What Are Dental Implants?
Losing a tooth, expectedly or unexpectedly, can be stressful. It can also have far-reaching consequences for your health and well-being. Dental implants are a common tooth replacement option. But what exactly are they? Most people think of dental implants as a life-saving therapy for patients who have lost teeth due to injury or sickness. Implants are that, but they are also much more.
Implants act as prosthetic tooth roots that are placed in the jawbone to serve as the foundation for replacement teeth. They can be used to replace one or more missing teeth, and since they integrate with the jawbone, they give stability and support to the new teeth. Here’s what you should know about dental implants if you’re thinking about getting them.
Dental Implants Options We Offer
● Endosteal Dental Implants: Endosteal dental implants are the most common type of dental implant and an excellent option for those who want their false teeth fitted into place. Endosteal implants are placed in your jawbone to act as an artificial root for a replacement tooth. They’re placed in the jawbone, so they require adequate healing and strong bone structure to be successful.
The post will eventually integrate with your surrounding bone and gum tissues. You may experience some discomfort initially. However, most patients find the recovery easier compared to a tooth extraction. Dr. Wimmergren will provide you with information and tools to manage this and promote healing.
As the post starts to integrate with its surroundings and the implant site begins to heal, there shouldn’t be any more pain or sensitivity-related issues as long as everything proceeds smoothly during treatment.
Dental Implants: Single vs. Multiple
Dr. Wimmergren will design a treatment plan for you based on your unique condition.
● Single Tooth Dental Implant(s): If you have just one missing tooth, you will only require a single tooth implant, which consists of the post (implant body), the abutment (connector), and the crown (replacement tooth).
● Multiple Tooth Dental Implants/Bridges: If you are missing numerous teeth, several dental implants, including implant-based bridges, might be used to replace them.
● Full Mouth Dental Implants: If you are missing all of your teeth, full-mouth dental implants can help you. All-on-4 implants or all-on-6 implants can be placed to replace a complete set of teeth on your lower or upper jaw or both.
River’s Bend Family Dental provides a wide range of dental procedures to make it convenient for your family to tend to all its dental needs.
Benefits of Dental Implants
Tooth loss is a major concern, especially when discussing multiple tooth loss. At times, it may feel embarrassing, but it can also make it difficult to eat and speak normally. Thankfully, dental implants offer a permanent solution that can restore your smile and improve your quality of life.
Here are just a few of the benefits of dental implants:
● Dental implants are incredibly secure and stable; they won’t slip or move like dentures.
● They restore your ability to chew again.
● They can help keep the surrounding bone and gums healthy.
● Normal speech patterns are restored while whistling and slurring are reduced.
● They look and feel natural.
● They preserve the bone in your jaw, which prevents further tooth loss.
● They’re long-lasting – many people find that their dental implants last for decades!
The Procedure of Dental Implant Surgery
The entire procedure is time-consuming and might take between 4 to 9 months. Because the process is complex, we will break it down into smaller steps for you.
1. Evaluation: The first and foremost step of this procedure is the evaluation of your gums and mouth to determine whether you have enough healthy bone to sustain an implant or not.
Your gums will be tested for periodontal disease and other oral concerns because if these issues are present, they must be addressed before the dental implant procedure. It’s important to share all medical history information with your dentist to ensure the best possible outcome.
2. Implant Surgery: This is the crux of the whole procedure. Before proceeding with the surgery, you will be given local anesthesia to ensure your comfort. Dr. Wimmergren can also discuss options for IV sedation or general anesthesia with you.
Once your implant site is completely numb, Dr. Wimmergren will access your jawbone beneath your gum tissue. She will use specialized tools to create space in the bone for the implant post to be placed. Once the post or posts are firmly fixed, the implant sites are surgically closed.
You might experience some discomfort and inflammation of the gum tissue in the days following the placement of an implant. However, most people can resume their daily activities within 48 hours of surgery. Dr. Wimmergren will give you personalized post-operative instructions during your appointment.
After successful dental implant placement, the implant and bone bond so tightly that they cannot be separated without fracturing. This process is called Osseointegration.
3. Abutment Placement: The implant is usually accompanied by a metal extender known as an abutment. are used to attach the implant to the replacement tooth.
The abutment is inserted once the post has integrated. Dr. Wimmergren might need to re-access the implant site through your gum tissue depending on if a healing cap or screw is placed. While this is typically used to preserve the implant, it also inhibits tissue from growing inside the post.
4. Placement of Replacement Teeth: Once all this is completed, it’s now time to replace the tooth/teeth. If the option you chose is a detachable denture, , it will be linked to the abutment through a metal frame. This removable option can be cleaned at home daily.
If you choose a fixed tooth , it will be cemented or screwed into place on the abutment.
At River’s Bend Family Dental, we create a comfortable environment to address the unique dental needs of your family.
Risks Involved in the Procedure
Dental implants can significantly enhance a person’s quality of life and health. As is the case with any medical procedure, this procedure also has some risks involved. Complications in implant surgery can also lead to implant failure, which may require another surgery to fix. The risks associated with the procedure are summarised here:
● Sinus perforation or damage to surrounding tissue
● Implant failure
● Infection at the implant location
● Nerve damage
● Sinus difficulties
Meet the Best Implant Dentist in Ramsey, MN— Dr. Andrea Wimmergren
With a special affinity for cosmetic and aesthetic dentistry, Dr. Andrea Wimmergren is well-equipped and experienced enough to recommend the best course of action to replace your missing teeth.
After earning her Doctorate of Dental Surgery from the University of Minnesota, Dr. Wimmergren has established a successful practice at River’s Bend, Ramsey, MN, by providing excellent care to all her patients.
As a highly caring and experienced dentist, she illuminates all possible treatments for her patients, recommending the best option while also helping them make an informed decision. She aims to provide continuous care to all who visit the clinic in a comfortable, patient-centered environment and seeks to build long-term relationships with her patients.
As someone who constantly upgrades their knowledge and skills by joining new education courses, Dr. Wimmergren stays ahead of the latest dental treatments and techniques to treat her patients better.
Looking for Dental Implants in Ramsey, MN, and Surrounding Areas? Contact Us for the Best Dental Implant Services
Dental implants are a great way to replace missing teeth and offer several benefits over other tooth replacement options. If you’re considering dental implants, our River’s Bend Family Dental team can help you schedule an appointment to see if they’re the right option for you. Contact us today to get started!