Dental Implants Minnetonka
Dental Implants Directory
What are dental implants?
A natural tooth consists of a root and a crown. If you compare natural teeth to implant-supported replacement teeth, you’ll see they have the same basic parts. Both have a crown (the visible part used to chew food). Both have a root that holds the tooth securely under the gum and is anchored into the jaw.
The difference is that the implant is made of titanium – the same time-tested material used by surgeons for artificial joints. When you lose a tooth, you lose both the root and the crown. To replace the tooth, the dentist first replaces the root with a small dental implant.
What are the benefits of dental implants?
In addition to being today’s ideal tooth replacement method, dental implants help maintain the density and shape of the jawbone by supporting the soft tissues and facial structure of the cheeks, gums, and lips. A bonus: dental implants allow you to chew, eat, and smile naturally and without constraint. Dental implants can:
- Replace a complete arch of missing teeth, using bridges or dentures.
- Replace multiple missing teeth in conjunction with a bridge.
- Replace a single missing tooth.
How do Dental Implants Work?
Dr. Phillips surgically places implants—root replacements made of titanium—in the jawbone, below the gum line. The titanium integrates with the bone through a process called Osseointegration. When it comes to tooth replacement options, the ability that bone has to fuse with an artificial material ensures unmatched stability. Once the implant is carefully placed, we fix a crown, bridge, or denture to the abutment that has been attached to the screw.
Are Dental Implants A Good Option For Me?
The ideal candidate for this procedure depends on a variety of factors. If you answer yes to any of the following questions, you may benefit from dental implants.
- Do you have fillings or crowns that do not stay in place?
- Do you have a tooth that has significant decay?
- Do you have cracked or broken teeth?
- Do you have a partial denture or full dentures?
The Dental Implant Process
The first step in the dental implant process is scheduling a consultation with Dr. Phillips. During this initial phase of the process, we gather imaging and medical and dental histories so that we have a clear picture of your current health. Our doctors will then explore treatment options with you and make a plan that enables both your health goals and budgetary needs are met.
- Tooth Extraction — We remove the broken or cracked tooth to provide a space for the implant.
- Bone Grafting — If there is insufficient jawbone density and structure, we will perform a bone graft.
- Dental Implant Placement — We secure the implant to your jawbone, beneath your gums.
- Abutment Placement — This connecting piece attaches the crown to the implant.
- Crown Placement — After the appropriate healing time, we will place your final crown restoration.
Implant Placement After-Care
- Two weeks after surgery: Eat a diet of soft food for the first two weeks. It is important that you continue to eat even if you have no appetite. Nutrition will support healing.
- Long-term: Continue to maintain a healthy oral hygiene routine. Brushing and flossing twice a day and fluoride rinses can enable your dental implants to last a lifetime.
Sedation Options
At Tonka Smiles, your comfort and safety are our top priority, so we seek to make you as comfortable as possible while reducing any anxiety you might have. We would be happy to discuss what would be best for you during your consultation. We offer:
- Inhalation Sleep—Nitrous oxide
- Oral Sedation—Valium, Halcion
At Tonka Smiles, we are proud to offer a safe, comfortable, and affordable dental implant experience. We use cutting-edge technology and the latest techniques to ensure you get the treatment you deserve. For more information regarding our dental implants and to schedule a consultation, call our office today! Tonka Smiles Phone Number 952-938-8533
Dental Implant FAQs
Would I have any temporary teeth during the implant process or healing phrase?
If there is a cosmetic concern with the implant site, there are some options to help get you through the healing process. Sometimes a temporary crown can also be placed on the implant at the time the surgery is taking place.
Does it hurt to get a dental implant?
With anesthetic, you will be comfortable through the implant procedure. Most of our patients experience very little, if any, discomfort. Any discomfort is usually well managed with over-the-counter pain medication.
Will dental implants feel like normal teeth?
Most patients cannot tell the difference between their natural teeth and the implants once they have been restored.
I am missing a lot of teeth. What can I do about that?
Whether you are missing one tooth or missing a whole arch of teeth, we treat all cases. Our dentist will review your case and develop some treatment options for your specific situation.
Are there any complications or risks associated with dental implants?
There is an extremely high success rate for dental implants; however, as with any other procedure, there can be complications. Such complications may include the loss of the implant. If this occurs, the implant can usually be successfully replaced.
What is a dental implant?
A dental implant is a metal anchor that acts as a tooth root substitute. These implants are surgically placed in the jawbone and can be on the upper or lower jawbone. After the implant is placed, small posts are then attached to the implant, which will protrude through the gums. This provides stable anchors for the artificial teeth replacements.
Who is a candidate for dental implants?
If you have enough jawbone and are in good general health, an implant may be a good option for you.
Who will place the dental implant?
A general dentist, periodontist, or oral surgeon can place implants since they have gone through formal and extensive training on that specific procedure.
What is the advantage of dental implants?
- Easier to maintain and clean than removable prosthesis or dental bridges
- Longer lasting option than other restorative procedures
- They are “fixed” in place – no shifting or slipping in your mouth
How long does an implant last?
Generally, dental implants can last a lifetime and they are 95-98% successful. Implants (just like natural teeth) can require maintenance and require professional cleanings to help ensure the best results.
How do I take care of my implants?
You will want to follow the same protocol for your implants as you would with your natural teeth. Staying on top of brushing, flossing, and routine dental visits/cleanings will help to ensure that tartar and plaque do not adhere to the prosthesis.