Dental Implants in Greenville SC

Implant Placement & Restoration

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What is a dental implant?

Dental implants are designed to provide a foundation for replacement teeth that look, feel and function like natural teeth.  The implants are small titanium posts that are placed into the jawbone where teeth are missing. The bone bonds with the titanium, creating a strong foundation for artificial teeth. In addition, dental implants can help preserve facial structure, preventing the bone deterioration which occurs when teeth are missing.  

Evaluation for Dental Implants

Dr. Chad Colson is able to treat most implant cases from start to finish right here in our office.  He has earned his Fellowship with the International Congress Oral Implantologists.

If you feel implant dentistry is the choice for you, we ask that you undergo a dental/radiographic examination and a review of your health history. During these visits, your specific needs and considerations will be addressed by Dr. Chad Colson. Your questions and concerns are important to us, and our team will work with you very closely to help make your procedure a success.

Dental Implant Procedure

Step 1: Prior to placement, a cone beam CT (3D X-ray) will be made in our office in order to have a 360 degree view of the area.  This eliminates the “guesswork” from two-dimensional radiographs.

Step 2:  Dr. Chad Colson will plan the implant placement from the crown down to the bone in virtual reality.  A custom surgical stent is then fabricated and utilized during the surgical procedure to place the dental implant with unparalleled precision.

For most patients, the placement of dental implants involves two surgical procedures:

Initially, Dr. Chad Colson places the implants within your jawbone. During the first three to six months following surgery, the implants are beneath the surface of the gums, gradually bonding with the jawbone.  It is best to avoid function or chewing in the vicinity of the implant surgery whilst the bone forms around the implant.  Depending on your needs, a temporary tooth replacement may be an option for you during the healing phase.

Step 3: After the implant has bonded to the jawbone, Dr. Chad Colson will uncover the implant and a small healing collar will be attached to form the gum tissue for the eventual crown or prosthesis.

Step 4:  The last stage involves placement of the crown or denture as originally planned at the beginning of the process.

Dr. Jill Colson and Dr. Chad Colson can then start making your new teeth or appliance.  At this point, the implant is treated much like a tooth to have the final restoration or prosthesis fabricated. The entire procedure may take up to six or eight months.  Most patients do not experience any disruption in their daily life whilst healing.

Before & After Dental Implants