Dental Implants • Columbia SC

What Are Dental Implants?

Dental Implants Presentation

To provide you with a better understanding of dental implants, we have provided the following multimedia presentation. Many common questions pertaining to dental implants are discussed.

Dental Implants Presentation

A natural tooth consists of a root and a crown. If you compare natural teeth to implant-supported replacement teeth, you’ll see they have the same basic parts. Both have a crown (the visible part used to chew food). Both have a root that holds the tooth securely under the gum and is anchored into the jaw. The difference is that the implant is made of titanium — the same time-tested material used by surgeons for artificial joints. When you lose a tooth, you lose both the root and the crown. To replace the tooth, the surgeon first replaces the root with a small dental implant.

Time is allowed for bone to heal and grow around the dental implant. The bone bonds with the titanium, creating a strong foundation for artificial teeth.  A support post (abutment) is then placed on the implant and a new replacement tooth (crown) is placed on top of the abutment. In many cases a temporary replacement tooth can be attached to the implant immediately after it is placed. If all of your teeth are missing, a variety of treatment options are available to support the replacement teeth.

Dental Implants are in investment in your health and aesthetic appearance. Visit our Cost of Dental Implants page for more information. Send us a message or call us today to schedule a Consult with Dr. Ruggiero at Crescent Prosthodontics Office Phone Number 803-851-3950 to see if dental implants are right for you!

Read our Patient Testimonials for Dental Implants below!

Photo: A smiling elderly man

“Don’t be afraid to Smile.”

For years I’d felt like a part of my body was missing — because my teeth were. My dentist told me that dental implants would make me feel and look a lot better. OK, I said. Now, I’m thrilled. I can smile, eat anything, and enjoy a good laugh with my friends.

Surgical Advances

Using the most recent advances in dental implant technology, Dr. Ruggiero is able to place single stage implants. These implants do not require a second procedure to uncover them, but do require a minimum of six weeks of healing time before artificial teeth are placed. There are even situations where the implant can be placed at the same time as the tooth extraction – further minimizing your number of surgical procedures.

Dental implant placement is a team effort between a surgeon and a restorative dentist.  Dr. Ruggiero ,in some cases, performs the actual implant surgery, initial tooth extractions, and bone grafting if necessary.  The he will fit and make the permanent prosthesis. He will also make any temporary prosthesis needed during the implant process.


Patient Reviews: Dental Implants

Please read testimonials from our patients. If you wish to rate your experience with Crescent Prosthodontics, we invite you to fill out an online patient review.

You may also read and write patient reviews on our Google listing.

Crescent Prosthodontics

5 out of 5 stars based on 5 Dental Implants reviews

Patient Testimonial

Excellent quality of care. Staff and doctor are friendly and highly experienced.

- John R

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Testimonial

You will love this place....

- Tonya M

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Testimonial

If you go to them. ONCE..... You want go anywhere else... They are BEYOND WONDERFUL....Go see for yourself...

- Tonya M

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Testimonial

I put off going to the dentist for years which resulted in problems.That is when i found i was in desperate need. I needed someone who knew what he was doing and that is when i met Dr. Nick. Life is more about relationships. He made me feel so important that my smile was his goal in life.His attention to detail was important, always going the extra mile to do things right.What an artist! If i am in a picture you would know me by my smile.Words would never explain how wonderful that makes me feel! Dr. Nick is a kind, considerate person with a great sense of humor. But most of all an expert in his field. It was truly a great day when i met him. Thank you Dr. Nick.

- Rita H

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Testimonial

Let me start off by saying that Dr. Ruggiero is a great dentist, not only that he's a great man very family oriented. I first met Dr. Ruggiero about 2 years ago when I needed implants. When I met him I knew he was the man for the job just off his demeanor. Most people just want your money and could care less if you're satisfied or not, but not Dr. Ruggiero that's why he's the best. People tell me all the time how pretty my teeth are and I owe that to Dr. Ruggiero he gave me my confidence back. I live in Birmingham Alabama and I hate that Dr.Ruggiero had to leave but I will say that if I ever need some major work done I will be taking a trip to South Carolina so that my dentist can do the work that's just how great he is thanks Dr. Ruggiero.

- Brandon T

5 out of 5 stars on


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The first step towards a beautiful, healthy smile is to schedule an appointment. Please contact our office by phone or complete the appointment request form below. Our scheduling coordinator will contact you to confirm your appointment. If you are an existing patient, this contact form should not be used to communicate private health information.
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