Dental Implants

Dental Implants in Murrells Inlet, South Carolina

Restore Confidence, Comfort & Function, One Tooth at a Time

Missing teeth don’t just affect your smile; they impact your speech, bite, bone health, and overall confidence. At Waccamaw Oral Surgery, we provide dental implants in Murrells Inlet, SC that look, feel, and function like your natural teeth.

Led by Dr. Lucia Covington, DMD, OMFS, our practice combines surgical precision with compassionate care to restore full dental function for patients of all ages. Whether you need to replace a single tooth or stabilize a full denture, dental implants offer a permanent, reliable solution.

What Are Dental Implants?

A dental implant is a small, biocompatible titanium post surgically placed into the jawbone. This post functions as the “root” of your new tooth. Once placed, it naturally integrates with the surrounding bone (a process called osseointegration), providing a secure base for a crown, bridge, or denture.

Unlike removable dentures or bridges that sit on the gum line, dental implants are anchored directly into the bone, offering unmatched durability, function, and aesthetics.

What are the benefits of dental implants?

The most important benefits of implants, beyond improving your appearance by replacing lost or damaged teeth, include:

Stabilizing tooth replacement: Implants provide the same strength and stability as your natural teeth
Preserving surrounding teeth: Your jawbone, not neighboring teeth, supports implants
Maintaining alignment: Implants prevent neighboring teeth from shifting or moving out of alignment
Strengthening the jaw: A lost tooth can lead to jawbone deterioration; dental implants preserve bone density

Dr. Covington uses two top-quality brands, Zimmer Biomet dental implants and the ASTRA TECH Implant System™, and can insert a single implant to support a crown or multiple implants for several crowns, a bridge, or dentures.

What To Expect

The Dental Implant Process

Every treatment begins with a comprehensive consultation, including digital X-rays and 3D imaging to assess your bone structure and oral health. If your jawbone is too soft or thin, a bone graft may be recommended to create a stable foundation for the implant.

Step-by-Step Implant Procedure

Pre-Op Planning
We assess your dental and medical history, discuss your goals, and plan the optimal implant strategy.
Anesthesia & Sedation
Most implant surgeries are performed under local anesthesia and/or IV sedation for maximum comfort.
Implant Placement
Dr. Covington creates a small incision in the gum, drills a precise channel in the bone, and carefully inserts the implant post.\
Healing & Osseointegration
Over the next several months, your bone fuses with the implant — creating a strong, natural foundation.
Abutment & Restoration
Once healing is complete, a small connector (abutment) is placed, followed by your custom crown, bridge, or denture.

Are You a Candidate for Dental Implants?

Most healthy adults are eligible candidates for dental implants, especially if:

You have one or more missing teeth
You have healthy gums and bone structure
You are a non-smoker or willing to stop during healing
You want a long-term alternative to removable dentures

If you’re unsure, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with Dr. Covington. We’ll evaluate your specific situation and explain all available options.

Implant-Supported Dentures

If you’re tired of loose-fitting dentures, implant-supported options can offer a secure, comfortable alternative. We can place two to six implants per arch to anchor a custom denture, improving stability, function, and confidence.

This is an excellent solution for patients with significant tooth loss who want the benefits of fixed prosthetics without replacing every individual tooth.

Financing & Insurance

We work with most major dental insurance providers and are happy to check your benefits before treatment begins. Additionally, CareCredit is available to help break treatment costs into affordable monthly payments.

Have a perfect smile!

Rebuild Your Smile with Waccamaw Oral Surgery

If you’re missing one or more teeth and want a long-lasting, natural-looking solution, dental implants may be the answer. At Waccamaw Oral Surgery, we’re proud to be a trusted provider of dental implants in Murrells Inlet, SC, delivering outstanding results with compassion and precision.