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Abbeville area patients visit Dr. Christopher T. Griffin because he is a dentist who cares about the beauty and health of the smile. He offers a myriad of dental solutions for cosmetic enhancement and many individuals are excited to visit his practice to see what can be done for their smiles. Some improvements can address not only beauty but function and health, making it very important for patients to learn about the solutions readily available to them through his dental practice.

Dr. Christopher T. Griffin is a quality dentist who offers his patients dental implants. Dental implants are restorations made of titanium. During oral surgery, they are placed into the bone of the jaw to replace missing teeth. They function just as a natural tooth root would. Then, they are restored over the top in one of three ways – with a dental bridge, a dental crown, or a denture.

Dental implants are incredibly versatile and a wonderful alternative to other options such as bridges or partial dentures. They have a number of benefits, which is why Dr. Christopher T. Griffin will often suggest them to patients. Below are just a few of the reasons dental implants are considered the “gold standard” in tooth replacement.

• Dental implants are biocompatible, fabricated from titanium, which is safe for the body
• Dental implants stimulate bone growth, which not only keeps the face from getting that “sunken in” appearance, but can help in holding the restoration firmly in place
• Dental implants are strong, using the bone for support and stability
• Dental implants function just like the natural teeth and have substantial strength
• Dental implants can be used to replace one tooth or several teeth – depending on the restoration they are supporting
• Dental implants last a lifetime
• Dental implants are not affected by dental decay, but may fall out if patients develop periodontal disease and lose bone in their jaw
• Dental implants are predictable, with placement success ranging up to 98 percent

Contact Dr. Christopher T. Griffin today and schedule an appointment.

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Patients in the Greenwood area who are considering the most efficient and effective way of repairing their smile after tooth loss are urged to consider the benefits of dental implants. Dr. Christopher T. Griffin, DMD is an area dentist who believes in using dental implants whenever possible to restore the smile’s function and beauty.

Dental implants are titanium artificial tooth roots which are placed into the jaw bone during oral surgery. When this is done, it stimulates the growth of bone around the implant which is how it obtains its strength. This process is known as osseointegration and is essential for ensuring the artificial tooth root functions at its best. Dr. Christopher T. Griffin, DMD will restore dental implants over the top with dental crowns, bridges, or even full dentures for stability.

Dental implants are recommended to most of the patients who visit the practice of Dr. Christopher T. Griffin, DMD because they have so many benefits over other restorative solutions.

• Dental implants function and feel like natural teeth.
• Dental implants restore complete function to the smile.
• Dental implants are beautiful and natural-looking.
• Dental implants are extremely strong.
• Dental implants cannot be damaged by tooth decay.
• Dental implants are biocompatible.
• Dental implants can last a lifetime.

Patients who are considering restoring their smile when tooth loss occurs will want to speak with a dentist to determine if they are an appropriate candidate for the placement of dental implants. Dental implants require patients to have a healthy smile without periodontal disease or decay, as well as sufficient bone structure of the jaw to hold them in place. This can be determined with the use of x-rays and a physical examination. Dr. Christopher T. Griffin, DMD will also use these x-rays to determine the best way to place the implants into the bone of the jaw.

If you believe dental implants may be the solution for you, contact Dr. Christopher T. Griffin, DMD today to book a consultation visit and examination to learn more about the ways in which restorative dentistry can repair your smile when the unexpected occurs.

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Dental implants are often chosen by patients in the Ware Shoals, SC area because of the many advantages they provide for tooth restoration and denture stabilization. When patients are introduced to the idea of placing dental implants, they typically have a variety of questions to ask their dentist. Dr. Christopher T. Griffin, DMD is a Ware Shoals, SC area dentist who takes the time to educate his patients on the steps necessary to receiving dental implants.

The first step is the consultation appointment and examination. At this time, patients are introduced to the many options available for repairing their smile after tooth loss, including the use of bridges and dentures. All three of these solutions are effective in replacing missing teeth, but every smile is unique and requires an educated decision. Dr. Christopher T. Griffin, DMD may perform a physical examination along with a set of full x-rays to find out if there is enough jaw bone for the actual placement of the implants within the dental arch.

Once patients have decided that dental implants are right for them, they schedule their initial placement procedure. This is an in-office oral surgery that allows Dr. Christopher T. Griffin to put the dental implant in place and help stimulate the growth of bone around it. This is a process called osseointegration which is incredibly important for the dental implant to have sufficient strength and durability to hold the crown or dentures in place. Osseointegration can take several weeks and months, so patients are provided a temporary crown over their dental implant while this takes place.

