.avif)
Missing teeth do more than affect how you smile — they change how you eat, how you speak, and, over time, the very structure of your jaw. Dental implants are today's gold-standard solution because they replace not just the visible tooth but the root beneath it, keeping your jawbone healthy and your replacement teeth rock-solid.
If you're researching dental implants in the Greenwood and Clinton area, here's what you need to know about your options, the process, and how to get started.
What Is a Dental Implant?
A dental implant is a small, biocompatible titanium post that's placed in your jawbone to act as an artificial tooth root. Once it fuses with the bone, it provides a permanent foundation for a custom crown, bridge, or full set of teeth. Unlike removable dentures, an implant is fixed, stable, and cared for just like a natural tooth.
Why Choose Implants Over Bridges or Dentures?
Implants offer advantages that other options can't match:
- They preserve your jawbone. When a tooth is lost, the bone beneath it begins to shrink. An implant stimulates the bone the way a natural root does, helping to prevent the bone loss that ages your face and undermines neighboring teeth.
- They stay put. No slipping, no adhesives, no removing them at night.
- They protect your other teeth. Unlike a traditional bridge, an implant doesn't require grinding down healthy adjacent teeth.
- They're built to last. With good care, implants can last decades.
Can Implants Replace More Than One Tooth?
Absolutely. Implant solutions scale to your needs:
- Single-tooth implant: One post, one crown — ideal for replacing an individual missing tooth.
- Implant-supported bridge: A few implants support several replacement teeth across a gap.
- Full-arch restoration: A full set of fixed teeth supported by a series of implants — a stable, permanent alternative to traditional dentures for patients missing most or all of their teeth.
Will I Need a Bone Graft Before Getting Implants?
Some patients do. An implant needs enough healthy bone to anchor into, and if a tooth has been missing for a while, the bone may have shrunk. In that case, a bone graft for dental implants rebuilds the foundation so your implant has solid support. Your periodontist will assess your bone with an exam and imaging and let you know whether grafting is part of your plan.
What Is the Dental Implant Process Like?
Every case is unique, but the typical journey looks like this:
- Consultation and planning — exam, imaging, and a personalized treatment plan.
- Bone grafting if needed — to build up the site before placement.
- Implant placement — the post is placed and given time to fuse with the bone (a process called osseointegration).
- Restoration — your custom crown, bridge, or full-arch teeth are attached.
The timeline spans a few months because of the healing time required for the implant to integrate — but the result is a replacement built to last.
How Much Do Dental Implants Cost?
Cost depends on how many teeth you're replacing, whether you need grafting, and the type of restoration you choose — which is why an accurate figure requires a consultation. Many practices offer financing options to make treatment manageable, and our team will walk you through the full investment before you decide. Think of an implant as a long-term solution rather than a recurring expense like relines and replacements that come with other options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are dental implants painful?
Placement is done under anesthetic, and most patients report the recovery is more comfortable than they expected, similar to a routine extraction.
Why see a periodontist for implants?
Periodontists are the specialists in the gums and bone that support your teeth — the exact foundation an implant depends on — making them uniquely qualified to place implants and manage any grafting.
How long do dental implants last?
With good oral hygiene and regular checkups, implants can last decades, and often a lifetime.
Ready to Replace a Missing Tooth — or Several?
At Aaron B. Carner, DMD, LLC, Dr. Carner combines periodontal expertise with advanced implant techniques to rebuild smiles for patients across Greenwood and Clinton, SC.
Explore our implant dentistry services, or schedule your consultation to find out if implants are right for you.
Two Locations. One Commitment to Your Smile.
Whether you visit us in Greenwood or Clinton, you’ll find the same friendly faces and expert care waiting for you. We’re ready to help you restore your oral health — one step at a time.