WHAT ARE DENTAL IMPLANTS?
Artificial Tooth Roots
Dental implants are artificial tooth roots that are made from titanium or other biocompatible materials. They are surgically implanted into the jaw and fuse with the bone tissue over the course of three to six months. This process of the implant fusing with bone is known as osseointegration. When the site is fully healed, dental implants can support crowns, bridges, or dentures, providing an appearance and stability comparable to natural teeth.
Countless Patient Benefits
Implants offer countless benefits over removable appliances. For one, implants are far more secure than dental adhesives. Your replacement teeth will not shift out of place while biting, chewing, or speaking. Dental implants also prevent the loss of jawbone density, a common problem that affects people with missing teeth. Left untreated, even a single missing tooth can cause the face to look sunken and aged. Bone loss can also loosen nearby teeth.
WHY CHOOSE OUR IMPLANT DENTISTS?
Experience and Training
Dr. Jonathan Earp has extensive experience with implants, which includes training by Dr. Urs Belser and completion of the Straumann Dental Implant symposiums. In his years as a dentist, Dr. Earp has placed numerous implants to restore the upper and lower dental arches.
Professional Dedication
Our dentists are members of societies that focus on implants, including the International Team for Implantology, the International Congress of Oral Implantologists, the American Society of Implant and Reconstructive Dentistry, and the American Academy of Implant Dentistry.
Advanced Technology
We use iTero® scanners for detailed 3-D images of the teeth and dental arches. This allows us to determine exactly where a patient’s dental implants should be placed to ensure maximum stability. The technology also helps us determine whether a tooth should be extracted or not.
High-Quality Materials
Pruitt & Earp Dentistry uses high-quality implant products from Zimmer®, Straumann®, and Nobel Biocare. These are industry leaders, known for their craftsmanship and durability. Our practice also has CEREC®, which allows us to craft custom tooth-colored restorations in one visit to our practice.
Get a Healthier & Brighter Smile!
CANDIDATES FOR DENTAL IMPLANTS
Missing a Tooth or Multiple Teeth
Implants can be placed if you are missing just one tooth, a few teeth, or even all of your natural teeth. Our dentists will determine the number of implants you’ll need as part of the consultation process.
Healthy Enough for Oral Surgery
While implant surgery is safe, patients in poor health or with certain medical conditions may not be suitable for the procedure. During your visit to our Greenville-area practice, we can review your medical history.
Sufficient Jawbone Density
Since the dental implants are anchored directly into the jawbone, patients must have enough bone density to support the implant. Bone grafting surgery, which restores lost bone tissue, can greatly increase your candidacy for implants.
Bone Grafting Surgery
IS AVAILABLE AT OUR OFFICES
If you need a bone graft, we can perform this preparatory procedure at our practice. Bone grafting will delay your implant placement surgery by a few months, but it is an important step to take if you have suffered from tooth loss for an extended period of time. Your bone graft can make all the difference for successful treatment with implants.
YOUR DENTAL IMPLANT OPTIONS
Implant-Supported Crowns
When a patient is missing one tooth, a crown supported by a dental implant is an ideal treatment option. The crown is either screwed in place onto the implant for ease of maintenance, or it can be cemented in place depending on which tooth is missing. In addition, the crown can be made from custom-milled porcelain using our CEREC system, or from durable zirconia at an off-site dental lab.
Implant-Supported Bridges
An implant-supported bridge is recommended when a patient is missing multiple consecutive teeth. The bridge will be anchored in place along the dental arch, filling the gap while also restoring normal oral function. The number of dental implants required for the bridge will depend on the location of the missing teeth. The bridge itself can be custom crafted from high-end zirconia.
Implant-Supported Dentures
Implant-supported dentures are ideal when a patient is missing most or all of their teeth. The denture will be anchored in place with multiple dental implants. The exact number required will be determined by the needs of the patient and the health of their dental arch. The final custom denture will be crafted so it is virtually indistinguishable from natural teeth.
IMAGINE FEELING TOTALLY CONFIDENT IN YOUR SMILE AGAIN…
Is the Implant Process Painful?
