Dental Implants

A dental implant is an artificial tooth root placed surgically in the jawbone to support a removable or fixed tooth replacement. Dental implants are designed to look, feel, and function like a real tooth and replace the natural root to stop bone loss.

Dr. Robert Holland is a Columbia, SC, prosthodontist who has served patients in The Midlands of the Carolinas for over 30 years. He is highly respected in his specialty field and an excellent choice to handle your implant procedure.

Dental Implant Benefits

With a new tooth implant, you can feel confident showing off your smile again. However, the benefits go far beyond cosmetic improvement.

Maintains healthy jawbone — A natural tooth root stimulates bone growth, but the bone starts to shrink after tooth loss. Neighboring teeth become unstable and start to drift and tilt out of position. A dental implant slows or stops bone loss to stabilize surrounding teeth and maintain a healthy jawbone.

Restores comfortable chewing — Each tooth performs a specific job when you chew. After tooth loss, remaining teeth compensate for lost function, making it difficult or painful to eat and chew. A dental implant that replaces the entire tooth, from root to crown, functions like a real tooth and restores full chewing function.

Lasts a lifetime with proper care — Dental implants have an extremely high success rate when cared for properly and can last a lifetime with proper dental care.

Enhances quality of life — You can't enjoy a high quality of life when your teeth hurt, you can’t chew comfortably, and you’re embarrassed to smile around others. Replacing a missing tooth with a dental implant allows you to focus on the things in life that matter to you.

Who Needs a Dental Implant?

If any of the following situations apply to you, you may benefit from getting a dental implant:

  • I have a single missing tooth — An implant crown is a healthy alternative to a traditional dental bridge.
  • I have multiple missing teeth — An implant-supported bridge or partial denture anchored to implants can restore your smile.
  • I have complete tooth loss — An implant-supported overdenture or implant denture uses as few as two implants to provide a stable, secure tooth replacement.
  • I have decayed or damaged teeth — If it’s not possible to save a severely decayed or injured tooth, removing and replacing it with an implant tooth is the next best option.

Your Customized Dental Implant Treatment Plan

Dr. Holland is a prosthodontist and the team leader for your dental implant treatment plan. He collaborates with specialists like oral surgeons and periodontists to determine if you are currently a good implant candidate or if other procedures are needed first, such as tooth extraction or bone grafting.

Once Dr. Holland has complete information, he develops a comprehensive treatment plan that includes specific unique details about your implant procedure from preparation to placement and restoration. He will present the customized plan, explain what's involved, and answer your questions.

We also offer a free re-consult appointment so you can take some time to think about everything we presented to you. Getting implants is a big decision, and this allows a "second glance" to solidify treatment options, review the cost of your customized plan, and sign the needed documents.

Dental Implant Surgery and Healing

We have relationships with top specialists who we trust to expertly place your implant. They provide the highest standard of care and ensure you have a comfortable, successful procedure.

After the specialist places your implant, bone and tissue in your jaw grow around it, becoming a permanent part of your dental structure. Healing time depends on the individual but typically takes 4–6 months.

Crown, Bridge, or Implant Denture Placement

When osseointegration is complete, our prosthodontist attaches an abutment that connects the crown to the dental implant. Highly-detailed digital impressions allow our dental lab partners to fabricate your implant crown, bridge, or denture.

When the final restoration is ready, Dr. Holland secures it to the abutment, checks it for fit, and makes the necessary adjustments.

Is a Dental Implant Right for You?

If you have questions about implants or want to learn if you're a candidate, please call Dr. Robert Holland, our prosthodontist in Columbia, SC, at (803) 787-5445.

 

Giving You a Reason to Smile!