Achieving a Radiant Smile With Dental Implants Woodbury, MN
Dental implants are tiny surgical posts designed to seamlessly integrate with the body, mimicking the function of natural tooth roots. Once implanted and fused with the surrounding bone, these posts offer exceptional support for single crowns, bridges, and dentures. Representing the pinnacle of tooth replacement technology, dental implants provide enduring and efficient outcomes, enabling the restoration of a fully functional and complete smile.
Consider all the benefits
If you're dealing with missing teeth, whether it's one, several, or all, dental implants offer a chance to restore a complete and aesthetically pleasing smile. The popularity of dental implants is on the rise, with approximately 3 million people having already undergone the procedure and an additional 500,000 joining them each year. This increasing preference stems from the numerous advantages that dental implants offer over other tooth replacement options.
While traditional fixed bridges and dentures serve as effective solutions for replacing missing teeth, dental implants boast several significant benefits:
-
Natural Look, Feel, and Function: Dental implants closely resemble natural teeth in appearance, sensation, and functionality.
-
Longevity: With proper placement, good oral hygiene, and regular maintenance, dental implants can last for many years.
-
Bone Preservation: Dental implants stimulate the underlying bone, preventing bone loss and preserving the natural facial structure.
-
Security and Stability: Unlike removable dentures, implants behave like natural teeth, remaining secure and stable while speaking or eating.
-
Ease of Eating and Speaking: Dental implants facilitate comfortable eating and speaking, allowing the enjoyment of various foods without restrictions.
-
Resistance to Decay: Dental implants are resistant to decay and not susceptible to cavities.
-
Preservation of Adjacent Teeth: Unlike fixed bridges, dental implants do not require the preparation or crowning of neighboring teeth.
Opting for dental implants provides a natural-looking and long-lasting solution to the issue of missing teeth.
Types of Dental Implants
Single-tooth implant
A conventional fixed bridge typically entails preparing and crowning teeth on both sides of the empty space in the mouth. These crowned teeth act as anchors for the artificial teeth, known as "pontics," which fill the gap. Similar to a bridge over water that relies on sturdy pillars at each end, a dental bridge gains its strength and stability from the crowned teeth connected to one or more pontics.
In contrast, a cantilever fixed bridge, though similar to a traditional fixed bridge, has one notable distinction: only one side of the pontic is attached to a crown for support.
Implant-supported fixed bridges
An implant-supported bridge offers a highly effective solution for replacing multiple missing teeth. It not only preserves the health of neighboring natural teeth but also prevents bone loss and maintains facial structure by stimulating essential bone growth. Unlike a traditional fixed bridge, this type of bridge avoids the need for preparing and crowning adjacent natural teeth. Instead, it relies on strategically placed dental implants to support all necessary crowns and replacement teeth.Full arch replacement with four or six Implants
Implant-supported replacement teeth present a remarkable alternative to full dentures. They not only rejuvenate a natural-looking smile but also offer the same functionality and sensation as real teeth. Unlike conventional dentures, these replacement teeth are firmly anchored in place and cannot be removed, eliminating the need for adhesive and the inconvenience of denture cleaning and maintenance. With this solution, individuals can speak, smile, and chew confidently. Additionally, temporary teeth can be promptly fitted, with a permanent set being installed once the implants have fully integrated with the surrounding bone.Implant-retained denture
A denture supported by implants, also referred to as an implant-supported denture, is affixed to a predetermined number of implants strategically placed in either the upper or lower jaw. These implants serve as stable anchors for the denture, ensuring stability and retention. This enhanced level of support empowers individuals to smile, speak, and eat with confidence and comfort.Are dental implants suitable for my situation?
If you're uncertain about your eligibility for dental implants, rest assured. At Lakeview Family Dentistry, we have a simple process to assess your suitability. We don't just evaluate your smile; we also provide comprehensive answers to your questions. Moreover, we discuss the most appropriate dental implant options for your needs. Our approach involves treating each smile uniquely, creating personalized treatment plans that take into account your medical and dental history, current oral health, desired aesthetic outcomes, lifestyle, and financial considerations.
How are dental implants inserted?
At every phase of dental care, from treatment planning to the placement of dental implants and the crafting of crowns, bridges, or dentures, meticulous planning and precise execution are crucial. Although dental implant surgery is generally a minor outpatient procedure, its intricacy can vary based on factors like the number and type of implants and any necessary preparations for the supporting bone. Communication is paramount in our approach to patient care.
Before your dental implant procedure, we will extensively discuss dental anesthesia, sedation options, and provide comprehensive instructions for pre- and post-operative care. Our office is dedicated to keeping you fully informed throughout the entire process. Following the placement of a dental implant, it typically takes several months for it to fully integrate with the surrounding bone. Some implant solutions allow for the immediate placement of a temporary crown or bridge, while others necessitate waiting for complete healing and fusion with the surrounding bone before installing the permanent prostheses.