Dental Implants in Prior Lake, MN

Are you dealing with tooth loss? As an adult, you don’t ever expect to lose a permanent tooth but this problem happens to millions of Americans.  Morgan Family Dental can help you choose the right replacement option to fit your needs. Dental implants offer a realistic and long-term option for healthy adults who are looking to get the next best thing to a real tooth.

What are Dental Implants?

A dental implant is a dental prosthetic that replaces tooth roots. While an implant is made up of three different parts, the main part is a metal screw that is surgically inserted into the jawbone where they will function just like real tooth roots by stimulating and preserving the jawbone. Once the implant is placed it will take several months for the jawbone and implant to fuse together.

This integration between the implant and jawbone means that your false tooth is now a permanent part of your smile. With the proper care implants are durable enough to last several decades, which means that many of our patients end up having their implant for the rest of their lives.

How many teeth can be replaced with dental implants?

You can replace a single tooth, multiple teeth or all your teeth with implants(View Examples). You don't even need one implant for every missing tooth. As few as two Implants can support a removable lower denture, while as few as four implants can provide a full, permanent set of top or bottom teeth.

Can anyone receive dental implants?

Dr. Morgan will be happy to discuss whether you are a good candidate; however, there are some limitations. You must be in good health and have the proper bone structure and healthy gums for the implant to stay in place. People who are unable to wear dentures may also be good candidates. If you suffer from chronic problems, such as clenching or bruxism, or systemic diseases, such as diabetes, the success rate for implants decreases dramatically. Additionally, people who smoke or drink alcohol may not be good candidates.

What can I expect during this procedure?

First, Dr. Morgan performs surgery to anchor the "artificial root" into or on your jaw bone. The procedure is done in our office with local anesthesia. The gum is then secured over the implant, which will remain covered until it fuses with the bone. This usually takes about 3-6 months. The dentist then uncovers the implant and attaches an extension, or post, to the implant. With some implants, the implant and post are a single unit placed in the mouth during the initial surgery. Finally, the dentist makes an artificial tooth, or crown, that is attached to the implant post. It will be as if you never lost your tooth.

How long does the process take?

The process can take up to nine months to complete. Each patient heals differently, so times will vary. After the implant and posts are placed surgically, the healing process can take up to six months and the fitting of replacement teeth no more than two months. Sometimes, if a patient has good bone quality, posts can be placed and replacement teeth fitted in one appointment.

There is truly no restoration that functions like real teeth in the way dental implants do. Morgan Family Dental wants to make sure that you restore your smile after tooth loss to prevent further complications to your oral health. We have helped countless patients achieve full smiles again after tooth loss and we can help you, too.

Interested in dental implants to replace one or more teeth? Call Morgan Family Dental in Prior Lake, MN
at (952) 447-4611 to schedule a consultation. Also serving New Prague, Savage, Shakopee, MN, & surroundings.