If you’re dealing with missing teeth or a smile that is not as bright or healthy as you’d like, dental implants may be in ideal option. How to choose a dental implant dentist in Hopkins, Minnesota becomes something you should begin researching as a way get back your smile and to not be embarrassed about the state of your teeth. Dental implants may not be covered by your dental insurance, but dental implants provide a lifelong, long-term dental solution that other procedures such as dentures or bridges simply won’t.

What is a dental implant?

A dental implant is a “root” device. When you have a dental implant it acts just as your natural tooth would have. The implant is placed into your jaw bone. When you are fitted for a bridge or a partial, these are attached to the other teeth in your mouth — not into the jawbone. To have a partial, your dentist mills down healthy teeth on either side of the bridge to support it. Implants do not rely on neighboring teeth, preserve your jawbone and are a better, healthier option for preserving tooth health.

What are some benefits of dental implants?

• Eliminates the need for a removable, partial denture and is more comfortable.
• Implants can provide support for a denture or a bridge. This will make the bridge more secure and will not involve milling of surrounding teeth.
• When you have an implant, your speaking and eating will not be negatively impacted. Dentures don’t always fit perfectly and slide around; this can make speaking and eating difficult. Implants function just as your natural teeth would have.
• Dental implants are a tried and true procedure. They are reliable. They are a safe option for tooth replacement.
• They can last a lifetime.

Who is a candidate for implant dentistry at Gendler Dental Center in Hopkins, MN?

If you’re in good oral health, chances are you will be a candidate for dental implants. Implants are recommended for our patients who have lost a tooth, or multiple teeth, because of periodontal disease, an injury to the mouth and other reasons.

Our dental team will evaluate you to ensure you have a healthy jaw bone and the necessary bone depth to support a dental implant. In some cases, an implant can be placed on your bone, instead of inside it if you don’t have enough bone to support the implant).

Implants are usually more expensive than bridges or dentures, but you need to look at the long-term costs and benefits. If you have to replace a bridge or denture later, the overall costs could be higher than choosing implants now. Benefits include being able to eat and talk just as you would with your natural teeth. Dental implants will last you a lifetime!

Another disadvantage to a bridge, in addition to having to have neighboring teeth milled down, is that those milled teeth are now prone to bacterial plaque, decay, periodontal disease and may even mean you will need a root canal on those teeth in the future. That is another potential cost of a bridge that you won’t have to worry about with a dental implant.

The American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry provides comparison of implants vs bridges and visuals to illustrate differences.

For our patients who are seeking a long-term solution that provides the most comfort and reliable results that can last a lifetime, talk with us about dental implant procedures and technologies. Give Gendler Dental Center in Hopkins, MN a call and schedule your appointment to discuss dental implants and any other dental concerns.