A dental implant is one of the cornerstones of aesthetic and rehabilitative dentistry. It was invented by Per-Ingvar Brånemark – a Swedish orthopedic surgeon in 1952. Even though we have advanced tremendously in dental care, millions of Americans still suffer from tooth loss. The leading cause being gum disease, and injury. Which is why we require dental implant services.

But why dental implants?

Before implants, the only route of treatment for a lost tooth (or teeth) were bridges and dentures. These involved longer procedure times, multiple appointments, and unnecessary loss of healthy teeth (by reducing them to fit bridges).

A dental implant is a fixture mimicking a tooth root that is placed into the jawbone surgically. These act as the foundation for fixed/removable replacement teeth which match your natural ones.

Advantages of dental implants

Implants have many advantages over traditional oral prosthetics.

• Dentures can affect speech, particularly if they don’t fit well. The teeth slipping can cause you to slur your words. Dental implants completely negate the chance of that occurring, since they don’t move from their place.
• Since implants fuse with your bone, they essentially become one unit. The level of comfort, in this case, is higher.
• Because implants look and feel like your own teeth, you have a restored sense of self-confidence and increased esthetic.
• Since nearby teeth aren’t altered to fit an implant, it increases long term oral health.
• Dentures not only cause issues with eating, but they’re also embarrassing to handle and care for. Implants eliminate all these inconveniences, making it less anxiety-inducing.
• Implants have a success rate of 98% – far higher than those of traditional dentures/crowns/bridges.

 

What does getting a dental implant involve?

The entire process from start to finish occurs over several months. But the results are long-lasting and satisfactory.

• The first visit involves the dentist performing a thorough oral examination. X-rays and 3D images are taken, and the jawbone is assessed. Once the dentist believes it safe to proceed, an individualized treatment plan is chalked up. Please note that any damaged tooth may be removed in this process.
• Next up is the placement of the titanium dental implant. Your surgeon will make a small cut to expose your gum and bone. The post is placed deep into the bone. Local anesthesia or sedation is administered to keep you comfortable. You might experience normal post-surgical soreness and swelling, but these are manageable with over-the-counter medication.
• As time passes, your bone grows around the implant, through a process called “Osseointegration”. This forms a strong, long-lasting foundation. This process takes about 6-12 months, and continuous check-ups are done to make sure the site is healing properly.
• Once the integration is complete, the abutment – a small connector – is placed, just above the gum line.
• Once your gums have healed, impressions are taken of your mouth and teeth. This is used to prepare the crown, which will resemble your teeth. You can choose a removable or fixed crown, as per your requirements and the dentists’ advice.
• The color is matched, the crown is prepared, and in your final visit, attached to the abutment. And because this contraption is so secure, it feels and functions like your natural teeth.
• Routine appointments will be advised, to keep a check on the implant’s progress.

Who can get dental implant services?

Implants are great for you if –

• Have a missing tooth or teeth
• Have healthy and adequate bone to secure the implant
• Have good oral health
• Are unable to wear dentures
• Don’t have health conditions which hamper bone healing
• Don’t smoke
• Don’t have major health issues like diabetes, or heart disease
• Are willing to commit to the time it takes for the entire process

If you are thinking about getting dental implant services, talk to your dentist at Minneapolis Dental for expert advice.

What are the risks involved in surgery for a dental implant?

With any surgery lies some basic risks or complications that might dampen the success of the process. Here is where thorough examinations and careful considerations are important. Not only is the patients’ oral health assessed, but their medical histories also play a very important role in the success or failure of the procedure.

The surgery itself is performed under anesthesia, so you won’t feel a thing during the procedure. Post-surgical discomfort varies from patient to patient. You will experience the usual discomfort, and bruising as you would with an extraction. An ice pack is advised right after surgery to help with the swelling. Other than pain meds, your surgeon might prescribe antibiotics and oral rinses for the following weeks.

Does dental insurance cover the cost of implants?

The cost of a dental implant varies from place to place. It also depends on several different factors, like –

• The number of teeth requiring replacement
• Their location
• The number and type of implants
• Any additional procedures, if any, are required to prepare your mouth for the implants.

And while it has become a standard treatment, unfortunately, most dental insurance companies don’t cover the expenses of an implant procedure. Still, get in touch with us at Minneapolis Dental to see what our prices are, and what we can offer you.

Does the dentist near me provide implants?

If you’re in or around downtown Minneapolis, we’re the dentists near you. Give us a visit, so we can provide you with a comprehensive insight into our dental implant procedures. We encourage you to ask as many questions as you can, and we’re going to help you get all your satisfactory answers.

The team at Minneapolis Dental understand that there’s a lot of anxiety involved in a dental visit. But rest assured – each member of staff is dedicated to giving you a comfortable, and welcoming experience. Combined with our state-of-the-art equipment, and affordable pricing, you are in good hands.

However, we’d like to ask you to bring in the following documents and information when you decide to come in.

• Dental insurance card (if any)
• A list of medications you’re on (if any)

You can schedule your appointments by emailing us (robin@mplsdental.com) or calling us at (612) 332 1255.