Dental Implants
James Island & Charleston
A dental implant restores the function and appearance of your smile!
Missing a tooth can negatively impact the quality of your life. Many are faced with having to miss out on favorite foods or the feelings of being self consciousness,. Fortunately, dental technology has come up with a permanent solution to missing teeth – dental implants. And unlike bridges or dentures, dental implants offer impressive long-term dental health benefits. We specialize in dental implants in James Island and Charleston.
What Are Dental Implants
A dental implant is a titanium fixture that is placed in the jaw bone to replace a missing tooth or to anchor loose dentures. Dental implants are very safe and have long-term success rates of 97 to 98%. At James Island Dental Associates, we provide comprehensive dental implant treatment, from start to finish, right here in our Charleston, SC dental office. Planning is critical for the placement of an implant, so Dr. Weir and Dr. Thomas take a thorough medical and dental history prior to placement.
We take digital radiographs (x-rays) to make sure the bone is adequate and there are no vital structures too close to the location of the implant. Many patients are comfortable with a local anesthetic, but if you are anxious, we can help you relax using our sedation dentistry options.
The titanium screw that makes up the “implant” part of each dental implant has a threaded channel inside of it. This inside channel allows us to place different attachments (or abutments) onto the implant. Different abutments allow for crowns, bridges, partials, or dentures to be seated on top of the implant.
How Are Dental Implants Placed?
Placing a dental implant involves some surgery. An incision is made in the gum, the tissues are teased back, a hole is made in the bone, the implant is inserted in the bone, and a few sutures are placed. There is some slight discomfort following the procedure; therefore, anti-inflammatory drugs and a pain medication are often prescribed. Dr. Weir or Dr. Thomas will discuss your needs with you to help determine the best course of action.
The restoration of a dental implant takes place after proper healing. Each person heals differently, so times can vary.
During healing, the implant can either be buried under the gum or a healing cuff placed on top of the implant. If the implant is buried, then we uncover it by making a small incision in the gum to expose the implant. A healing cuff is screwed into the fixture, and the gums are allowed to heal for about three weeks. The healing cuff is then removed and an impression is made.
If the impression is for a crown, then about two to three weeks later the crown is ready and cemented in place. If you are having an overdenture made, the placement of the housing is done in the office. After a few small adjustments, your tooth or teeth are restored and functioning!
Convenience
Convenience
We make it easy and convenient to schedule appointments and make payments online with our patient connect portal.
Advanced Technology
Advanced Technology
We have the latest dental technology to care for all of your dental needs in-house.
Comfort
Welcoming Atmosphere
We strive to create a stress-free experience curated by our friendly and welcoming staff.
Get Started
New Patients
Are you a new patient to James Island Dental Associates? Get started now by following the link and completing the requested forms to make your visit easy and stress-free.
Current Patients
Get Started
New Patients
Are you a new patient to James Island Dental? Get started now by following the link and completing the requested forms to make your visit easy and stress-free.
Current Patients
We make is easy for existing patients of James Island Dental to easily access medical information, schedule appointments, and make online payments. Log in now.
ExcellentBased on 235 reviews
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Paul MeeksJune 15, 2023.She's super diligent & a cool person. Great combination!Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Carol PelligraJune 15, 2023.Excellent friendly and knowledgable staff and they did a terrific job on my dental cleaning.Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Joy SimmonsFebruary 14, 2023.I met Dr. Weir as a professor at MUSC dental school. I went to his office for a general visit after bone grafts. He preformed the most through dental/ mouth exam I have ever had in my life. He is kind and empathetic to me and always allows my emotions to flow. He is always up on state of the art in dentistry. He is professional, has integrity, and kind. He preforms dental implants and laser gum surgery. Check him out!Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
K HubatchJanuary 13, 2023.Their dental hygienist, Kit, went above and beyond to help make my toddler feel more comfortable. My daughter had a previously negative experience, and Kit really took the time to help her feel comfortable and involved in the process. 5 stars for Kit!Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Deb BoissonneaultAugust 29, 2022.Really like this dental practice. Everyone is friendly, helpful, & concerned for patient comfort. They get you in without months of waiting for an appointment. The service is prompt. I never feel as if the work is hurried or rushed. Finally, the dentists don't try to sell you procedures you don't need. I came to this practice because of a dentist who tried to sell me crowns I didn't need. Love this group.Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Zach SolomonAugust 29, 2022.This office is so great that I actually like goingTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Elizabeth ChristopherAugust 19, 2022.My husband, children, and I have been coming to this dentistry practice for over 20 years. We've never been tempted to go elsewhere.Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
nancy farnumAugust 15, 2022.I had a root canal done with Dr.Thomas. It was almost painless,honestly!! This dental practice is TOP NOTCH!Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Lisa MyersAugust 10, 2022.What a great experience.Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Susan HolumAugust 10, 2022.Going to the dentist isn’t one of my favorite activities but this office always makes it pleasant. Kit does a great job and puts me at ease.
