Dental Implants in Columbia, SC
Dental implant-supported restorations can replace missing teeth from the root to the chewing surface, offering excellent stability and function.
Learn why patients choose Dr. Nick Pournaras and his team for traditional and mini dental implants in Columbia.
Our Dentist Works
With a Master Ceramist
A Partnership Rooted in Excellence
One of the reasons Dr. Nick stands out among dentists in the Columbia, SC, area is his close working relationship with Wayne Payne, a master ceramist. With 45 years of experience leading Payne Dental Lab, Inc., Wayne creates customized restorations with a focus on functional aesthetics, so you can expect that your dental work is strong and beautiful. Working closely with a master ceramist allows us to give you your dental restorations in only three to five weeks.
We Offer Mini and Traditional
Dental Implants
at Our Columbia, SC, Practice
In addition to traditional dental implants, we can restore mini implants for patients who are missing teeth in the Columbia, SC, area. Find out why mini dental implants might be the restorative solution for you:
Expanded candidacy
Dental implants are able to provide such exceptional support due to osseointegration, a process in which the titanium implant fuses with the jawbone over a period of three to six months. Mini implants require less bone tissue for fusion, so patients who have been told they are not candidates for traditional dental implants due to poor jawbone density may still qualify for mini implant treatment.
Fewer appointments, quicker recovery
Mini implants can support a crown, bridge, or denture right away, so you can begin enjoying the benefits of your implant-supported restorations immediately, rather than having to wait for osseointegration to run its course.
An affordable alternative
Because mini dental implants involve fewer materials and appointments, you can expect to pay less for this dentistry solution than you would for traditional dental implants.
Trust Your Smile
to Leaders in the Field
Get Started by Contacting Our Dentist Today
Dr. Nick and Wayne consistently exceed our patients' expectations with their restorative work. If you are interested in experiencing the many benefits of dental implants and having a beautiful, natural-looking smile again, we invite you to learn more about how these partners can realize your goals. To book a consultation at our dental office in Columbia, reach out online or call us at:
(803) 888-6504
"This is the BEST dentist
in the Midlands!"
Read What Patients Have to Say About Our Passion for Dentistry
Dana Richardson
Columbia, SC
2024
I have never looked forward to going to the dentist, until now! I felt so welcome at Columbia Smiles starting with the first phone call to schedule my appointment…It is obvious they are dedicated to their craft, and truly value their patients. I am so grateful for having found Dr. Nick and his awesome team, and I actually look forward to my next visit! Thank you all so very much!
View on GoogleJerry Grimes
Columbia, SC
2024
This is the BEST dentist in the Midlands! The office staff couldn't be more excellent, and the facilities are breathtakingly beautiful. You'll feel like you are being taken care of by the staff of a luxury spa—truly a wonderful experience. We are lucky to have Dr. Nick and his team
View on GoogleThe Cost of Implant Treatment
Because there are so many variables in this treatment, such as the number of implants placed and the type of restorations they will support, the cost can vary dramatically. It's important to understand that although insurance generally contributes to the cost of restorations, basic insurance plans do not cover the cost of dental implants.
During your consultation, our staff can speak with you to help find a way to make this treatment a comfortable fit for your budget. One option is financing through CareCredit®, a healthcare lender that offers low- and no-interest loans to help you manage the cost of your treatment.
How Do Dental Implants Work?
Dental implants are posts placed in the jaw to replace lost tooth roots and support dental restorations. They make restorations as stable as natural teeth and are the only restorative option that stops the jaw from receding after tooth loss.
An implant-supported restoration consists of three parts that work together to entirely replace a missing tooth:
Implant
A dental implant itself is a small titanium screw-like device anchored into the jawbone to support a restoration.
Abutment
An abutment serves as the connection between an implant and restoration. Like implants, abutments are made of durable titanium and designed for long-lasting security.
Restoration
A restoration is a dental crown, bridge, or denture crafted to closely resemble and function like a natural tooth or teeth. It firmly attaches to the abutment.
What Types of Tooth Loss Can Implants Treat?
Dental implants can benefit patients with all types of tooth loss:
One Missing Tooth
Patients who are missing just one tooth can benefit from an implant-supported crown. Implant-supported crowns fill the gap in your smile and support the health of your jawbone. This single-tooth solution allows you to avoid altering nearby healthy teeth, a step required for a traditional bridge.
Ready to Get Rid
of Unreliable Dentures?