After osseointegration has occurred and the dental implant is firmly located within the smile, then restoration is considered. When replacing a single tooth, the dental implant is covered with a custom crown over the abutment, while some patients may be using dental implants to hold their dentures in place. This is the final stage of restoration and after this occurs, patients will be educated on the importance of visiting Dr. Christopher T. Griffin, DMD at least twice a year for a physical examination and cleaning to maintain the implant over the years.

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Patients in Greenwood faced with tooth loss have several options available to them with Dr. Christopher T. Griffin, including dentures, dental bridges, and dental implants. For permanent, efficient tooth replacement, many of our patients consider the benefits dental implants can provide. These titanium restorations are used to replace one or more teeth in several ways. They can hold bridges and dentures in place, or be covered with a crown to replace just one tooth. These versatile restorations have many advantages which make them the solution of choice for many individuals who visit this practice.

Dental implants are placed into the jawbone. This allows them to improve overall oral health and wellness. The placement of a dental implant stimulates bone regeneration, something other restorations do not provide. Patients wearing dentures or dental bridges may be at risk for losing bone and experiencing issues with their other teeth which may become loose.

Dr. Christopher T. Griffin knows that the use of dental implants can impact the smile in a positive way. They can also provide improved self-confidence, speech, and comfort. Patients find dental implants to be extremely durable, lasting a lifetime with proper care. They are convenient and make eating and speaking as easy as ever.

To determine if patients are appropriate candidates for the placement of dental implants, they must have a consultation appointment. At this visit, patients undergo x-rays to check the health of the bone underneath the gum tissue as well as examine the overall health of the mouth. Then, they are encouraged to ask questions about dental implant as well as other restorations to make an educated decision regarding the best tooth replacement option for them.

If you live in the area of Greenwood and have considered replacements for missing teeth such as dental implants, it is a great time to speak with a dental professional about the advantages they provide for function, aesthetics, and oral health. Contact us by calling [phone].

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Bridges, dentures, and dental implants. These are the most commonly suggested restorations for patients in the Greenwood, SC area who are considering restoring their smile after tooth loss. While bridges are porcelain restoration and dentures are snap-in solutions, many patients ask, what are dental implants?

Dr. Christopher T. Griffin, DMD describes dental implants are artificial tooth roots fabricated from titanium metal. Titanium is a material commonly used in implantology because it does not erode or rust and is truly biocompatible with the body. These implants are placed into the jaw bone where the natural teeth once were and are restored over the top with a dental crown or a full cosmetic dentures. While dental implants are typically used for replacing a single tooth, they have been known to provide an effective way of stabilizing dentures as well.

Dr. Christopher T. Griffin, DMD suggests dental implants to patients whenever possible, but knows that there are several factors that must be in place to ensure they last as long as they can. In fact, dental implants can last a lifetime if patients take good care of their oral health and maintain its health and wellness over the years. Patients who are considering dental implants must be free from periodontal disease and large areas of decay, while also having sufficient jaw bone structure for the successful placement of the implant. This can be determined by x-rays of the dental arch and jaw.

Dental implants are incredibly popular because of their many benefits, including:

• Beauty
• Strength
• Natural feel
• Stability
• Longevity
• Affordability
• Cavity-resistance
• Permanent

Dr. Christopher T. Griffin, DMD may have patients consider dental implants if they want a permanent, long-lasting method of treatment for their lost natural teeth. He may suggest them for patients who do not want to deal with removable restorations (such as dentures) or restorations which rely on the surrounding teeth for support (such as dental bridges).

If you live in the Greenwood, SC area or surrounding community and are curious about whether or not dental implants are appropriate for your smile, contact Dr. Christopher T. Griffin, DMD today to book a consultation appointment and examination to learn more.

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Restorations to repair areas of tooth loss are considered by Greenwood area patients because they can help in restoring the beauty and function of the smile. This is important for better speech, eating, and aesthetics. When patients visit their dentist to learn about how to replace missing teeth, Dr. Christopher T. Griffin, DMDM may suggest dental implants.

Dental implants have been used for many decades in repairing smiles after tooth loss. These titanium metal restorations are commonly used because they are permanent, beautiful, strong, and fully functional while also maintaining the aesthetics of one’s smile. Dental implants are often more beneficial than bridges because they do not rely on the support of the surrounding teeth, nor do they require special flossing methods. Dental implants may be a more desirable solution to tooth loss versus partial dentures too, as partial dentures are removable and need to be regularly adjusted for the best fit and function. Instead, patients can have implants placed and restored and take care of them just like their natural teeth! Many patients forget that they have a dental implant!

