Downtown Dental
General Dentists located in Downtown, Rapid City, SD
Losing permanent teeth doesn’t mean you have to live without your teeth. Dental implants replace missing teeth and restore the function of your teeth for improved chewing, biting, and speaking. Michael Krump, DDS, in Rapid City, South Dakota, boasts years of experience placing crowns, bridges, and dentures on dental implants. Call the office or schedule an appointment online today.
(605) 342-4882Dental Implants Q&A
What are dental implants?
Dental implants are a tooth replacement option for missing permanent teeth. The titanium posts are surgically placed into the jaw, creating a titanium artificial root to support artificial teeth. Because the posts fuse with the jaw, the artificial teeth attach permanently and look and function like your natural teeth.
Dental implants are the longest-lasting and sturdiest option to replace missing teeth. Maintaining good oral hygiene and keeping your twice-annual visits to Downtown Dental can extend the dental implants to last a lifetime.
What advantages do dental implants offer?
Dental implants prevent jaw deterioration and allow you to eat and talk as you would if you had all of your natural teeth. Replacing missing teeth helps prevent your gums from receding while preventing teeth from moving out of position.
What’s the process for getting dental implants?
The team at Downtown Dental checks your jaw with a radiographic exam to ensure it is strong and healthy enough to support a dental implant. They also look at the surrounding nerves and structures and review your health history to determine if you are a good candidate for dental implant surgery.
If dental implants are right for you, Downtown Dental refers you to a periodontist or oral and maxillofacial surgeon to perform the implant surgery. Some people may have artificial teeth placed on the implants during the first procedure while others wait 2-6 months for the tissues and bones to heal and fuse with the implant.
After the titanium implant fuses with the bone, a crown is placed over the implant or dentures are attached to the implant.
Can everyone with missing teeth get dental implants?
Dental implants require healthy gum tissue and jawbone. If you have periodontitis, gingivitis, or a lot of cavities, your dentist may recommend a bone graft and scaling and root planing to reduce the risk of complications and ensure a long-lasting, strong dental implant.
How do you care for dental implants?
Your dental implants need the same oral hygiene practices as the rest of your mouth and teeth. Brush and floss twice daily and visit Downtown Dental twice a year for professional teeth cleaning and exams.
What are implant-supported dentures?
If you want the benefits of dental implants without the expense, implant-supported dentures are a good option. A periodontist or oral and maxillofacial surgeon places four to six implants in your jawbone. After a healing period of 3-6 months, a unique set of dentures is attached.
Only the dentist can remove implant-supported dentures. This form of tooth replacement offers many benefits, including:
- Prevents bone tissue loss because implants stimulate the gums
- Looks and feels like natural teeth
- Doesn’t require a lengthy adjustment period
- Don’t have to worry about losing your dentures
Implant-supported dentures provide better stability and function than traditional, removable dentures.
To learn more about the benefits of dental implants, call to make an appointment at Downtown Dental or use the online booking feature to schedule today.
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