Dental Implants in Goose Creek, SC
Losing one or more teeth can shake your confidence and make everyday things, like eating a meal or laughing with friends, feel more complicated than they need to be. You may have a gap that’s been there for years or a tooth you lost more recently, and you’re not sure which replacement option makes sense for your life and your budget. The good news is that dental implants have become one of the most reliable ways to restore a missing tooth, giving you back the function and appearance of a natural smile for the long haul.
At Old Trolley Dental Associates, we’ve been part of the Summerville and Goose Creek community since 1977, when the practice was founded by a Navy dentist who believed patients deserved care built on trust. That tradition continues today under Dr. Scott Kibler and Dr. Michael Skovira, both of whom bring military dental service and advanced surgical training to every implant case we treat. We understand that choosing a tooth replacement option is a big decision, and we’re here to walk you through it with honesty and care.
What Makes Dental Implants Different?
A dental implant replaces both the visible tooth and the root beneath it, which sets it apart from bridges or removable dentures that only address what you can see above the gumline. The implant itself is a small titanium post that we place directly into the jawbone, where it fuses with the bone over time to create a stable, permanent foundation. Once healed, we attach a custom-made crown, giving you a replacement tooth that looks, feels, and functions like the real thing.
This root-level stability is why implants tend to hold up so well over time compared to other options. According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, American adults ages 20 to 64 have an average of 25.5 remaining natural teeth, and roughly 2% of adults in that age range have lost all their natural teeth. Tooth loss becomes more common with age, which is exactly why so many of our patients turn to implants as they get older and want a durable, low-maintenance solution.
Who Is a Good Candidate?
Most healthy adults with sufficient jawbone density are good candidates for dental implants, whether they’re missing a single tooth or several. We evaluate your bone structure and overall oral health before recommending treatment, and when bone loss has occurred, we can often address it with additional procedures to prepare the site for a successful implant.
We frequently see retirees and older adults choose implants after years of getting by with old crowns, bridges, or dentures that no longer serve them well. If you fall into that category, you’re in good company, and we’ll build a plan that fits your specific mouth and goals.
The Implant Process at Our Practice
One advantage of visiting our office is that you won’t need a referral to a separate specialist for surgery. Dr. Skovira completed advanced surgical training in implant placement through a residency at the Medical University of South Carolina and continues to serve as adjunct faculty there, while Dr. Kibler focuses much of his work on restorative treatment. Between the two of them, most patients can complete their entire implant journey, from surgical placement to the final crown, under one roof.
We also rely on 3D cone beam imaging to map out your jawbone and surrounding structures with precision before we ever begin treatment. This technology allows us to plan implant placement with a level of accuracy that reduces surprises and supports a smoother healing process. For patients who feel anxious about surgical procedures, we also offer sedation dentistry options to help you stay relaxed and comfortable throughout your appointment.
What to Expect After Placement
Healing time varies from patient to patient, but most people can expect several months for the implant to fully integrate with the jawbone before we attach the permanent crown. During this period, we’ll check in with you to monitor healing and address any questions that come up along the way.
Once your implant is complete, caring for it is straightforward. You’ll brush and floss it like a natural tooth, and routine checkups help us catch concerns early. Many of our patients tell us they forget which tooth is the implant within a few months, which is exactly the outcome we’re aiming for.
Financing and Insurance Options for Goose Creek Patients
We know cost is often the biggest question mark when patients consider implants, so we work to make treatment accessible. Our office participates in a range of PPO insurance networks, and we also offer financing through Cherry and CareCredit for patients who prefer to spread out the investment over time. If you’re weighing implants against other restorative dentistry options, our team is happy to walk through the costs and benefits of each so you can choose what’s right for you.
We also maintain an in-house membership plan for patients without traditional dental insurance, which can help make ongoing care, including implant maintenance, more predictable from a budgeting standpoint. Our goal is to remove financial guesswork from the equation so you can focus on the outcome you want.
Schedule Your Dental Implant Consultation With Old Trolley Dental Associates
Old Trolley Dental Associates has served the Summerville and Goose Creek area with a legacy that traces back to 1977, and today Dr. Scott Kibler and Dr. Michael Skovira continue that tradition with advanced surgical and restorative training you won’t find at every general practice. Whether you’re replacing a single tooth or considering implants to support a full smile makeover, we combine in-house surgical capability, 3D imaging technology, and a genuinely welcoming office atmosphere to make the process as smooth as possible.
If you’re ready to explore whether dental implants are the right fit for your smile, our team would love to talk through your options and answer any questions you have. You can reach out anytime through our contact form to get started.