Dr. Christopher T. Griffin, DMD may suggest dental implants for patients who want a permanent restoration, have sufficient bone structure, and are free from periodontal disease within the smile. When all of these needs have been met, patients can seriously start discussing the possibility of placing dental implants within their smile. The initial consultation appointment is the best time to ask questions about these restorations and determine if they are the most suitable method of repairing the function and aesthetics of the smile.

The entire process of obtaining dental implants from start to finish can take several weeks to months as a process called osseointegration must occur to stabilize the implants. However, once the bone wraps around the implants and holds it firmly in place, patients can then restore the dental implants with custom dental crowns or full cosmetic dentures.

If you live in the Greenwood, SC area and believe dental implants may be appropriate for your smile, contact Dr. Christopher T. Griffin, DMD today to schedule your consultation appointment and examination to see if your smile can benefit from what dental implants have to offer!

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Whether you are missing a tooth, several teeth, or a tooth is badly damaged from decay or trauma, it’s likely that you feel uneasy about your smile. A gap in your teeth can affect your self-esteem and can hurt your relationship with others. Often, when adults are not confident in their smile, they hide it behind closed lips, their hand, or by not smiling as frequently as they would like.

If you’re dealing with a missing tooth, you may need to consider implant surgery. This treatment for missing teeth is a permanent answer to give you back the smile you used to have, or the one you’ve always wanted.

Dr. Christopher Griffin, of Greenwood, SC, works with patients to improve their smiles through preventative, restorative, and cosmetic dentistry for twenty years. Dental implant surgery is a great option for patients who are interested in replacing a missing tooth. First, implants improve the appearance of your smile, furthermore, implants give your mouth the function you need to eat your favorite foods and speak clearly. When a tooth has been lost, the nearby teeth can move, turn, or become crooked.

The implant surgery involves several trips to your dentist over the course of several months, along with some waiting time as the bone heals and grows. First, Dr. Griffin will insert a small titanium root form implant into your jawbone. Once the implant has been placed, the jawbone grows and fuses to the implant. The growth and healing of the bone can take from several weeks to a few months. Once the bone has fused to support the implant, a crown will be placed. This crown is created uniquely for you to be an exact match in shade and shape to the rest of your teeth. All parts of the procedure are conducted under local anesthesia, and light sedation if you wish.

Once the crown is placed, caring for the implant is the same as caring for the rest of your teeth. It will be important to brush twice a day, floss at least once a day, and maintain a regular schedule of checkups to Dr. Griffin. You should be sure to avoid the same habits that can hurt your natural teeth. For example, smoking can discolor the implant, and biting or chewing on objects like pens, ice, hard pretzels, or using your teeth to open packages can cause the restoration to chip or break.

If you’re ready to improve your smile with a replacement tooth, call Dr. Griffin. He and his team of professionals will work with you to ensure that you get a smile you can’t wait to show off.

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Many options exist for replacing a missing tooth and improving the look of your smile. Dental implant surgery is one of those options and is a good choice for patients with a healthy jawbone who are willing to invest the time and resources into the procedure.

The procedure for dental implant surgery includes the following steps.

1. Consult with your dentist. At Dr. Christopher Griffin’s office, the dentist will meet with you to discuss your concerns, perform an oral examination, and take x-rays and molds of your mouth.

2. Develop your treatment plan. Every mouth is different and Dr. Griffin believes that your treatment plan should be customized to your desired outcome, budget, and timeline. Dr. Griffin will take a number of factors into consideration including how many teeth need to be replaced, and the health of your jawbone. Additionally, he will determine whether any specialists need to be included.

3. The dental implant surgery is performed through a series of outpatient visits. First, if the damaged tooth is still in the mouth, it will be removed. Next, your jawbone will be prepared for surgery, which can include bone grafting. After the jawbone has healed, Dr. Griffin will set the implant’s metal post into your jawbone and then that will be given plenty of time to heal. Finally, an abutment will be attached to the post and a crown will be placed on the abutment.

The entire process can take three to nine months, depending on the time it takes your mouth to heal after the procedures. Patients are kept comfortable during each office visit using anesthesia, and when necessary, sedation. Additionally, because the damaged tooth is removed early in the process, most patients will be fitted for a temporary restoration that can be removed to clean it and to sleep.

Patients will finish the dental implant surgery process with a tooth that looks, feels, and functions exactly like their natural teeth.

Dr. Christopher Griffin is committed to ensuring that patients have the smile they want. If you have a problem tooth or think that implant surgery might be for you, call his office today to schedule a consultation.

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