Dental Implants in Tega Cay, SC

Reviewed by Dr. Riddhi Patel, DMD, MD, FACS
Last updated August 2026

A missing tooth is not just a cosmetic issue. It is a structural one. The jawbone depends on the roots of your teeth to stay dense and strong. When a root is gone, the bone loses stimulation and starts to break down, and it does not stop until something takes that root’s place. Dental implants are designed to do exactly that.

Harmony Dental Implants and Oral Surgery serves patients throughout the Tega Cay area at our Stonecrest Boulevard office. Dr. Riddhi Patel, DMD, is board-certified by the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and is a member of the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, the American College of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, the South Carolina Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, and both the North Carolina and South Carolina Dental Societies. As an oral surgeon in Tega Cay, Dr. Patel places and restores implants in-house, so your care stays with one team from consultation through completion.

How Dental Implants Work

A dental implant is a small titanium post placed into the jawbone where a tooth root once was. Over the following weeks, the bone bonds with the post through a natural process called osseointegration. Once that bond is secure, a custom-made crown is attached on top. The result looks, feels, and functions like a natural tooth.

Unlike dentures or bridges, an implant also replaces the root. That detail matters because the root stimulates the jawbone and helps prevent it from shrinking. An implant preserves that stimulation, which helps keep the jaw strong and the surrounding teeth in place.

The Long-Term Results for Dental Implants

Implants are one of the most well-studied restorations in dentistry. For most patients, a well-placed implant is a permanent solution.

96.8%

cumulative survival rate at 10 years

5-Year

warranty on all implants placed at Harmony

Backed by nearly 22 years of clinical data

A large cohort study in the NIH research database, following nearly 11,000 implants for up to 22 years, found a cumulative survival rate of 96.8% at 10 years. If a failure occurs within our five-year warranty period, we will replace it at no cost to you.

The Step-by-Step Implant Process

Dental implant treatment takes place across several appointments. We explain each step clearly before it begins, and nothing moves forward without your understanding and consent.

Consultation & Imaging

Your first visit includes a thorough clinical exam and 3D cone beam imaging. We evaluate bone volume, density, and surrounding anatomy — then walk you through the full treatment plan so you know exactly what to expect.

Preparatory Procedures

Some patients need additional bone volume before placement. Bone grafting builds that foundation in-office — no outside referrals needed for any part of your care.

Placement & Restoration

The implant post is placed under local anesthesia and allowed to fully integrate with the bone. The final crown is then attached. For qualifying patients, we also offer options that can restore a full arch of teeth in a single appointment.

Are Dental Implants Right For You?

Most healthy adults who are missing one or more teeth qualify for dental implants. A consultation is the only way to know for certain, but these are the general factors we evaluate:

Adequate Bone Volume

Enough jawbone to support the implant post — or the ability to build it up with a bone graft before placement.

Healthy Gums

No active infection present. Gum disease must be treated and stable before an implant can be placed successfully.

Good Overall Health

General good health, or well-managed medical conditions that do not compromise healing or surgical outcomes.

Commitment to Aftercare

A commitment to proper oral hygiene and follow-up care after placement to protect the long-term success of the implant.

Conditions to Address First

Conditions like uncontrolled diabetes or active gum disease may need to be resolved before treatment begins. We will cover all of this clearly at your first appointment.

What to Know About Cost, Insurance, and Financing

We accept a wide range of insurance plans, including Delta Dental, Ameritas, Aetna, Guardian, Principal, MetLife, Cigna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, United Concordia, United Healthcare, and HSA/FSA funds. Our team will verify your coverage before your appointment so there are no surprises. For a full breakdown of what affects pricing, our dental implant cost page walks through the details.

For patients who prefer flexible payments, we offer Cherry financing with 0% interest for 24 months and strong approval rates.

Start Your Dental Implant Treatment with Harmony Dental Implants and Oral Surgery

Replacing a missing tooth is one of the most impactful decisions you can make for your long-term oral health. At Harmony Dental Implants and Oral Surgery, we take a thorough, detail-oriented approach to every procedure. Dr. Patel is board-certified in oral and maxillofacial surgery, has been recognized in Incisal Edge Magazine’s 40 Under 40, and manages all aspects of implant care in-house, from the initial evaluation through the final restoration.

When you are ready to take the next step, we are here. Fill out our contact form to request a consultation at our Tega Cay, SC office, and a member of our team will follow up to confirm your appointment.