Bismarck-Mandan Dental Implants

Dental Implants

Dental implants are a reliable, long-term option for patients seeking to replace one or more missing teeth. Implants are metal posts that resemble a screw and are placed in the jaw, simulating the function of the root structure of a missing tooth. Implants are incredibly strong because the jaw bone then fuses around the implants, holding them firmly in place. An abutment and crown are then placed on top of the implant, which will look and function like a natural tooth.

The success rate for dental implants is very high and they typically last a long time, sometimes for decades. As such, they are a longer-term option than porcelain fixed bridges and usually lead to less damage to surrounding teeth. That said, they also take longer to place and require surgery – in some cases, more than one. Ultimately, if you are missing a tooth, we recommend scheduling an appointment so we can complete an examination and discuss what’s best for your situation.

Reasons for Dental Implants:

When you lose a tooth, the immediate functional and aesthetic drawbacks are only part of the story. Missing teeth also pose a risk to the other teeth surrounding it. When one goes missing, other teeth can drift, altering your bite, causing bone loss, and more.

There are generally a few reasons patients may need one or more dental implants:

• Improving Your Oral Health: Missing teeth can cause surrounding teeth to deteriorate and decay.
• Alleviating Discomfort: Missing teeth can make chewing and talking more difficult and painful.
• Restoring Your Smile: While missing teeth can understandably cause you to hide your smile, they can also change your facial features over time.

Implants can also be used to support dentures, providing a more stable, easier-to-maintain option for those who are missing most or all of their teeth.

WHAT DOES GETTING Dental Implants INVOLVE?

The first part of the dental implant process is determining if you are a good fit for implants. In some situations, depending on factors such as the health of your oral tissue, other medical conditions you are managing, and medications you are currently taking could impact whether or not implants are the best treatment option.

Even if these factors do not disqualify you for implants, they could impact the treatment plan. For example, if your jawbone is too soft or not thick enough to support an implant, we may need to first complete a bone graft to ensure the implant can be supported.

Once we have determined the right treatment plan, you can expect the dental implant process to look like this:

1. Place the dental implant: An incision will be made in your gums to expose your jawbone. After a small hole is made in your jaw, the implant will be placed into the bone.
2. Allow the implant and bone to fuse: It will take time for the implant and bone to fuse, in some cases several months. This is crucial for ensuring the stability of the implant.
3. Place the abutment: Once the bone and implant are fused together, an abutment will be placed on the implant. This may require minor surgery with a local anesthetic.
4. Make and place the crown: Finally, it’s time to create a mold of your teeth to have your new tooth made. When it’s ready, it will be affixed to the abutment and the process will be complete.

While this takes longer than some other procedures, the good news is that implants usually last a long time, meaning the extra short-term investment is worth it for many patients.