Do you have missing teeth? Do dentists tell you that your teeth are hopeless and think dentures are your only option? Dental implants are the modern solution for missing teeth. This dental prosthetic provides the most lifelike tooth replacement and supports your long-term dental health.
Dr. Trinkner works with our patients to replace teeth with the most relevant treatment option for them. We recommend dental implants for most cases. Treatment planning is the most critical component of our team-oriented approach. With digital diagnostics and 3D scanning, we can evaluate your oral health and strategize a predictable and stable outcome.
To give our patients the highest level of care, Dr. Tom Trinkner collaborates with a select team of specialists in Columbia, SC. We partner with the best oral surgeons to place dental implants. The dental labs we work with use modern implant dentistry equipment. We will use the most advanced software and techniques for developing and testing dental implants.
Dental implants can replace a single lost tooth, secure a dental bridge, and hold a denture in place. The implant consists of three main parts: the implant screw or post, the abutment, and the implant crown. A dental implant replaces both the missing tooth and the lost tooth root. Continue reading to learn more about how we can help you replace missing teeth, and visit Dr. Trinkner for all your implant needs.
Dental Implants in Columbia, SC
Dental implants are the best permanent fix for missing teeth. They work and feel just like real teeth, so you get back your best smile and chewing power. Today’s implants are safer and work better than ever. Our team will make a custom plan just for you.
We work with expert surgeons, periodontists and dental labs to get you the best results. Dr. Trinkner offers single tooth implants, implant-supported bridges, and implant dentures in our Columbia dental office.
Single Tooth Implants
A single dental implant is perfect if you’re missing just one tooth, especially in the front where people see it when you smile. A single implant can hold either one replacement tooth or even support a small bridge for two missing teeth. To learn more about single dental implants, see Implant-supported Crown.
Implant-Supported Bridges
When one or more consecutive teeth are missing, an implant-supported bridge can provide the most stable restoration. They’re great when you’re missing several teeth in a row. Unlike regular bridges that need to grind down healthy teeth, these attach to implants instead.
They don’t move or slip and can last over 15 years with good care. To learn more about permanent bridges, see Implant-supported Bridge.
Implant Dentures
Also known as All On Four®, an implant-supported denture is the modern way to replace all your teeth. These dentures snap onto just four implants so they never slip or need messy adhesives.
All-on-four Dentures let you eat all your favorite foods and even keep your jawbone strong. Our denture patients say it’s much better than old-fashioned dentures. Yes, we can replace your traditional dentures with implant-supported ones.
Implant-secured dentures offer many advantages over traditional removable dentures. They help preserve your jawbone and facial structure so your face doesn’t sag prematurely.
All our implant options:
- Look and work like real teeth
- Help prevent bone loss in your jaw
- Are built to last for a decade or two
- Give you back your confident smile
Call us to schedule a consultation and get to know which option is best for you. We’ll explain everything in simple terms and help you choose what works best for your smile.
Patient before and after dental implants in Columbia, SC.
The Dental Implant Procedure
Getting dental implants usually takes two or three visits over a couple of months to finish. First, you’ll have a complete check-up with Dr. Trinkner. He’ll examine your teeth, gums, and bite to see if implants are the best choice for you.
If implants will work for you, the next step is surgery. A specialist will place the implant in your jawbone. On the same day as your surgery, you’ll visit our Columbia dental practice to get temporary teeth. These temporaries stay in place while your implant heals and bonds with your bone. This healing process takes about three to six months.
After your implant has fully healed, you’ll come back to our office for your permanent replacement teeth. If you’re missing one tooth, Dr. Trinkner will usually put a crown on the implant. For several missing teeth, he might use a bridge or partial denture attached to the implants. If you need to replace all your teeth, we can secure a full denture to the implants so you can eat and speak normally again.
The whole process takes time, but it’s well worth it. When finished, your new teeth will look, feel, and work just like the real thing. You’ll be able to smile with confidence and eat all your favorite foods without worry. To learn more about the dental implant procedure, see The Dental Implant Process.
Why Dental Implants Are the Best Choice
Dental implants are the closest thing to getting your real teeth back. They look, feel, and work better than any other tooth replacement option. Here’s why they’re so great:
- They Protect Your Jawbone: Unlike bridges or dentures, implants replace both the tooth root and crown. This stops bone loss and actually helps your jaw stay strong. Other replacements let your jawbone shrink over time, meaning you’ll need expensive adjustments later.
- They Stay Put: No slipping and no embarrassing moments. Implants are permanently secured so you can talk, laugh, and eat without worry. Forget about messy adhesives because implants stay in place on their own.
- Eat Whatever You Want: Get back to enjoying all your favorite foods. Implants restore 100% of your biting power, so you can crunch apples or chew steak just like with real teeth.
- Easy to Care For: Just brush and floss like normal. You don’t need special cleaners or overnight soaking. Unlike dentures, you never have to take them out. Regular dental checkups are all you need to keep them in great shape.
Implants might cost more at first, but they save you money and hassle over time. They’re built to last decades with proper care, while other options need frequent replacements. If you’re missing teeth, implants give you back your smile the way nature intended.
Patient Review
Dental Implant FAQs
Get your questions answered from the best implant specialists in Columbia. We want you to have all the knowledge you need to prepare for your treatment and peace of mind.
Are dental implants getting more affordable?
Yes! Dental implants used to cost a lot more, but prices have become more reasonable as the procedure has become common. Many dental offices across the country now offer them. During your consultation, we’ll talk about costs and payment plans that work for your budget.
Can dental implants affect your sinuses?
No. While implants can be placed near sinus cavities, they don’t cause sinus issues. Any sinus pain after the procedure usually has other causes. In very rare cases, implants near sinuses might make existing sinus problems worse. If you’re worried, we can discuss your specific situation during your visit.
How often do dental implants fail?
Research shows less than 5% of implants fail. Most failures happen when patients don’t care for them properly, like chewing hard foods, not cleaning well, or brushing too hard. The good news is that you can avoid most problems by taking good care of your implants from day one.
Schedule a Consultation for Dental Implants Today
Dr. Trinkner offers affordable dental implants in Columbia, SC. If you have missing teeth, you have several options at our Columbia dental practice. Contact Dr. Thomas Trinkner to see if dental implants are right for you.
Call 803-400-8729 or schedule a dental exam online today. To learn more about our dental implants, see: