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 long-term dental health.
Dr. Trinkner and Dr. Keefer work with our patients to replace teeth with the most suitable treatment option. We recommend dental implants for most cases.
Treatment planning is the most critical component of our team-oriented approach. By incorporating digital diagnostics and 3D scanning, we can evaluate your oral health condition and strategize a more predictable and stable outcome.
To give our patients the highest level of care, Dr. Trinkner and Dr. Keefer collaborate with a select team of specialists in Columbia, South Carolina, for the surgical placement of all types of dental implants. The dental laboratories that we work with are on the leading edge of implant dentistry. We will utilize the most advanced software and techniques for developing and testing dental implants.
Dental implants can replace a single lost tooth and secure a dental bridge or denture if several or all of your teeth are missing. 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. The titanium post inserted into the jaw helps maintain and stimulate healthy bone tissue, reducing jaw shrinkage and changes in the fit of the bite.
Dental Implant Solutions in Columbia, SC
Dental implants are an effective and permanent solution for our patients who have lost one or more teeth. They provide a strong foundation for replacement teeth that will look, feel, and function like your natural teeth.
Dental implants are more reliable and less invasive than ever before. Our dental care team will create a personalized treatment plan and coordinate with top specialists, including an oral surgeon or periodontist and dental lab technicians. The following are types of dental implants that we can provide for your oral health needs.
Single Tooth Implants
Our dentist can provide a single dental implant to replace one missing tooth and restore natural function and aesthetics. Dentists usually provide a single dental implant to replace a tooth in the smile zone. That means the front teeth that most people see when you smile. This single implant can also support a dental bridge that is replacing up to two teeth. To learn more about single dental implants, see Implant Supported Crown.
Implant-Supported Bridge
When one or more consecutive teeth are missing, an implant-supported dental bridge can provide the most stable restoration without the need to degrade existing healthy teeth to support the appliance. An implant-supported bridge is a dental prosthesis that two or more dental implants support.
This type of bridge provides a secure and stable replacement for lost teeth. It is an ideal option for patients who have lost many teeth due to injury or decay. With proper care, implant-supported bridges can last up to 15 years or more. To learn more about dental bridges, see Implant Supported Bridge.
Implant Dentures
Also known as All On Four®, an implant-supported denture means that your new smile will stay put- no slippage, no daily adhesives, and a natural-looking new smile. All-on-four Implant Dentures are a revolutionary way to replace missing teeth. Our dentist secures this type of denture by surgically placing dental implants directly into your jawbone for a secure and comfortable fit.
Implant-secured dentures offer many advantages over traditional removable dentures, such as improved stability, comfort, and chewing ability. They also help preserve the integrity of the jawbone and facial structure by providing stimulation to the bone that helps prevent bone loss.
About the Dental Implant Procedure
The process for dental implants can take two to three visits to complete, depending on the type of implants you are receiving. The first step in our process is a comprehensive examination and consultation with Dr. Trinkner or Dr. Keefer. Our dentists will thoroughly evaluate the condition and function of your entire occlusal system to see if tooth implants are right for you.
If we determine that you can benefit from this procedure, we will move on to the surgical phase. This phase will involve the surgical placement of the implant by a local oral surgeon or periodontist. In most cases, you will visit Dr. Trinkner’s Columbia, SC dental office that same day for temporaries which will remain in place as the tooth implant heals and fuses to the bone. The healing process takes between three and six months.
Once the dental implant integration is complete, you will return to Dr. Trinkner’s office for the final restoration. In the case of a single missing tooth, Dr. Trinkner will usually use a dental crown to cap the implant.
For many missing teeth, Dr. Trinkner or Dr. Keefer may complete the implant using a dental bridge or partial denture. If you are missing all of your teeth, we will secure a denture to the implant post to restore full function to your mouth. To learn more about the dental implant procedure, see The Dental Implant Process.
The Benefits of Dental Implants
Dental implants are the gold standard of tooth replacement. We recommend them to every patient eligible in our office. They both look and feel the most natural out of all of the tooth replacement options.
They’re also the only option that replaces the tooth root as well as the crown. So naturally, this gives you added benefits and stability.
With other dental restorations, the bone continues to deteriorate over the years. You have to have your restoration readjusted or replaced, possibly multiple times, due to the changes in the bone. These added costs can add up over time.
But with dental implants, they stop the jawbone from deteriorating further. They actually spur jawbone regeneration because the implant has to fuse with the jawbone over some time.
Dental implants also offer the most stability, which means you can trust your restoration. You don’t have to use extra things like adhesive to keep them in your mouth. You never have to worry about them slipping or falling out when you’re speaking or eating.
Next, dental implants allow you to keep your normal diet. You get back 100% of your bite function, so you can bite into apples and eat other foods with ease.
Implants don’t require any extra upkeep either. For example, you have to routinely take out removable restorations. Particularly traditional dentures because they need some time out of your mouth so that they don’t irritate your gums.
On the other hand, you don’t have to use any special cleaners or periodically remove adhesive from the dental implant restoration. You simply brush, floss, and visit the dentist like you normally would.
Dental Implant FAQs
Would you like to know more about dental implants? Learn from the best implant specialists in Columbia. We answer your dental implants questions to help you prepare for your treatment and ease your anxieties.
Are dental implants getting more affordable?
Absolutely. While they were certainly more costly years ago, getting dental implants has become increasingly more affordable as time has gone on, and the procedure has become commonplace and many dental practices around the country. We will discuss your budget and our payment options during your consultation.
Can dental implants cause sinus problems?
No. Although dentists can place dental implants near the sinus cavities, they do not cause sinus problems. Any pain or sinus-related symptoms that you experience after an implant placement could be due to a variety of other factors.
However, in very rare cases implants extending into the sinus cavities can sometimes exacerbate sinusitis issues. If you have concerns, it is important to consult with our dentist and discuss potential causes.
What is the failure rate of most dental implants?
Studies show that the failure rate with most dental implants ranges from 5% and below. These failures often result from improper care following the procedure, like eating hard foods, practicing poor oral hygiene, or even brushing your teeth too harshly. The good news is that you can prevent most of these causes by taking care of your dental implants from the start.
Schedule a Consultation for Dental Implants
Dr. Trinkner and Dr. Keefer offer affordable dental implants in Columbia, SC. If you have missing teeth, you have several options. Contact our Columbia, SC dental office to schedule an appointment with Dr. Thomas Trinkner and find out 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: