Dental Implant

Generation of Smiles for over 90 Years

If you’re missing any teeth, our West Columbia dentist might recommend a dental implant as a viable method to complete your smile once again. Dental implants are a permanent fixture that replaces the missing tooth (including the root), effectively filling in the gap, keeping adjacent teeth healthy, and preventing/correcting facial collapse.

What is a Dental Implant?

A dental implant consists of three components:

  • Titanium post
  • Attachment piece is known as an abutment 
  • Dental crown or bridge (depending on your case)

These components come together and act as a replacement of your complete tooth. Although the process takes time, dental implants last a lot longer than other dental restorations and can be the ideal solution for many patients who would like to complete their smile once again.

What to Expect When Getting a Dental Implant

Getting a dental implant at our dental office usually takes a few visits. You might come to us with a damaged tooth that requires an extraction (link to extraction page), or you might already have an empty space that needs to be filled. To make the process easier to understand, this is what you can expect once you have lost a tooth that needs to be replaced:

Placing the Implant Post

Once we have assessed that a dental implant is right for you and gathered all the information we need prior to the surgery, we will move forward with installing a bio-compatible titanium post. This post will fill in the space beneath your gumline and provide support for the remaining components of your dental implant. After this has been completed, we wait a few months before continuing with the rest of the implant. During this waiting period, your jaw will naturally bond with the post in a process known as osseointegration. 

Placing the Abutment

Once your jaw/gums heal around the dental implant post, we will do a minor procedure in which we attach a connecting piece known as an “abutment”. This will also allow your future dental crown to sit comfortably on the top of your implant.

Placing a Dental Crown on Top of Your Dental Implant

Because the titanium post is technically the “implant”, you need an artificial tooth on top so the end result blends in with the rest of your smile. A dental crown will be placed a few weeks following the abutment placement to ensure that you heal properly.

Dental Implants at West Columbia Dental

For over 90 years, West Columbia Dental has taken great pride in providing exceptional dental care to patients of all ages. If you’re ready to improve your dental health and complete your smile, please book an appointment with us. We look forward to creating a memorable experience, giving you confidence, and prioritizing your comfort at all times.

Your Dental Health is in Good Hands

Dental visits can be nerve-wracking, but rest assured that we are fully committed to performing top-quality dental work. If there is any issue, we will take care of it and ensure you are pleased with the results.

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West Columbia dental specializes in helping you achieve the beautiful, healthy smile of your dreams. Our comprehensive dental services includes family dentistry, cosmetic dentistry. Our friendly and professional team can help you enjoy your beautiful smile for years to come.