Rock Hill, SC Implant Dentistry


Rock Hill tooth replacement dental implantsA smile with missing teeth is a smile that simply isn’t living up to its full potential. Missing teeth causes a whole host of damaging effects such as poor diet, poor oral health, and lowered self-esteem. At Sharp Dentistry, our team works hard to restore a smile that is suffering from missing teeth and we know that the ideal tooth replacement procedure can be achieved with implant dentistry. At our office, we offer dental implants in Rock Hill, SC for patients who want a permanent and sturdy tooth replacement procedure.

What is Implant Dentistry?

Implant dentistry is one of the newer, more advanced fields in dentistry. The process is unrivaled when it comes to replacing teeth and has quickly become the go-to tooth replacement service over more traditional methods such as dentures or bridges.

Dental implants replace teeth completely. While other procedures simply replace the visible part of the tooth, implants replace even the tooth root for a procedure that feels and functions exactly like a natural tooth.

How Do Dental Implants Work?

Dental implants work in several stages. The first stage entails placing a titanium, screw-shaped device into the jawbone. This device acts as the new tooth root and will need to fuse completely with the jawbone before the procedure can continue. This process is called “osseointegration” and can take up to 6 months to complete.

The second stage begins after the titanium implant has completely fused with the jawbone. At this point, the gum area through which the implant was inserted will need to be reopened so that Dr. Sharp can access the tip of the implant. Once this tip is exposed, he is able to attach a small device called an “abutment” to the top. This abutment will provide a stable “hook” or attachment site for the prosthetic tooth.

After the gum area has closed and healed around the abutment, Dr. Sharp will be able to attach the customized crown to the device. The crown is created ahead of time and is designed to match the size, shape and color of the surrounding teeth. This provides for a smile that looks as natural as it feels.

How Long Do Dental Implants Last?

The biggest benefit of implant dentistry is that the procedure is permanent and is designed to last for life. The titanium implant is bio-compatible and can remain in the jawbone without any need for replacement or repair throughout the remainder of your life. The prosthetic tooth (or crown) may, however, require minor repairs or replacement. Depending on how well you take care of it, your dental crown can last anywhere from 5-15 years. Fortunately, the crown is the only piece of the dental implant that will need to be repaired over time.

Does it Hurt?

The process of receiving a dental implant is a much longer process than other tooth replacement procedures. It also can entail a good amount of discomfort during the implanting process. Before inserting the dental implant, we ensure your highest comfort by applying the appropriate amount of anesthesia. You will not feel much pain when Dr. Sharp implants the prosthetic root into your jawbone because of the anesthesia. Over-the-counter pain pills are generally all that is needed to manage the discomfort after this step. We also carefully monitor your progress while the implant fuses with your jawbone (which can take up to 6 months) to help ensure that your pain levels are low and that your healing time is minimal.

After the implant dentistry process, you will be able to enjoy a smile that feels as natural as it looks! You will be able to speak, eat, and smile with the same confidence you would have with natural teeth. In order to properly care for you dental implants, be sure to schedule regular check up appointments with our team to be sure that your implants are being cared for properly and to prevent any future oral health issues related to them.

Of course, treat the implant with the same oral hygiene care that you would any natural tooth: brush your teeth twice a day and floss. Just because the tooth is replaced with a crown does not mean that you cannot experience bacteria buildup or gingivitis in the area so be sure to keep the area clean and free of debris.

If you are suffering from a missing tooth, don’t let it ruin your smile, oral health, or quality of life. Choose our Rock Hill, SC implant dentistry options with Dr. Sharp. We look forward to seeing you!


The Echols family is very thankful to be Drummond’s clients. Drummond’s family has taken care of our dental needs for our entire lives. The quality of the dental work and the professionalism of the staff are unparalleled.

Chad V. Echols
Lifetime Patient, Rock Hill, SC