Dental Implants in Summerville, SC
Losing a tooth changes more than just the way your smile looks. Over time, a gap in your arch affects how you chew, how neighboring teeth align, and how the jawbone itself maintains its density. For patients who want a solution that addresses all of those concerns at once, dental implants are in a class of their own. They are the closest thing modern dentistry has to a natural tooth replacement, and for the right candidate, they can last a lifetime with proper care.
At Old Trolley Dental Associates, Dr. Scott Kibler and Dr. Michael Skovira provide dental implant treatment as part of a comprehensive approach to restorative dentistry for patients in Summerville, SC. Whether you have lost a single tooth or need a more involved restoration, our team takes the time to evaluate your situation thoroughly and walk you through every step of the process.
How Common Is Tooth Loss?
More people are living with tooth loss than most patients realize. According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, tooth loss affects a substantial portion of adults across every age group, with prevalence increasing significantly among adults over 50. Despite improvements in preventive care, tooth loss from decay, gum disease, and injury remains one of the most common oral health challenges in the country. For patients in their 50s, 60s, and 70s who have years of dental history to manage, implants offer a way to restore function and protect long-term oral health in a way that removable options simply cannot match.
Why Implants Are the Gold Standard for Tooth Replacement
A dental implant consists of three components: a titanium post surgically placed into the jawbone, a connector piece called an abutment, and a custom-made crown secured on top. The titanium post fuses directly with the bone through a process called osseointegration, creating a foundation that is stable, permanent, and capable of withstanding normal chewing forces.
That stability sets implants apart from other replacement options. Unlike dentures or partials, implants do not shift, slip, or require adhesives. Unlike a dental bridge, they do not require the reduction of adjacent healthy teeth. And because an implant replaces the tooth root, it stimulates the jawbone the way a natural tooth would, preventing the bone loss that typically follows tooth extraction. For patients who are candidates, the long-term benefits are substantial.
The Implant Process at Old Trolley Dental Associates
Implant treatment at Old Trolley follows a structured process designed to give each patient a predictable outcome. It begins with a thorough evaluation that includes a review of your dental and medical history, a clinical exam, and 3D cone beam imaging to assess bone volume and identify the ideal placement site. This level of diagnostic precision means fewer surprises during treatment and a more accurate restoration.
Once the implant post is placed, a healing period follows to allow osseointegration to complete. The timeline varies based on individual factors, but most patients return within a few months to have their final dental crown placed. Throughout the process, our team is available to answer questions and monitor your progress at each stage.
For patients with dental anxiety, sedation options are available to help make the procedure more comfortable. We discuss all options during your consultation so you can make an informed decision about how you want to approach your care.
Making Implants Financially Accessible
Dental implants represent a meaningful investment, and we understand that cost is a real consideration for most patients. Old Trolley offers financing through Cherry and CareCredit, both of which can break the cost of treatment into manageable monthly payments. Our financial options page has more detail on how each program works, and our team is happy to review your specific situation during your consultation. Many PPO insurance plans also offer partial coverage for implant-related treatment, and we will help you understand exactly what your benefits cover.
Schedule Your Implant Consultation at Old Trolley Dental Associates
Dental implants represent one of the more involved treatment commitments a patient can make, and that is exactly why the experience at Old Trolley is built around transparency and personal attention at every stage. Dr. Kibler has been placing and restoring implants in Summerville since 2006, and Dr. Skovira joined the practice full-time in 2015. As a two-doctor private practice, patients work directly with one of the doctors from the initial evaluation through final crown placement. There are no surprises in the process, and no points where you are handed off to someone you have never met. Financing through Cherry and CareCredit is available to make treatment manageable, and the team will walk you through your insurance benefits during your consultation as well. You can meet our doctors to learn more before scheduling.
If you are considering dental implants in Summerville and want to find out whether you are a candidate, we would be glad to help. Contact our office to schedule your implant consultation with Dr. Kibler or Dr. Skovira today.