What is the purpose of a dental implant?
The basic purpose of a dental implant is to replace the root portion of your missing tooth to restore normal chewing as well as the appearance of your smile. The implant itself is a tiny titanium screw that is placed in your jaw bone and integrates with surrounding tissue. This allows for placement of dental restorations that may include one tooth or several teeth.
Why are dental implants so different from crowns?
Dental implants offer the patient a permanent solution for replacement of missing teeth. The implant is designed to look, feel and function just like your natural tooth. Dental implants are completely independent of surrounding teeth, so they also provide a tooth replacement option that does not put stress on surrounding healthy teeth.
How do I know if a dental implant is right for me?
If you’re healthy enough to undergo tooth extraction, you are probably a good candidate for placement of a dental implant. A patient with one or more missing teeth or one who wears dentures may benefit from dental implants.
How long do dental implants last?
The long-term success rate for dental implants is very high. Before proceeding with a treatment plan, the team at the St. Paul Dental Implants Office will conduct a comprehensive exam of your jaw to determine if there is sufficient bone density to place an implant.
Will my dental implant need continued dental maintenance?
Of course, you will need to maintain routine visits to your dentist for regular exams and cleanings. Even though your dental implant will not develop cavities, there are still special precautions that you need to take as you would with any dental prosthetic. Maintaining routine visits along with diligent at-home oral health care will guarantee the long life of the dental implant as well as your overall oral health.