Dental implants are a common treatment to replace missing teeth by forging permanent roots with the jawbone. Safe and effective, dental implants are often referred to as cosmetic surgery, though the procedure offers a number of key health benefits that everyone should be aware of before deciding whether it’s right for them. If you’re searching for dental implants in St. Paul, MN, St. Anthony Park Dental Care can help you know more about what to expect.
What Are Dental Implants?
There’s more than one type of dental implant, but the most common one is known as single-tooth. A single-tooth implant embeds a fixture into the jaw that eventually fuses to the bone. Once the process is complete, the dentist will finish up by affixing a permanent crown. It’s the abutment that connects the actual implant with the crown.
With dental implants, there’s no slippage or movement, making it a welcome change from dentures. Single-tooth can be used to fill multiple spaces within the mouth, as the term refers to the fact that the dentist is working with one tooth rather than relying on the surrounding teeth for support. Implants look and feel like regular teeth, which can ultimately make it a little easier to flash your famous smile.
Can Implants Replace a Full Set of Teeth?
Yes. If you’re looking for a dentist in St. Paul, MN that can replace a full set of either upper or lower teeth, full mouth treatment can be used to attach an arch of teeth that covers everything you need. This procedure limits the number of implants you receive, which can reduce the overall stress on your mouth.
The Many Benefits of Dental Implants
Dental implants offer a number of serious benefits for anyone who wants to improve their appearance and their oral health:
- Confidence: It’s not just confidence in your pearly whites, it’s confidence in what you have to say too. With dentures, it’s easy for them to become dislodged, which can cause you to slur your words. Implants stay where they are, so you can relax.
- Comfort: Remember what it was like to have a full set of teeth? Whether you’re eating, going for a bike ride, or just watching TV, people with dental implants get back many of the luxuries afforded to those with their natural teeth.
- Better oral health: When your mouth is intact, it’s easier to take care of. Instead of putting all that extra pressure on the teeth you do have, you can let the dental implant take some of the burden off. Plus, implants prevent your other teeth from shifting or sliding to fill the gaps.
Dental implants are safe and have extremely high rates of success. You won’t have to worry about replacing them in five years, developing an infection after the procedure, or the cost of another pair of dentures.
What Can I Expect During the Procedure?
Dental implants in St. Paul, MN are multi-step:
- Custom treatment: The initial examination will evaluate your oral health, so the dentist can determine a personalized plan for you.
- For a single-tooth implant, a small post will be placed into the bone socket of the missing tooth. As the jaw heals, it will grow around the post and secure it to the bones. This can take anywhere from 6 – 12 weeks, during which time you’ll have a temporary crown.
- Once the implant has sufficiently attached itself, the abutment will be placed to hold the tooth. The dentist will create a mold of your teeth to ensure the abutment and new crown will match your other teeth.
Is Everyone Eligible for Dental Implants?
Unfortunately, not everyone will be eligible for dental implants. If the jawbone has begun to deteriorate, it may not be able to fully support the implant. There are also other factors, including health conditions or lifestyle choices (e.g., smoking, etc.) that may disqualify you from the procedure. Your dentist may be able to recommend other treatments if you’re not eligible for the procedure.
Dental Implants in St. Paul, MN
The right dentist in St. Paul can go a long way to helping you replace your missing teeth, so you can preserve your oral health for many years to come. Trust the expert staff at St. Anthony Park Dental Care to get you the treatment you need.
