Dental Implants in Inver Grove Heights, MN
Implants Candidates | Implant Procedure | Types of Implants | Implant FAQs | Implant Patient ReviewsThere are many options for replacing teeth if you have lost or damaged one or more natural teeth, but dental implants are the only solution that can last for decades with proper care and maintenance. Tooth implants are also the most effective and secure replacements, restoring full function and a gorgeous smile.
What are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are replacements for missing teeth that replace the root and crown of a tooth. This provides greater stability than alternatives, such as dentures and bridges, which typically lack a root.
A dental implant has three sections. The implant is placed in the jawbone to replace the root of the missing tooth. The abutment is a metal pin that slides into the center of the implant and acts as a fastener to attach the restoration that replaces the visible portion of the tooth. The restoration may be a crown, fixed bridge, or a full arch of replacement teeth resembling a lightweight denture.
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Who Can Benefit From Dental Implants?
Anyone with one or more missing teeth can benefit from implants. The unique structure of dental implants offers benefits that are not found with other restorations. The implant, usually made from titanium or ceramic zirconia, stimulates the jawbone to prevent bone loss and deterioration of the facial contours. It also absorbs the pressure of chewing and distributes it across the jawbone, resulting in greater chewing power compared to dentures.
If you are tired of the hassle of your current dentures, you may benefit from switching to dental implants because they are easier to maintain and more comfortable.
The Process of Getting Dental Implants
The first step in getting implants is an evaluation by one of our dentists. During your assessment, we examine your remaining teeth, gums, and jawbone to determine whether implants are suitable for you. If so, we will put together a detailed treatment plan, including the choice of anesthesia to ensure your comfort during surgery.
We will either perform the implant placement in our office or refer you to a trusted oral surgeon, depending on the complexity of the procedure. The surgery typically takes anywhere from 30 minutes to two hours, depending on the number of implants being placed. After placement, the gums are sutured closed over the implants. You can wear a temporary denture over your gums during the healing phase, ensuring you are never without teeth.
During the healing phase, the implants fuse with the surrounding bone, a process called osseointegration. This takes anywhere from three to six months, creating a stable base for the restorations. During this time, we will design and craft your custom restorations based on digital images of your mouth.
When osseointegration is complete and your restorations are ready, you will return to our office. We remove the temporary denture and attach the permanent restoration to the implants.
From implant placement to the final restorations, you can expect the process to take about six to eight months. If you require bone grafting to build up the jawbone before implant placement, the procedure will take longer. Most people do not have any disruption in their daily lives during this time.
Types of Implant Restorations
At Cahill Dental Care, we offer several types of dental restorations depending on how many replacement teeth you need and your jawbone’s bone density.
- Single-tooth implants: If you are missing a single tooth, a single-tooth implant is the perfect solution. It replaces the missing tooth from root to crown without disturbing your natural teeth.
- Multiple tooth implants: If you are missing more than one tooth in different areas of the mouth, we can replace each one with an individual implant and crown.
- Full Arch Implants: If you are missing all or most of your teeth in the upper or lower jaw, we can fabricate a full arch of replacement teeth resembling a denture and then secure it permanently to several implants in the jaw.
- All-on-X: These are full-arch implants that are placed between four and six strategically placed implants to minimize the need for bone grafting.
- Implant Dentures: These are a hybrid solution that combines the stability of implants with the removable qualities of a denture. Lightweight, specially designed dentures attach to bars or balls fastened to the implants. They are more stable than conventional dentures, but removable for cleaning.
Dental Implant FAQs
How do Dental Implants compare to Dentures?
Dental implants have several advantages over dentures, including:
- Greater stability. (No more worry about slipping or shifting dentures.)
- Dental implants can last a lifetime with good oral hygiene.
- Easy to care for; you brush and floss like your natural teeth.
- There are no more sore spots on the gums from dentures rubbing.
- No need for relining or repairs every few years, unlike dentures.
- Dental implant restorations look, feel, and function more naturally than dentures.
However, there are a few other considerations. Getting dental implants requires a time investment. It is not an overnight process. If you are interested, be ready to commit several months of your time to the process. Dental implants are also more expensive upfront than dentures. But when you consider having to replace your dentures every five years and periodically reline or repair them, the price of dentures quickly adds up. Paying more for tooth implants now will save you money in the long run.
Does it hurt to get dental implants?
No, the surgical placement of implants is painless and stress-free because we use a local anesthetic and some form of sedation to relax you. After surgery, you may experience some discomfort and swelling in the cheeks, which can last up to a week. However, most patients feel well enough to return to work within three to four days.
Am I a candidate for Dental Implants?
If you are healthy and do not have active periodontal disease, you are likely to be a good candidate for dental implants. However, there are a few conditions that could rule you out, including bleeding disorders, some autoimmune diseases, and uncontrolled diabetes. We meet with and review the medical history of each individual interested in dental implants to determine whether dental implants are the best choice for you.
How long do Dental Implants last?
Implants are designed to last 30 years or more. For many individuals, they last a lifetime. Restorations are subjected to daily wear and tear, so they may need to be restored, repaired, or replaced.
How much do dental Implants cost?
That is a difficult question to answer because every patient has unique needs. The type of implant screw used, the quality of the jawbone, whether bone grafting is necessary, the number of teeth being restored, and other factors all contribute to determining the cost. Our surgeons will evaluate you during an initial consultation and provide a detailed cost breakdown, ensuring there are no surprises.
Talk to the dental implant experts at Cahill Dental Care today at Cahill Dental Care Phone Number 651-451-9101 to learn more about how we can restore your smile – permanently!
