planning to get implants for the second full arch later. When you schedule a consultation at River District Smiles, our experts can help you determine whether this is a good option for you.

  • Will insurance cover the cost of dental implants?

    Most health and dental insurance plans don’t cover the cost of dental implants. River District Smiles Dentistry has agreements with partners who offer financing options to our patients who qualify. Another way that some of our patients pay for the dental implants they need is to borrow from their 401(k) retirement plans or take out a home equity line of credit.

  • How much do dental implants cost?

    Every patient is unique, and all of our full mouth dental implant plans are tailored to meet our patients’ individual needs. Contact River District Smiles Dentistry today for information about the cost of dental implants and to schedule a consultation, during which we can provide you with an accurate estimate that covers all of our services, including X-rays, doctor visits, implantation, tooth fabrication and more.

  • Are there any alternatives to dental crowns or bridges for restoring damaged or missing teeth?

    Yes, there are alternative treatments for restoring damaged or missing teeth, such as dental implants, dental veneers, inlays, onlays, or composite bonding. The most suitable treatment option will depend on factors such as the extent of damage, location of the affected tooth, and your overall dental health.

  • Can I really get a full set of new teeth in a single day?

    Patients at River District Smiles Dentistry leave our clinic with a full set of artificial teeth on the same day as they get their implants. These teeth are attractive and customized to fit. But the first set of teeth you get at River District Smiles will not be the final set of teeth you’ll receive.

    The first set of teeth we place on your dental implants will be acrylic and designed for temporary use.

    After your dental implants have integrated with your jawbone and your gums have fully healed, we’ll take scans and design a 3D-printed prototype set of teeth just for you. This process ensures a better patient experience and also gives you a second opportunity to work with our team to customize your new teeth according to your aesthetic preferences.

    Once the prototype is perfect, we will duplicate it in zirconia ensuring its durability and beauty for many many years.

  • Am I a good candidate for dental implants?

    The best way to determine if you are a good candidate for snap-in dentures is through a dentist consultation. Dentists examine your mouth and jaw to see if you have enough bone density to support dental implants. They also need to check if your gums are healthy enough to undergo surgery. If you do not have enough bone density or healthy gums, you may not be a good candidate for snap-in dentures.

    The best candidates for snap-in dentures are people who:

    • Have good oral health overall
    • Have enough bone density in the jaw for support
    • Do not have active gum disease
    • Are committed to maintaining good oral hygiene

    If you think you need a snap-in denture, we recommend you talk to a dentist for best recommendations.

  • How much does it cost to get dental implants at River District Smiles Dentistry?

    The cost of dental implants at River District Smiles Dentistry varies depending on factors such as the number of implants needed, the complexity of the procedure, and any additional treatments required. On average, a single dental implant can cost between $1,500 and $3,000.

  • What are dental bridges?

    Dental bridges are prosthetic devices used to replace one or more missing teeth. They consist of one or more artificial teeth (pontics) held in place by dental crowns on the adjacent natural teeth or dental implants.

  • When is a dental crown needed?

    Dental crowns are needed to protect weak teeth, restore broken or severely decayed teeth, cover dental implants, support dental bridges, or improve the appearance of misshapen or discolored teeth.

  • What services do you offer?

    River District Smiles Dentistry offers a comprehensive selection of dental services, such as preventive care, restorative treatments, cosmetic dentistry, orthodontics, and emergency dental care.

  • Do you offer payment plans?

    We understand the importance of accessible dental care and offer various payment plans to accommodate different budgets. Our team is happy to work with you to find a solution that ensures you and your family can receive the care you need.

  • What is the price range for your dental services?

    Our prices vary depending on the complexity and type of treatment. Generally, a routine dental check-up and cleaning can cost between $100 and $250, while more complex procedures like dental implants may range from $2,000 to $4,000 per tooth. We provide detailed estimates after a thorough evaluation and offer various payment options and plans to fit your budget.

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