Why Implants Work Differently Than Other Options
Traditional tooth replacement methods focus only on what shows above the gumline. Bridges attach artificial teeth to neighboring natural teeth, while dentures rest on your gums. Both options restore your ability to chew and smile, but neither addresses what happens to your jawbone after tooth loss.
Your jawbone needs stimulation from tooth roots to maintain its density. When roots disappear, the bone begins to deteriorate through a process called resorption. Over time, this shrinkage changes your facial structure, creating a sunken appearance and making it harder for dentures to fit properly. Dental implants in Greer solve this problem by providing artificial roots that stimulate bone tissue just like natural roots do.
The implant itself is a small titanium post that Dr. Igor Lantsberg surgically places into your jawbone. Titanium has a unique property—it fuses with bone tissue through a process called osseointegration. Over several months, your bone grows around the implant, creating a permanent anchor. Once integration is complete, an abutment connects to the implant, and a custom crown attaches to the abutment. The result looks, feels, and functions like a natural tooth.
What Makes You a Good Candidate
Most people who’ve lost one or more teeth can receive implants, but the process requires adequate bone density to support the posts. During your initial consultation, the team evaluates your bone structure through X-rays or CT scans. If bone loss has already occurred, bone grafting can rebuild the area before implant placement. This adds time to the overall treatment but makes implants possible for people who otherwise wouldn’t qualify.
Your overall health matters too. Conditions like uncontrolled diabetes or active gum disease need management before implant surgery. Smoking significantly increases implant failure rates, so quitting or at least reducing tobacco use improves your chances of success. The team reviews your medical history and current medications to identify any factors that might affect healing or osseointegration.
The Implant Process Step by Step
Getting dental implants involves multiple stages spread across several months:
Initial Placement
The surgical appointment involves numbing the area and creating a small opening in your gum tissue to access the jawbone. The implant post gets placed into the bone at a precise angle and depth. For single tooth replacements, the gum tissue is sutured closed over the implant. For multiple implants, you might receive temporary teeth to wear during healing.
Osseointegration Period
The bone fusion process typically takes three to six months. During this time, you’ll need to be gentle with the area and maintain excellent oral hygiene to prevent infection. The implant remains covered beneath your gum tissue while integration occurs.
Abutment Placement
Once osseointegration is complete, a minor second procedure exposes the implant and attaches the abutment—a small connector piece that protrudes through the gum tissue. Your gums heal around the abutment for a couple of weeks.
Crown Placement
Finally, your custom crown gets attached to the abutment. The crown is crafted to match your natural teeth in size, shape, and color. Once placed, your implant restoration is complete and ready for normal use.
Single Implants Versus Multiple Replacements
Implants work for various tooth loss scenarios. A single missing tooth gets one implant and crown. Multiple missing teeth can receive individual implants or use an implant-supported bridge, where two implants anchor a bridge containing several artificial teeth. This approach costs less than placing an implant for each missing tooth while still providing superior stability compared to traditional bridges.
For people missing all their teeth, implant-supported dentures offer dramatic improvements over conventional dentures. Several implants (typically four to six per arch) anchor the denture permanently in place. You get the full functionality of fixed teeth without worrying about slipping dentures or messy adhesives. Some implant dentures snap onto the posts and can be removed for cleaning, while others are permanently fixed and cleaned like natural teeth.
Caring for Your Implants Long-Term
Implants don’t get cavities since they’re not made of natural tooth structure, but they still need daily care. Brushing twice daily and flossing around the crown and abutment removes plaque that can irritate gum tissue. Bacteria can still cause inflammation around implants—a condition called peri-implantitis that damages the supporting bone and can lead to implant failure.
Regular dental cleanings and exams monitor the health of your implants and surrounding tissue. The team checks for signs of bone loss, gum inflammation, or loosening of the crown. With proper care, implants commonly last 25 years or longer, and many last a lifetime.
Dental Implants in Greer, SC
Dental implants require a bigger upfront investment than bridges or dentures, but they deliver unmatched longevity and preserve your oral health in ways other options can’t match. The confidence that comes from teeth that don’t shift when you eat or talk, plus the knowledge that you’re protecting your jawbone, makes implants worth considering seriously.
Call Twin Falls Family Dentistry in Greer to schedule your implant consultation and discover whether this permanent solution fits your needs and goals.