MORE QUESTIONS?
Each case can be different, but three options are available for you:
Dental Implant
The first is a dental implant, which acts as an anchor in the bone and a crown that attaches to the implant. The dental implant mimics a natural tooth by adding security and offering a permanent solution. The crown created to replace the tooth will be carefully crafted to blend in with your other teeth.
Dental Bridge
The second is a fixed bridge, which involves capping the two teeth adjacent to the space. The caps are joined to a pontic (the replacement tooth) and the whole unit is cemented onto the adjacent teeth. This option provides security and completes your smile, but doesn’t offer the same benefits as implants. When multiple teeth are missing, we can discuss using implants to hold a bridge in place, which allows us to avoid altering otherwise healthy teeth.
Partial Denture
The third option is a removable partial denture, which has the missing teeth attached to it and clasps that slide over your natural teeth to help it stay in place. This removable appliance will require extra care on your part and may need to occasionally be refitted; however, it’s an option that many people find easily affordable.
At James Island Dental Associates, Dr. Weir and Dr. Thomas are proud to provide comprehensive implant dentistry. The benefit to you is that when you get dental implants in James Island, SC, you will be working with one of our dentists and the team members you know and trust.
First Step of Implant Process
After you’ve completed an initial implant consultation to determine if this is the right procedure for your needs, the next step is placing the implant. Dr. Weir and Dr. Thomas utilize advanced 3-D technology to help them plan the placement of your implant well before the procedure. This pre-treatment planning results in more accuracy, precision, and a reliable outcome on the day of your surgery.
After Implant Placement
Once we successfully place your implant, we give it time to heal and integrate fully with bone in your jaw. In this way, the implant becomes a permanent part of your dental anatomy just as your tooth root was. The healing process can take anywhere from three to six months.
When you complete the healing process, our dentists create your final restoration. We can use implants to replace a single missing tooth with a durable and aesthetic porcelain crown. They are also capable of supporting multiple tooth replacement prosthetics such as a bridge or denture.
Contact Our Office
Dental implants are an excellent investment in your oral health and your smile, and your team at James Island Dental Associates looks forward to helping you through the process!
Dental Implants
The first is a dental implant, which acts as an anchor in the bone and a crown that attaches to the implant. The dental implant mimics a natural tooth by adding security and offering a permanent solution. The crown created to replace the tooth will be carefully crafted to blend in with your other teeth.
Dental Bridge
The second is a fixed bridge, which involves capping the two teeth adjacent to the space. The caps are joined to a pontic (the replacement tooth) and the whole unit is cemented onto the adjacent teeth. This option provides security and completes your smile, but doesn’t offer the same benefits as implants. When multiple teeth are missing, we can discuss using implants to hold a bridge in place, which allows us to avoid altering otherwise healthy teeth.
Partial Denture
The third option is a removable partial denture, which has the missing teeth attached to it and clasps that slide over your natural teeth to help it stay in place. This removable appliance will require extra care on your part and may need to occasionally be refitted; however, it’s an option that many people find easily affordable.
At James Island Dental Associates, Dr. Weir and Dr. Thomas are proud to provide comprehensive implant dentistry. The benefit to you is that when you get dental implants in James Island, SC, you will be working with one of our dentists and the team members you know and trust.
First Step of Implant Process
After you’ve completed an initial implant consultation to determine if this is the right procedure for your needs, the next step is placing the implant. Dr. Weir and Dr. Thomas utilize advanced 3-D technology to help them plan the placement of your implant well before the procedure. This pre-treatment planning results in more accuracy, precision, and a reliable outcome on the day of your surgery.
After Implant Placement
Once we successfully place your implant, we give it time to heal and integrate fully with bone in your jaw. In this way, the implant becomes a permanent part of your dental anatomy just as your tooth root was. The healing process can take anywhere from three to six months.
When you complete the healing process, our dentists create your final restoration. We can use implants to replace a single missing tooth with a durable and aesthetic porcelain crown. They are also capable of supporting multiple tooth replacement prosthetics such as a bridge or denture.
Contact Our Office
Dental implants are an excellent investment in your oral health and your smile, and your team at James Island Dental Associates looks forward to helping you through the process!
