Dental Implants
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are prosthetic units resembling your natural teeth. They are used to replace the missing teeth in your oral cavity. Due to their stability and longevity, they are considered to be the gold standard of tooth replacement.
Dental implants, which come under Cosmetic Dentistry services were invented by Per-Ingvar Brånemark, a Swedish orthopedic surgeon, more than 50 years ago. Before the advent of implants, the only other tooth replacement options were dental bridges and dentures.
How Do Dental Implants Work?
Dental implants function by mimicking the natural tooth. Since they are surgically embedded into the jaw bone, they offer fantastic structural integrity and stability. Additionally, they also allow a full range of functions, meaning you could use them for everything you would use your natural teeth for.
Exploring Dental Implants
Understanding How They're Built for a Better, Healthier Smile
- The bottom part that mimics a tooth’s root is called the “post”. It is made of titanium or zirconia and is placed into the jaw bone surgically.
- The middle part is the attachment between the implant post and the topmost part. It is called an “abutment”. This is placed on the gum line on top of the post.
- The topmost part of an implant is the prosthesis that fills in the gap in the oral cavity. This can be a dental crown, a dental bridge, or an implant-supported denture.
Discover the Best Tooth Replacement Option
Patients with missing teeth and who want Anoka dental implant have to undergo rigorous screening primary examination. This is done to ensure that the patient is a suitable candidate for an implant. Certain patients are exempted from getting a dental implant –
- Patients with poor oral hygiene
- Patients with debilitating medical conditions like diabetes, cardiac diseases, osteoporosis, etc.
- Patients either on or who might have to start radiation therapy
- Patients who smoke
- Patients without healthy relationships and ample moral support
First Step
Once the patient is given the go-ahead to proceed with the implant procedure, their oral cavity is examined. The dentist at Anoka Dental will advise a series of digital images to be taken to assess bone health. Additionally, any teeth showing signs of decay and damage are taken care of before the implant placement.
Second Step
With the help of local anesthesia or a sedative, the patient is prepped for implant surgery. The gum is cut at the site of placement and the bone is exposed. Using a surgical drill, space is made in the jaw bone and the implant post is placed. The gum is stitched back into place and the patient is sent home.
The dentist at Anoka Dental will prescribe painkillers to help with post-operative soreness. Ice packs are recommended to help with the swelling.
Third Step
This is the waiting period for the implant to fuse with the jaw bone. This process of fusion is called osseointegration. This is what gives an implant its long shelf-life and brag-worthy success rate. The dentist at Anoka Dental will ask the patient to come in regularly to ensure proper wound healing. Moreover, the fusion is also assessed.
This process can take anywhere from 6 to 12 weeks.
Fourth Step
This is the penultimate stop of the implant process. Once the wound has healed and the implant is securely anchored within the jaw, the abutment is placed.
The dentist at Anoka Dental will then proceed to take impressions of your upper and lower jaw. These are sent to the dental lab to fabricate the dental crown/bridge/denture. The patient can choose if they want the prosthesis to be fixed or removable.
Fifth Step
This is the last step in the Anoka dental implant process. Once the tooth replacement comes back from the dental lab, the dentist does a final check to see if it fits. The crown/bridge/denture is then attached to the implant.
The patient is advised to follow proper oral hygiene steps to take care of not just the implant, but also the mouth. Regular follow-ups with the dentist are also recommended to assess the implant’s progress.
Advantages Of Dental Implants
There are numerous advantages of dental implants. Some of them are as follows –
- Because of the fusion with the jaw bone, implants not only look but also feel like your natural teeth. The osseointegration also makes them a permanent restorative option.
- With older replacement options like bridges, the healthy teeth had to be cut down to make space. But implants don’t require interference with the remaining natural teeth. Hence, not only are they the most conservative option, but they also improve long-term dental health.
- Flossing is also easier between teeth and individual implants, contributing to a healthier mouth.
- Dental implants are pretty durable and can last a lifetime with proper care and maintenance.
- Ill-fitting dentures can be embarrassing because they tend to slip within the mouth. This causes difficulty in eating and slurred speech. With implants, a person can carry out all the basic functions and more without any worries. Implants also allow you to eat a better range of foods, which is iffy with dentures.
- Owing to bone fusion, dental implants eradicate the discomfort that comes with wearing dentures.
- Dental implants improve your self-esteem by giving you a smile makeover.
Affordable Dental Implants
Get the smile you deserve at a price you can afford
The cost of a dental implant in Anoka MN differs from one patient to another. The number of implants, the location, and the condition of the implant site is just some of the factors affecting the final number. However, the benefits provided by a dental implant far outweigh the investment.
Your dentists at Anoka Dental will discuss the cost of your procedure with you during your consultation. The fantastic dentists at our establishment, Dr. Capp and Dr. DeKrey have numerous years of experience in implant dentistry. Other than delivering guaranteed results, they also hold patient care at a very high standard. This means they take their time with their patients, explaining the procedure and also answering any questions. So rest assured, you are in capable hands with our team at Anoka Dental.
Transform your smile with dental implants - Schedule a consultation at Anoka Dental in Anoka, MN today!
To understand more about dental implants in Anoka, MN and to evaluate if you’re a suitable candidate, get in touch with Anoka Dental today. Our dentists will guide you in multiple cosmetic dentistry procedures including teeth whitening, enamel shaping, dental bonding, dentures, crowns etc. Call us at (763) 421-4002 to set up an appointment or fill this form.
