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If you are looking to replace one or more missing teeth, or perhaps you’re looking for a more reliable alternative to old dentures, partials, or loose teeth, your dentist may recommend, and restore your oral health, function, and youthful vibrancy with dental implants. Implants are a revolutionary tooth replacement option. They are safe, reliable, and well-proven for permanently replacing one or more missing teeth. Many people have benefited from dental implants as the preferred long-term solution for excellent comfort and function, which they claim to be similar to having your natural teeth making the cost of dental implants worth the time and expense. 

Unlike other tooth replacement options, like bridgework and dentures, the placement of dental implants involves a minor surgical procedure, during which the implant will be placed in the jaw. This single factor makes the treatment more costly than other options. Dental implants lie in the category of implantology under restoration dentistry. They require specialist care that is typically more expensive than general dental care. Actually, they can only be placed by an oral surgeon, periodontist, or dentist with relevant advanced training and experience.

The other things that affect the cost of implants are:

• Position of the tooth – replacing a front tooth usually involves a lot more work because of the minimal work-space available compared to a back tooth. In addition, the abutment used in the front teeth is usually more costly than the standard abutments used in back teeth placement. 
• Thorough examination – the consultation process also includes a number of costly exams including diagnostic imaging (panoramic X-ray). 
• Multiple, unique parts – each implant comprises three elements: the implant, abutment, and crown, all of which are made from different materials, through different processes, and are placed at different appointments. 
• Additional procedures – some patients require periodontal treatment or bone grafts to prepare your gums and bone tissue for implant surgery and increase your chances of a successful procedure, which adds to the overall cost of treatment. 

Please visit your dental surgeon in Watertown today to find out about the cost of getting dental implants for your specific case.  

Dental implants provide the most natural tooth replacement possible. The artificial tooth comprises a titanium post that acts as the tooth root, connecting the crown to the underlying bone tissue. The result is a restoration that looks, feels, and functions like your natural tooth. It also doesn’t require any special cleaning procedures. You just need to brush, floss, and schedule regular professional cleanings like normal. 

If you have one or more missing teeth, the gap in your mouth can be filled in a number of ways, including dental implants. That said, you need to visit your dentist to determine whether you’re a good candidate for dental implants. 

The Initial Consultation

During your first appointment for dental implants, the dentist will review your medical history and investigate lifestyle factors that may affect your treatment, such as smoking and alcohol consumption. He will then physically examine your mouth and take x-rays, 3D scans, impressions, and photos to help design your tooth replacement and plan your treatment. 

Generally, to be considered a good candidate for dental implants, the gap should have a healthy amount of gum and bone tissue. In some cases, the oral surgeon may recommend that you go through additional procedures like bone grafting to build up the bone tissue so it’s sufficient to support the implant and replacement tooth. Soft tissue grafting may also be necessary to ensure that the gums can adequately cover the new tooth root (implant). 

Get Healthy for a Successful Implant Placement

The success rate for dental implants is over 95%. However, some patients are at risk of complications, especially if they smoke, consume excess alcohol, have gum disease, or are suffering from certain medical problems that prevent proper healing and timely recovery. 

If the dentist identifies any oral or medical problems that may reduce the chances of a successful implant, they will try to help you manage them. Ideally, the mouth should be free of gum disease, infections, and excessive teeth wear as it could indicate bruxism (teeth grinding and clenching) that can prevent proper healing of the implant. 

Please consult your dentist in Watertown MN for a personal examination to determine if you’re a good candidate.

Dental implants are arguably the best solution for missing teeth. When you have a severely damaged or decayed tooth that cannot be saved with a crown or root canal therapy, then your dental implant dentist may recommend that it be completely removed. 

Unfortunately, any spaces left unfilled between your teeth cause adjacent teeth to shift towards the gap, causing bite misalignment and other problems. In addition, without the tooth root to stimulate the underlying bone tissue, the jawbone may begin to lose mass and strength (bone atrophy), which makes your face shrink and look older. If your dentist recommends tooth extraction, he/she will also suggest an appropriate tooth replacement option to prevent this from happening. 

What to Expect 

A dental implant is surgically placed in the jawbone and allowed to fuse with your natural bone, creating a firm foundation for the replacement tooth. Singular implants can be used to replace one missing tooth or to support bridgework for 2 or 3 missing teeth. Multiple implants can also be placed at appropriate intervals to support dentures and keep them from slipping when eating and talking. 

Dental implants are the only restorative option that stops bone atrophy after tooth loss. A dental implant comprises three parts:

• Titanium post – that is surgically placed into the jawbone 
• Abutment – used to attach the post to the crown 
• Crown – section of the tooth above the gum line that is connected to the post via the abutment

Who is the Right Candidate for Dental Implants?

Although the success rate of dental implants is high, at over 96%, the right candidate should:

• Have good overall health with no signs of gum disease, tooth decay, or jawbone degeneration
• Have sufficient jawbone tissue to support the posts 
• Have no conditions that put you at risk of surgical procedures, like over bleeding

If you don’t have enough bone tissue to support an implant, the dental implant dentist may recommend a bone regeneration procedure to build up the base for the implant. This will, however, increase the duration of your treatment from the usual 4-6 months. 

It is important that you discuss with your dentist in Watertown MN about your candidacy for dental implants.