What are dental implants?
A dental implant is a small metal screw that replaces a missing tooth. During a brief surgical procedure, the dentist places the implant into the jawbone where the tooth was. It functions as a natural tooth root and is topped with a restoration like a dental crown to mimic the look and feel of a real tooth.
Considering dental implants is a significant decision. If you’re unsure what to expect, we provide a detailed explanation to help you make an informed choice about your treatment.
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Why you might need dental implants
Natural teeth support your smile’s height and shape, and they enable comfortable eating and speaking. A gap from a missing tooth can cause surrounding teeth to shift, leading to potential oral health issues. Missing even a single tooth can affect your oral health, facial appearance, and overall quality of life.
Additionally, bone resorption is an inevitable issue when teeth are missing. Without teeth to stimulate the jawbone, it gradually breaks down, leading to a shorter jaw and a sunken appearance in your cheeks and lips.
Dental implants are a great solution, closely mimicking natural teeth. They help prevent or address these issues by replacing lost teeth and maintaining bone structure.
The Benefits of Dental Implants
Losing a tooth can be distressing, affecting your smile and leading to various health issues. Gaps in your smile can cause bite discomfort, difficulty enjoying your favorite foods, and may result in bone loss or shifting teeth.
Restore Your Natural Appearance: Dental implants are designed to look and feel like your own teeth. Custom-made to match the size, shape, and color of your natural teeth, implants blend seamlessly with your smile, enhancing your appearance.
Feel Confident in Your Comfort: Once a dental implant is placed, the titanium post fuses with your jawbone as it heals. Whether topped with a crown, bridge, or used to secure implant-supported dentures, the implant remains firmly in place. Enjoy laughing, smiling, and eating without worrying about shifting teeth or discomfort.
Improve Bone Strength: Missing teeth can lead to bone atrophy over time. Dental implants stimulate new bone growth around the implant, helping to maintain and strengthen your bone structure.
Dental implants offer a long-term solution that feels natural and can last for decades with proper oral care.
Dental Implant Restorations
A restoration is the “false tooth” that covers the implant, making it look like you have a new tooth while the implant itself remains hidden.
Dental Crown: The most common restoration, covering a single-tooth implant.
Dental Bridge: Used to span gaps where multiple consecutive teeth are missing. One or two implants can support a bridge that replaces several teeth, or a full implant-supported bridge can restore an entire arch of teeth with four or more implants.
Implant Denture: Enhances the stability of a removable denture by attaching it to two small implants.
A new life with dental implants awaits!
Your smile will transform for the better with a dental implant.
Dental implants are simple to maintain—just brush and floss daily, and protect them during sports. Regular checkups ensure your implant remains in excellent condition.
In return, your implant could bring you years of strong, vibrant, and beautiful smiles!
How It Feels
While the idea of a metal implant being inserted into your jawbone might sound uncomfortable, the procedure is generally more comfortable than anticipated.
We use a mild anesthetic to numb your mouth, ensuring you don’t feel pain during the surgery. Thanks to advanced dental technology, implants are placed quickly and precisely, which means less discomfort and quicker recovery for you.
Many patients find the experience quite uneventful, with some even feeling relaxed or drowsy during the brief procedure. The most noticeable discomfort may come from holding your mouth open for a short period, but that’s usually minimal.
After the procedure, it’s normal to experience some swelling, discomfort, and possibly bruising. However, the pain is typically mild and easy to manage. We’ll provide you with instructions to help minimize any discomfort as the anesthetic wears off. Your implant site should begin to feel better within a week.
It’s reassuring to know that dental implants have a success rate of nearly 95%, making this one of the safest and most reliable procedures in dentistry.
What To Expect On Your Dental Implant Treatment Journey
The The implant placement process is often more comfortable than anticipated.
Assessment
Begin with a consultation to determine if implants are suitable for you. Your dentist will take X-rays and a 3D cone-beam CT scan to evaluate your jawbone and plan the treatment. They will also capture a scan or impression of your teeth to plan the implant’s angulation.
Inserting the Implant
An anesthetic will numb the area. The dentist creates a small opening in your gums and bone, then places the implant post. Sutures may be used to close the gums if necessary.
Finalizing the restoration
Once the implant has integrated with the bone, an impression will be made for the permanent crown. After the crown is crafted, you’ll return to have it fitted, leaving with a new, fully functional tooth.
Contact us today
to schedule an initial consultation & exam.
Your consultation will include an examination of everything from your teeth, gums and soft tissues to the shape and condition of your bite. Generally, we want to see how your whole mouth looks and functions. Before we plan your treatment we want to know everything about the health and aesthetic of your smile, and, most importantly, what you want to achieve so we can help you get there.
Cost of Dental Implants in St. Paul
In St. Paul, the cost for a single dental implant typically ranges from $3,000 to $6,000+. Full-mouth reconstructive implants can vary from $6,000 to $60,000 or more, while a full set of implant-supported dentures averages around $30,000. Because the dental implant procedure is complex and tailored to individual needs, exact quotes can’t be provided over the phone.
Factors Influencing the Cost:
Type and number of implants required
Materials and supplies used
Expertise and time of the dental team
Surgery location and complexity
Recovery time and support provided
Each case is unique, so it’s essential to consult with a dentist and undergo an oral exam to evaluate your specific needs and receive a detailed treatment plan. We can offer a more precise quote after assessing your situation.
Other Solutions for Missing Teeth: Gaps from 1 to 3 missing teeth might be addressed with a dental bridge, while multiple missing teeth or full-mouth gaps may be treated with dental prosthetics or removable dentures. When comparing costs, consider the benefits of dental implants. Although they require a higher initial investment, they offer superior security and durability compared to bridges or dentures, which may need adjustment or replacement over time. Implants, when properly cared for, can last a lifetime, just like natural teeth.
Frequently Asked Questions
The procedure involves placing a titanium post into the jawbone, which acts as a replacement tooth root. After the implant integrates with the bone, a crown or other restoration is attached.
Recovery times vary, but initial healing usually takes a few weeks, with full integration taking several months. Most people can return to normal activities shortly after the procedure.
The procedure is generally comfortable due to local anesthesia. Post-surgery, you might experience mild discomfort, which can be managed with pain medication.
With proper care, dental implants can last a lifetime. Routine oral hygiene and regular dental checkups are essential for their longevity.
Most people can get dental implants, but candidates must have sufficient bone density and healthy gums. A dentist will evaluate your oral health to determine if you’re a suitable candidate.
Care involves regular brushing, flossing, and dental checkups. Treat implants like natural teeth, and avoid habits that could damage them, such as chewing hard objects.