WE’RE HERE TO PUT YOU AT EASE
Rest assured that getting a dental implant involves very little pain. In fact, thanks to local anesthetic, dental sedation, and modern pain management techniques, the process is virtually painless.
THE DENTAL IMPLANT PROCESS
1
Initial Consultation
During your initial consultation at our Greenville or Plymouth office, we will perform a full dental exam to determine if implants are right for you. We can answer any questions you have about dental implants so you can make an informed decision about your oral health.
2
Implant Placement Surgery
During this procedure, your dentist will make an incision along your gumline to access your jawbone. The titanium implant will be anchored directly into the bone. You might receive a temporary restoration at this time.
3
Osseointegration
Over the next three to six months, the titanium implant will fuse with your jawbone. This integration of the dental implant into the structure of your jaw is crucial for the success of your treatment.
4
Abutment Placement Surgery
This procedure will take place after osseointegration is complete. Another incision will be made into your gum tissue to place the abutment, which serves as the connection between the dental implant and the final restoration.
5
Brief Recovery
It only takes about two weeks to recover from abutment placement surgery.
6
Fitting Your Restoration
The final part of the process is placing your permanent crown, bridge, or denture at our office in Greenville or Plymouth. Your dentist will adjust your restoration as necessary to ensure it’s completely stable and comfortable in your mouth.
HOW LONG DO IMPLANTS LAST?
Titanium implants can remain in place for a lifetime, and your restorations can last for upwards of 15 years. Our dentists can explain maintenance tips, such as proper brushing techniques and making regular visits to our Greenville or Plymouth office, that can help your beautiful new smile last longer.
THE COST OF DENTAL IMPLANTS
A dental implant costs $1,600 at our practice. This price is just for the implant itself, and does not take into account the replacement tooth or teeth, or the abutment used to secure the implant restoration. The final cost of treatment will depend on the nature of your tooth loss.
Insurance Coverage
It is important to understand that implants are not usually covered by insurance, although your restoration might be. Pruitt & Earp Dentistry is in-network for most types of dental insurance and we will work hard to maximize your coverage.
Package Pricing
Pruitt & Earp Dentistry offers package pricing for single-tooth replacement starting at $3,250. This package price includes the dental implant, the custom dental crown, and the abutment. We can discuss pricing for implant-supported bridges and dentures during your consultation.
Financing Options
We don’t want costs to be a barrier between you and your beautiful new smile. Our team offers financing through CareCredit®, a lender that provides loans with low or no interest and affordable monthly installments.
Transform Your Smile Today!
WHY CHOOSE OUR DENTISTRY OFFICE?
Experience Exceptional Care and Transformative Results
One-Stop Shop
Our dentistry offices offer a variety of general, restorative, and cosmetic procedures to meet our patient’s needs. We rarely have to refer patients out because of our dentists’ breadth of knowledge.
Competitive Pricing
Our office offers top quality dental services at competitive prices. We also accept most insurance providers and monthly financing for patients who don’t have insurance or who’s procedure is not covered.
Knowledgeable Staff
Having three dentists on our team means having a staff knowledgeable on various specialties. All of our dentists are highly trained and take continuing education courses to stay up-to-date on the latest dental trends.
WHAT OUR CUSTOMERS HAVE TO SAY
See What Our Satisfied Patients Are Saying About Us
COMPLETE LIST OF SERVICES
Experience Complete Dental Care with Us
• 3-D Imaging
• Braces
• Cosmetic Dentistry
• Dental Bonding
• Dental Bridges
• Dental Crowns
• Dental Fillings
• Dental Implants
• Exams and Cleanings
• General Dentistry
• Intraoral Cameras
• Invisalign
• Laser Dentistry
• Laser Ulcer Treatment
• Microscope Dentistry
• Periodontal Care
• Porcelain Veneers
• Restorative Dentistry
• Root Canal Treatment
• Scaling and Root Planing
• Sedation Dentistry
• Sleep Apnea Treatment
• Sports Mouth Guards.
• Teeth Whitening