Dental Implants at Little Mountain Dentistry

Understanding the Rise in Edentulism and Dental Implant Demand

Across the United States, the incidence of edentulism (toothlessness) is on the rise. Factors contributing to this trend include aging populations, dental diseases, dietary influences and inadequate dental care. This increase has led to a growing demand for effective tooth replacement options, particularly dental implants, which offer a reliable and aesthetically pleasing solution for those missing one or more teeth.

The Benefits of Dental Implants

Dental implants have revolutionized tooth replacement, providing numerous advantages that significantly improve the quality of life for individuals with missing teeth:

  • Natural Appearance and Functionality: Dental implants look, feel and function like natural teeth. This integration helps in restoring a beautiful and natural appearance, not to mention reconstructing the functionality of the mouth. This includes, but is not limited to, improved speech, better chewing ability, cheek and jaw support, smile aesthetic and dispersed stress factors helping to protect the other teeth in mouth.
  • Durability and Longevity: Implants are designed to be a long-term solution. With proper care and maintenance, they can last a lifetime, making them a cost-effective option in the long run.
  • Bone Preservation: One of the key benefits of dental implants is their ability to preserve jawbone health. When a tooth is lost, the bone that once supported it begins to deteriorate. Implants mimic natural tooth roots, stimulating the bone and preventing bone loss.
  • Protection of Adjacent Teeth: Unlike traditional bridges, dental implants do not require the alteration of adjacent teeth. This preserves the natural tooth structure and prevents the common complications associated with bridges, such as decay and gum recession.
  • Improved Oral Health: Dental implants do not rely on neighboring teeth for support, allowing for better overall oral health. They also make it easier to maintain good oral hygiene since they can be cleaned like natural teeth.
  • Enhanced Confidence: Dental implants provide a stable and secure fit, eliminating the discomfort and self-consciousness associated with dentures that may slip or cause irritation. This stability can boost self-esteem and confidence in social and professional settings.

Implant Options at Little Mountain Dentistry

At our office, we offer a comprehensive range of dental implant solutions tailored to meet the unique needs of our patients:

  • Single Tooth Implants: Ideal for patients missing one tooth, a single implant is placed into the jawbone, topped with a custom-made crown that matches the surrounding teeth.
  • Multiple Tooth Implants: For those missing multiple teeth, implants can support bridges or partial dentures, providing a secure and comfortable fit without the need for altering healthy teeth.
  • Full Arch Implants: Patients who have lost all their teeth in an arch can benefit from implant-supported dentures or full-arch bridges, which offer a stable and natural-looking solution.
  • Immediate Load Implants: In very specific cases, we can offer immediate load implants that allow for temporary crowns to be placed on the same day as the implants, reducing the waiting period for a complete smile restoration.

*Note: Immediate Load Implants are typically not recommended by our office as implants need time to integrate fully into the bone. Immediately loaded implants often have an increased failure rate.

The Implant Procedure

The dental implant procedure typically involves several steps to ensure optimal results:

  1. Initial Consultation and Evaluation: During the initial visit, Dr. Michael Cappellucci assesses the patient’s oral health, bone structure and medical history to determine their suitability for implants. Advanced imaging techniques are used to plan the procedure.
  2. Implant Placement: The implant is surgically placed into the jawbone. This process is generally performed under local anesthesia, ensuring patient comfort.
  3. Osseointegration: Over the next few months, the implant fuses with the jawbone in a process called osseointegration. This integration provides a solid foundation for the replacement tooth.
  4. Abutment Placement: Once the implant has successfully integrated, an abutment is attached to the implant. This serves as a connector for the crown.
  5. Crown Placement: The final step involves placing a custom-made crown onto the abutment, completing the restoration and providing a natural-looking and functional tooth.

Post-Procedure Care and Follow-Up

Proper care and regular dental visits with our dentist and team are crucial for the longevity of dental implants. We provide detailed post-operative instructions and schedules follow-up appointments to monitor healing and ensure the success of the implant.

For more information on dental implants in Little Mountain, South Carolina, and to schedule a consultation, please contact our office at 803-816-0027. We are dedicated to restoring smiles and improving lives with the highest quality dental care.