Questions for Your Implant Dentist

Serving Myrtle Beach, Conway, and North Myrtle Beach areas of South Carolina

What are dental implants?

Dental implants are titanium screws that are placed where you have missing teeth. Rather than simply being a replacement for a missing tooth, they act as anchors or artificial roots. A dental crown is then placed on the abutment, which is screwed into the implant and rests above the gum line. Dental implants keep teeth from moving toward the gap of the missing tooth, gums from shrinking, and bone from being lost. Dental implants are a good idea for people who are missing just one tooth or even several teeth. They can last for life if taken care of.

Is the placement of dental implants a surgical procedure?

Placing the titanium screw in the jawbone requires a surgical procedure. We often use laser technology for dental implant surgery, which cuts down on recovery time and does not require cutting into your gums. Often, a temporary abutment and crown can be placed at the time of surgery. The second part of the procedure requires the placement of a permanent abutment to attach the porcelain crown.

Is there much pain involved in the dental implant process?

There is little to no discomfort, but at the Carolina Center for Cosmetic & Restorative Dentistry we offer oral sedation dentistry for our patients who may be anxious about the procedure. You will be given an anesthetic so that you are comfortable throughout the dental implant procedure. You will also be given pain medication during the healing process.

Am I a candidate for dental implants?

The best candidates for dental implants are patients who have good general oral health and practice good oral hygiene. If you smoke, you may not be a good candidate because blood flow to bone and tissue around the gums and teeth is impeded. This negatively affects bone healing.

Some medications used for osteoporosis may also negatively affect the healing process. Speak with our implant dentists about what medications you are taking during your consultation.

If you are in the Myrtle Beach or Conway, South Carolina area and are interested in dental implants, please contact the experienced implant dentists at the Carolina Center for Cosmetic & Restorative Dentistry for an initial consultation.