Tooth loss affects millions of Americans each year. Its impact makes it difficult to bite, chew, speak, and smile with confidence. Left untreated, tooth loss can cause issues like bone resorption, shifting and overcrowding, and even infections.
Fortunately, dental implants provide a permanent and natural-looking solution. They restore function and aesthetics, allowing you to enjoy your favorite foods and maintain optimal oral health. At Highgrove Dental Care, our experienced St. Paul dental team offers painless and precise dental implant placement to help patients regain their full and natural smiles.
The Purpose of Dental Implants
Dental implants replace missing tooth roots with titanium posts, which serve as a foundation for artificial teeth. Unlike other tooth replacement options, implants fuse with the jawbone—via osseointegration—preventing bone loss and preserving facial structure. Also, when a tooth is lost, the surrounding bone begins to deteriorate, and adjacent teeth may shift, resulting in overcrowding and bite misalignment.
Dental implants help maintain oral health by avoiding these complications while providing the durability and functionality of natural teeth.
The Dental Implant Procedure
Dental implant surgery is a multi-step process designed for precision, comfort, and long-term success. Our team ensures a precise and comfortable experience with the following steps:
- An initial evaluation involving x-rays, images, and impressions to assess your jawbone and plan implant placement
- Placement of a small titanium post into the empty socket in the jawbone through a small incision in the gums
- Healing and osseointegration of the implant with the jawbone over a period of a few months
- Placement of a custom-made dental crown, bridge, or denture to fully restore the form and function of your smile
Dental Implants vs. Other Tooth Replacement Options
When considering tooth replacement, it’s important to weigh your options. While dental implants are a top choice, patients have other popular solutions from which to choose:
- Bridges — Effective for replacing one or more missing teeth but require adjacent teeth to be altered.
- Dentures — Suitable for multiple missing teeth but require adhesives and are less stable than implants.
Caring for Your Dental Implants
One of the greatest benefits of dental implants is their ease of maintenance. Simply brush, floss, maintain a healthy diet, and attend regular dental checkups as you would with natural teeth to ensure the effectiveness and longevity of dental implants.
Schedule Your Dental Implant Consultation in St. Paul, MN, Today
Dental implants in St. Paul could be the answer if you’re ready for a permanent solution to tooth loss. Contact Dr. Jadilyn Nguyen Grittner and the friendly and skilled Highgrove Dental Care team today to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward a healthier, more confident smile!