Many adults deal with the discomfort and inconvenience of traditional dentures for years before learning about the benefits of implant-supported dentures. Here are some top reasons why our Columba, SC, patients decide to leave their traditional dentures behind and rejuvenate their smiles with dental implants:
Traditional dentures are notorious for shifting out of place when you speak or eat certain foods. Implant-supported dentures function just like natural teeth, staying firmly in place whether you are enjoying a rare steak for dinner or delivering a speech. In short, implants allow you to stop worrying and start enjoying the best parts of life.
Dentures must be removed for frequent cleaning and overnight soaking, leaving you without a complete smile for a significant portion of the day. Because dental implants are securely fused with your jawbone, they offer you a 24/7 smile that requires no more upkeep than natural teeth.
Tooth roots stimulate the jawbone in order to retain bone tissue. When teeth are lost, the diminished stimulation results in jaw atrophy (shrinkage) that can cause a cascade of other issues. Dental implants are the one and only restorative solution that can stop and actually reverse bone atrophy following tooth loss.
Start Your Dental Implant Journey Get in Touch With Our Team Today
Are you ready to put your oral health and happiness first? Our team is here to restore your smile. We’ll be happy to consult with you on the benefits of traditional and mini implants and determine which is ideal for you.
If you’re ready to take advantage of the transformative power of dental implants, reach out to a member of our team today to set up an appointment.
"By far the best dentist experience
I’ve had"
Providing Quality Care for Patients Throughout the Columbia Area
Laityn Shaw
Columbia, SC
2024
By far the best dentist experience I’ve had. Dr Nick is incredibly knowledgeable, talented, and clearly values his patients, his staff, and his craft. The entire staff is so sweet and makes going to the dentist feel like *not* the worst part of my day…I finally found one I love and trust, with an upscale vibe, fair prices, and an absolutely impeccable staff. Thank for all you do, Columbia Smiles!
View on GoogleBrian Hunter
Columbia, SC
2024
Dr Nick, Kelly, Jessica and staff handled my emergency with urgency and composure. I had my crown on my molar pop off while heading out to work in the morning. They squeezed me in the top of their schedule with ease and had me taken care of in about 1 hour! Highly recommend them for normal dental care and dental emergency.
View on GoogleAre Dental Implants Right for You? Determine if You Qualify
In order to qualify for implant treatment, you must have:
Good jawbone density
Leaving tooth loss unaddressed for an extended period of time can result in jawbone atrophy that eventually renders the area unable to support a dental implant. However, patients with jawbone degradation may still be candidates after undergoing bone grafting, a process of adding donor tissue to replace recessed tissue. We also offer mini dental implants, which require less supportive bone tissue than traditional implants.
One or more missing teeth
Dental implants can be used to correct many levels of tooth loss. Whether you are missing one tooth or an entire row, Dr. Nick and the Columbia Smiles team can restore the appearance and strength of your smile with implants.
No other oral health issues or serious health problems
Gum disease can weaken overall dental health and increase the risk of implant failure. You must also be free of tooth decay. Generally speaking, candidates must be healthy enough to undergo minor surgery. Smoking and uncontrolled diabetes can disqualify you from this option.
Nervous About Treatment? We Offer Sedation
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Dental implant surgery can sound daunting to many. To help patients relax and make the process more comfortable, our Columbia dental office offers both oral conscious sedation and nitrous oxide. Upon request, we can also work with a third party to offer general anesthesia to our implant patients.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Implants
Does dental implant surgery hurt?
Dental implant surgery can sound daunting to many. To help patients relax and make the process more comfortable, we offer oral conscious sedation and nitrous oxide. Upon request, we can also work with a third party to offer general anesthesia to our implant patients.
How long will it take for an implant to fuse to the jawbone?
Most patients can expect their implants to fully fuse with their jawbone — a process known as osseointegration — within three to six months. However, everyone is unique. We'll assess your recovery with periodic check-ups.
How long do dental implants last?
With adequate brushing and flossing, as well as a healthy lifestyle, implants can last a lifetime. However, your restoration will likely need to be replaced in 10-15 years.
Will I still need checkups and cleanings?
Implants don’t decay like your natural teeth do. However, it pays to continue regularly seeing your dentist; we’ll keep an eye out for signs of gum disease or any other issues that could lead to implant failure.
More High Praise for Our Columbia, SC, Team
Melody Carroll
Columbia, SC
2024
Christian Rodriguez
Columbia, SC
2024
I just finished up my 12 week Invisalign treatment and wow, the results are amazing! Throughout my treatment I’ve had a chance to meet everyone in the office Pam, Amber, Jessica, and Dr. Nick; this team is an All Star team that is efficient and fun to be around.
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