Dental Implant Placement In Saint Paul, MN

Dental implants have become the gold standard for replacing missing teeth due to their durability, natural-looking appearance, and long-term benefits. Dental implant placement is a surgical procedure designed to replace missing teeth with artificial tooth roots made of titanium and a corresponding prosthetic.

The process begins with a comprehensive evaluation, including X-rays and impressions, to assess bone density and oral health. During the procedure, the dentist in Saint Paul, MN, surgically embeds the implant into the jawbone beneath the gum tissue. Over several months, the implant is integrated with the bone through osseointegration, providing a stable foundation for a custom-made dental crown, bridge, or denture.

Dental implants can provide numerous benefits, including improved chewing ability, preservation of jawbone density, and natural-looking aesthetics, making them a long-lasting solution for tooth replacement.

The Procedure of Dental Implant Placement

Before Dental Implant Surgery

• The journey begins with an initial consultation with our dentist at Hillcrest Dental Center. During this visit, a comprehensive oral examination is conducted, which may include X-rays or CT scans. These diagnostic tools help assess the health of your jawbone, gum tissue, and adjacent teeth. Our dentist will also review your dental and medical history to ensure you are a suitable candidate for dental implants.
• Based on the evaluation, a personalized treatment plan is created. This plan considers factors such as the number of implants needed, the condition of your jawbone, and any additional procedures required, such as bone grafting to augment bone density if necessary.
• Our dentist will provide instructions on how to prepare before the surgery. This may include guidelines on fasting before anesthesia, arranging for transportation to and from the procedure, and any medications you may need to take beforehand.

During Dental Implant Surgery

• Local anesthesia is administered to numb the surgical area, ensuring you remain comfortable throughout the procedure. For individuals with anxiety or undergoing more complex cases, sedation options such as oral sedatives or intravenous (IV) sedation may also be available.
• Once the anesthesia has taken effect, the dentist makes a small incision in the gum tissue at the site where the implant will be placed. This exposes the underlying jawbone, allowing precise access to the implant site. The dentist then uses specialized drills and instruments to create a small pilot hole in the jawbone at the precise depth and angle determined by the treatment plan. This pilot hole serves as a guide for the implant placement.
• The titanium implant, resembling a small screw or cylinder, is carefully placed into the prepared site in the jawbone. The implant is strategically positioned to maximize contact with surrounding bone for optimal stability and support. Once placed, the implant site may be covered with a healing cap or protective cover to facilitate proper healing of the surrounding gum tissue.
• After the implant is securely placed, the gum tissue is stitched closed over the implant site. Depending on the complexity of the case and individual healing response, sutures may be dissolvable or require removal after a designated healing period.

After Dental Implant Surgery

• In the days following surgery, it's normal to experience some discomfort, swelling, or minor bleeding at the implant site. Our dentist will provide specific instructions on pain management, oral hygiene practices, and dietary restrictions to promote healing.
• Over the next several weeks to months, a process called osseointegration occurs. During osseointegration, the implant is fused with the surrounding jawbone tissue as the latter heals. This integration process is crucial as it provides a stable foundation for the final restoration (crown, bridge, or denture) and mimics the function of a natural tooth root.
• Once osseointegration is complete and the implant has integrated with the jawbone, a minor surgical procedure may be required to place an abutment. The abutment is a small connector piece that extends beyond the gum line and serves as the attachment point for the final restoration.
• After the abutment is placed and the gum tissue has healed around it, impressions of your teeth and gums are taken to create a custom-made crown, bridge, or denture. This final restoration is carefully fabricated to match your natural teeth's color, shape, and size, providing a lifelike appearance and restoring full function to your smile. Contact us today to learn more.

The Benefits of Dental Implant Placement

Natural-Looking and Functional Replacement

Dental implants in Saint Paul, MN, are designed to look, feel, and function like natural teeth. Made from biocompatible titanium, implants are surgically placed into the jawbone, where they are integrated with the bone through osseointegration. This integration provides a stable foundation for prosthetic teeth (crowns, bridges, or dentures), mimicking the strength and resilience of natural tooth roots. As a result, implants restore chewing ability, speech clarity, and overall oral function with unparalleled comfort and confidence.

Preservation of Jawbone Health

One of the significant drawbacks of tooth loss is the gradual deterioration of the jawbone due to lack of stimulation from tooth roots. Dental implants actively stimulate and preserve jawbone density, preventing bone loss and maintaining facial structure. This preservation of bone volume contributes to a youthful facial appearance and ensures long-term stability and support for surrounding teeth.

Improved Oral Health

Dental implants do not require the alteration of adjacent teeth for support, unlike traditional tooth-supported bridges. This preservation of natural tooth structure promotes better oral hygiene practices, allowing easier access between teeth for brushing and flossing. Additionally, implants reduce the risk of gum irritation and potential decay associated with bridgework, thereby supporting overall oral health and longevity of surrounding teeth.

Enhanced Comfort and Confidence

Dental implants eliminate the discomfort and inconvenience often associated with removable dentures. By securely anchoring prosthetic teeth to the jawbone, implants eliminate slipping or shifting that can occur with dentures, allowing unrestricted eating, speaking, and smiling. This stability and natural feel enhance self-confidence and overall quality of life, empowering individuals to enjoy social interactions and daily activities without worry.

Visit Hillcrest Dental Center at 1762 Iowa Ave East, Saint Paul, MN 55106, or call (651) 771-6464 to learn how dental implants can benefit you and embark on the journey towards a confident and functional smile that lasts a lifetime.