Restorative Dentistry
Dental Implants in Minnesota
The most natural, permanent solution for missing teeth.
Dental implants are the gold standard for tooth replacement. A titanium post is placed directly into the jawbone, mimicking the root of a natural tooth, and topped with a lifelike crown. The result looks, feels, and functions like a real tooth and can last a lifetime with proper care.
Dental Implants in Minnesota
Unlike dentures or bridges, dental implants replace the entire tooth structure from root to crown. The implant post integrates with the jawbone through a process called osseointegration, creating a stable, permanent anchor. This not only supports a beautiful restoration on top but also preserves the bone that would otherwise gradually shrink after tooth loss.
Why Choose Dental Implants?
- Looks and Feels Natural Implant-supported crowns are designed to match surrounding teeth in color, shape, and translucency.
- Preserves Jawbone The implant post stimulates bone tissue just like a natural root, preventing the bone loss that occurs with tooth loss and dentures.
- Does Not Affect Neighboring Teeth Unlike a bridge, implants do not require altering the adjacent teeth.
- Long-Lasting With proper care, implants can last twenty years or more, often a lifetime.
- Restores Full Chewing Function Implants withstand normal bite forces, allowing you to eat without restriction.
Types of Implant Restorations
- Single Tooth Implant One implant post topped with a custom crown to replace a single missing tooth.
- Implant-Supported Bridge Two implants anchor a bridge that spans a gap of multiple consecutive missing teeth without affecting adjacent natural teeth.
- All-on-4 and All-on-6 A complete arch of teeth is supported by four or six strategically placed implants. A life-changing solution for patients missing all or most of their teeth.
- Mini Dental Implants Smaller diameter implants used in areas with limited bone volume or as anchors for implant-retained dentures.
The Implant Process
The process typically unfolds over several months. The implant post is placed surgically, allowed to integrate with the bone over several weeks, then topped with an abutment and crown. The timeline varies based on healing, bone density, and whether any preparatory procedures are needed. The end result is well worth the investment.
Dental Implants FAQ
- Are dental implants painful?
- Most patients find implant placement far more comfortable than they expected. The area is fully numbed with local anesthetic, and soreness afterward typically lasts two to four days. Valley View Dental offers NuCalm for drug-free relaxation during treatment and Avazzia microcurrent therapy, which is used to support comfort after surgery and many patients report helps sensation return sooner. Nitrous oxide (laughing gas) is also available for patients who prefer it.
- How long does the implant process take?
- From placement to final crown, the implant process typically takes three to six months. That time allows osseointegration, the process in which the titanium post fuses with the alveolar bone, before the abutment and crown are attached. Some patients qualify for faster or same-day approaches, depending on bone quality seen on a 3D cone beam CT scan.
- Who is a good candidate for dental implants?
- Most healthy adults with enough jawbone density are good candidates for implants. Smoking, uncontrolled diabetes, and chronic inflammation can slow healing, so Dr. Miller evaluates these factors through her functional-medicine lens, considering nutrition, vitamin D levels, and overall health. A 3D cone beam CT scan shows bone height, width, and nearby structures before treatment is planned.
- What if I do not have enough bone for implants?
- Bone grafting can rebuild lost jawbone volume and make implants possible for many patients who do not qualify at first. After a tooth is lost, the alveolar bone in that area gradually shrinks, sometimes significantly within the first year. Dr. Miller uses 3D cone beam CT imaging to measure your bone and discuss grafting or other tooth replacement options.
- How long do dental implants last?
- With good care, the titanium implant post can last twenty years to a lifetime. The crown on top typically lasts ten to fifteen years before it may need replacing due to normal wear. Daily brushing and flossing, regular professional cleanings, and managing gum inflammation around the implant all help protect it for the long term.
- Are dental implants covered by insurance?
- Coverage varies widely by plan. Some dental plans partially cover the implant crown or preparatory procedures like extractions, and medical insurance occasionally helps when tooth loss results from injury or disease. Valley View Dental is in-network with Delta Dental, accepts many PPO plans, and offers financing through CareCredit, Cherry, and Alphaeon to help spread out the cost.
Your Holistic Dentist
Meet Dr. Miller
Office Hours
Monday8:00 am – 6:00 pm
Tuesday8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Wednesday7:00 am – 2:00 pm
Thursday8:00 am – 5:00 pm
FridayClosed
SaturdayClosed
SundayClosed
