Frequently Asked Dental Implant Questions
Serving St. Paul, Minneapolis and the surrounding areas
If you've lost a tooth, your smile may be impaired, or you may have difficulty in eating. Traditionally, missing teeth have been replaced using bridges, removable partials and dentures, and all of these bring problems, such as sore gums and speech difficulties.
If the missing tooth was not replaced somehow, atrophy, a shrinking of the jawbone, can set in and affect jaw function, as well as causing changes in the face's appearance.
Because of the recent strides forward taken in cosmetic dentistry, dental implants can now solve or avoid most of these problems.
A:Dental implants are titanium cylinders placed in the jawbone to hold and support replacement teeth. They're a fairly new development in cosmetic dentistry.
Q: Who is a good candidate for dental implants?
A: Each person has unique dental conditions, but generally speaking, a good candidate for dental implants would be anyone who has lost a tooth and who:
- Has an intact jawbone in the desired implant area
- Has no vital structures that would impede the dental implant placement, such as blood vessels, nerves or sinuses
- Has good general health
- Does not have diabetes
- Has had no head or neck radiotherapy
- Has educated and realistic expectations for the outcome
Q: How long do dental implants last?
A: They're very long-lasting, and some people have had implant-supported teeth for more than twenty-five years.
Q: How are dental implants done?
A: Dental implants are done in two stages, spaced apart by 3 to 6 months.
- In the first stage, the implant itself is placed in the jaw, where the new tooth will be attached. Time must pass now, while a process happens called osseo-integration; in other words, the implant needs to bond to the surrounding bone so there'll be a strong base for the new tooth.
You might wear a temporary bridge or denture during these months.
- In the second stage, the new tooth is created and attached to the implant. You can actually have several teeth done in this way, or even a complete set of dentures.
Q: Is it painful to have dental implants done?
A: No; your cosmetic dentist will use an anesthetic for the procedure, just as dentists always do.
Q: What are the benefits of dental implants?
- Your new teeth feel and look just like your natural teeth
- Eating is more pleasurable again, as you can now chew without pain or irritation
- Your entire face may have an increased esthetic appearance
- An ongoing worry is removed from your life
Contact us for a free evaluation if you're considering dental implants. Dr. Nippoldt will do a thorough dental examination and listen to your wishes and fears. He'll answer all your questions and make sure you understand all the options available to you.
