Is a missing tooth keeping you from feeling confident in your smile? A dental implant may be the answer! You may be familiar with dental bridges to replace missing teeth, called pontics, that are connected to crowns or the teeth adjacent to the missing tooth. While a dental bridge may be a good solution, dental implants are a permanent option that does not include a removable appliance, which is ideal for many patients.

Dental Implants Explained

Frame Placement

A dental implant requires a surgical procedure to first place a metal frame/post in the mandible or maxilla (lower or upper jawbone). This frame will serve as the new “root” of the missing tooth. Once the frame is in place, a period of time must pass for osseointegration to take place—the process in which the functional and structural connection occurs between living bone and the surface of the implant. In other words, the frame fuses into your jawbone.

This process normally takes 4–6 months for osseointegration to complete before your artificial tooth can be placed. Aftercare instructions will be provided by the oral surgeon and patients should always follow instructions and consult their surgeon with any questions or concerns. A second surgery may also be required depending on the type of implant you receive—endosteal or subperiosteal—which your oral surgeon will determine as part of your treatment plan.

Artificial Tooth Placement

Once the frame is fully fused into the jawbone and everything has healed properly, you’re ready for artificial tooth placement. A realistic artificial tooth will be custom-created just for you. This tooth can be removable or fixed—you and your dentist will decide what’s right based on your oral health and lifestyle.

Questions About Dental Implants?

This is a brief overview of what dental implants are and surely has left you wondering, “Is a dental implant the right solution for me?” If so, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with our Golden Valley dental team. Call us today at 763.546.1301 or request an appointment online to explore your options for a healthier, more confident smile.