Since the modern version of dental implants was introduced over forty years ago, they have become dentistry’s gold standard for tooth replacement. Implants in Monticello, MN, aim to provide a long-term tooth replacement that restores one's ability to chew comfortably and smile confidently again. 

The gap in your smile left by a missing tooth is unattractive but can also compromise oral health. At Southside Dental Center, we want you to enjoy a healthy smile that allows you to eat all your favorite foods without limitation and share a confident grin with others. Using dental implants, we can restore function and beauty to your smile while protecting your oral health.

What Makes Dental Implants Different 

One significant difference sets implants apart from tooth replacement options like bridges and removable dentures. A dental implant acts as an artificial tooth root consisting of a titanium post placed surgically in your jawbone, an abutment attached to the post, and a crown, bridge, or denture to restore chewing function and appearance.

A tooth implant is a freestanding tooth replacement that does not require the additional support of natural teeth in the same way bridges do. Implants are stable and comfortable, and no adjustment is necessary after placement.

A dental Implant offers numerous benefits:

• Has a high long-term success rate of over 90%
• Lasts a lifetime when cared for properly
• Prevents jawbone loss that commonly occurs after tooth loss.
• Has all the strength and durability of a natural tooth, maybe more.
• Stays firmly in place, so there’s no shifting and movement when you eat, speak, or laugh
• Looks natural and is indistinguishable from a real tooth
• Replaces one tooth, multiple teeth, or an entire arch of missing teeth
• Stabilizes a single crown or complete or partial dentures for a dependable tooth replacement

The Dental Implant Process

Getting an implant is a process that takes place over several months. First, Dr. Abramowski takes digital scans and x-rays of your mouth to determine if you are a good candidate. If so, he places the titanium implant post in your jaw during a surgical procedure performed under local anesthesia at Southside Dental Center.

Over the next 3–6 months, a process called osseointegration occurs. The implant post fuses securely with bone and tissue around it, stabilizing the post and creating a solid foundation for the tooth restoration we attach to it. The final step is to connect the artificial teeth (crown, bridge, or denture) to an abutment piece on the implant.

There are no special care requirements for implants; brush twice daily and floss once as usual, and visit Southside Dental Center for routine checkups and teeth cleanings. 

Is a dental implant right for you? Start by calling our Monticello, MN, dental office at (763) 295-5400 to schedule a complimentary consultation with Dr. Abramowski. He will evaluate your needs and explain the entire process in detail. He will take the time to answer your questions and address your concerns until you feel confident and empowered to make the best decision for your oral health.