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What Is Implant Dentistry? (Discover the Different Types)
At The Gorman Center for Fine Dentistry, our standard of care for replacement of missing teeth is implant dentistry.
The goal of teeth replacement is to restore your tooth’s function as well as esthetics. Dental Implants are a great way to restore a beautiful smile by replacing missing teeth.
A dental implant is a surgical fixture that is placed into the jawbone and allowed to fuse with the bone over the span of 3 to 6 months. Dental implants act as a replacement root of a missing tooth. They are made of titanium, which due to its properties is not rejected by the body.
We can use dental implants to stabilize a dental bridge or partial denture, as well as full sets of dentures with our implant-supported dentures procedure, the “All on 4” technique.
The benefits of implant dentistry
One of the main benefits of implant dentistry over other tooth replacement options is that they prevent the sunken look that is associated with missing teeth. Because the implants are placed in the jawbone, they help retain the fullness and contours of the face by retaining the supporting bone, much like a natural tooth root.
In addition, dental implants look and function much more like natural teeth when compared with other types of replacement options. Unlike dental bridges, which depend on surrounding teeth for support, dental implants stand-alone without affecting other teeth.
Dental implants require no extra maintenance aside from regular brushing, flossing, and recall visits to see your hygienist.
How does implant dentistry work?
Step 1: Dental implant consultation
We will begin the tooth replacement process with a complimentary implant dentistry consultation. Our North Oaks restorative dentist, Dr. Lexi Lippe, will examine your jaw and gums to determine if dental implants could be beneficial for you.
If your jawbone has an adequate foundation for the titanium posts that will be anchored to it, you might be a good candidate for this procedure. Age is not a barrier to implant dentistry; in fact, people of all ages are choosing dental implants for tooth replacement.
Step 2: Implant placement
If you are a good candidate for dental implants, the next procedure is the surgical placement of the titanium implant in the jawbone.
The use of local anesthesia makes the procedure comfortable for patients. If you’re a patient that needs a little more relaxation, we also offer oral sedation.
Oftentimes, the site of the dental implant still has an existing damaged tooth present and the tooth will need to be extracted and a bone graft placed. In some instances, when enough bone is present, the damaged tooth can be extracted and followed by the implant placement at the same appointment.
Step 3: Healing period
Once the implants have been placed, the success of the implant depends on your body’s ability to heal. There is a 3 to 6 month waiting period for the implant to integrate with your jawbone, forming a strong foundation for the replacement tooth.
Step 4: Place your restoration
The last step is to restore your smile with a restoration, which may include a:
- Dental crown
- Implant-supported bridge
- Implant-supported denture (full or partial)
Dr. Lippe blends artistry with the science of dentistry to make your restoration look, feel, and function like your natural teeth! No one will know you have dental implants.
Schedule a complimentary consultation today!
Our top restorative dentist has been placing and restoring implants for 10 years and has outstanding functional and cosmetic results.
Dental implants have become a favored option for tooth replacement because they offer a conservative approach and provide predictable results with success rates close to 98%.
With Dr. Lippe, you can expect more than just a beautiful smile. She is well-versed on the link between your mouth and body. She can help you achieve optimal oral health to live a long and happy life.
Schedule your complimentary implant dentistry consultation today, and see how our experienced team can help you with tooth replacement.
Our dental office is conveniently located in North Oaks, MN, and proudly serves our surrounding communities, including St. Paul, Minneapolis, Vadnais Heights, New Brighton, Shoreview, Little Canada, White Bear Lake, Lino Lakes, Dellwood, Roseville, Twin Cities, Edina, Minnetonka, Eagan, Woodbury, Hudson, Arden Hills, and Wisconsin.
Thanks for the great blog admin. Worth reading. So much information.
It has been a very useful article. I congratulate you wholeheartedly, I wish you continued success
It’s great that you talked about dental implants and how they don’t require much maintenance! Recently, one of my cousins had a minor accident and lost a tooth on the way. My cousin wants to start exploring his dental restoration plans, so I’ll be sure to share your article with him. Thanks for the advice on how dental implants don’t affect your denture.
Dental implants are amazing. From fixing smiles to replacing teeth that have been damaged due to failed dental work, injury, or trauma they offer form and function, just like natural teeth.