Natural-Looking Dental Implants in Sioux Falls
Dental implants are a tooth loss solution specially designed to look, feel, and function just like your natural teeth. They have a three-part design that replaces your entire tooth, from the root to the top of the tooth. Advances in implant technology have made it possible to replace one or many teeth; they can support a single-tooth replacement, a multi-tooth bridge, or even a full permanent denture. We offer a variety of dental implant treatments in our Sioux Falls, SD, office.
How Dental Implants Work
The three parts — the screw, the abutment, and the crown — work together to provide you with a secure, natural-looking tooth replacement. The screw replaces your tooth’s root by integrating with the bone beneath your gums. This fusion with the jaw bone supports the custom-designed prosthetic crown, which is shaped to look just like a healthy natural tooth. The crown or custom bridge is attached to the implant screw using a small post called an abutment, which creates a safe and permanent hold to ensure that your tooth or teeth will never slip or fall out.
Why Choose Dental Implants
Dental implants provide many benefits over traditional tooth replacement options; rather than resting above the gums like most prosthetic options, they protect your overall oral health by preventing dental shifting and bone loss.
Here are just a few of the reasons you should consider choosing dental implants at our office in Sioux Falls, SD, for your tooth replacement needs:
- They allow you to enjoy your favorite foods without worry. The secure, permanent hold between the titanium implant and your jaw bone functions just like your natural tooth root, allowing you to eat the foods that you enjoy.
- They will look beautiful and natural. Whether you replace one or all of your teeth, you will be able to smile confidently knowing that your new teeth look beautiful and natural.
- They are a highly versatile tool. Whether you want to replace one tooth or many teeth, implants can support a variety of different prosthetic attachments to fit your needs. They can also be used to anchor temporary dentures or orthodontic tools.
- They preserve the health and appearance of your mouth. When you have missing teeth, the bone beneath your gums can start to recede, causing your mouth and lips to look more sunken in. In some cases, patients may need bone grafting before receiving dental implants to restore lost bone structure. Extensive bone loss can cause oral health complications, but dental implants naturally stimulate the bone around the teeth, just like your natural tooth’s root would. This stimulation preserves the structure of your oral and facial bones. Additionally, implants prevent dental shifting and other problems associated with missing teeth.
Who Is a Candidate for Dental Implants?
Dental implants are a highly versatile tooth replacement option and are suitable for many patients who have missing or failing teeth. During your consultation, your oral surgeon will evaluate your oral health, bone structure, and overall treatment goals to determine if dental implants are the right solution for you.
You may be a candidate for dental implants if you:
- Are missing one or more teeth
- Have damaged or failing teeth that need replacement
- Want a permanent alternative to removable dentures
- Have healthy gums and good oral hygiene habits
- Have sufficient jaw bone to support implants or are eligible for bone grafting
Dental implants can be used to replace a single tooth, multiple teeth, or even a full arch of teeth with full mouth dental implants. Patients who have experienced bone loss may still qualify for treatment through procedures such as bone grafting or specialized implant solutions like zygomatic implants.
The best way to determine if you are a candidate for dental implants is through a consultation with an experienced oral surgeon. Your doctor will review your medical history, take detailed scans, and create a personalized treatment plan designed to restore your smile and oral function.
Implant Treatment Options
At Siouxland Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, we offer several types of dental implants in addition to traditional dental implants. We will determine the right choice for you during your first visit.
Zygoma Implants for Bone Loss
Patients who lack sufficient upper jaw bone may not qualify for traditional dental implants. In these cases, zygomatic implants, or zygoma implants, are an excellent option. Zygomatic implants are inserted into the cheek bone, or zygomatic bone, instead of the upper jaw. There is typically no need for bone grafting when placing a zygomatic implant, making the treatment process much faster while providing the same results as traditional implants. If you have bone loss in the upper jaw, we invite you to contact our practice to see how our oral surgeons can restore your teeth with long-lasting zygomatic implants.
Ceramic Dental Implants in Sioux Falls
Zirconia implants are a metal-free alternative to traditional dental implants and provide the same restorative and health benefits. Zirconia is a ceramic material that closely resembles the natural color of teeth to create aesthetically pleasing results. Zirconia is very durable and provides the same functionality as a titanium, so your ceramic implant will still feel and function naturally. Because zirconia implants are metal-free, they are a holistic option and ideal for patients with metal allergies or sensitivities to titanium. Learn more about ceramic dental implants in Sioux Falls, SD, or contact us to schedule your visit.
The Dental Implant Timeline
Your first appointment will consist of a thorough oral examination and consultation appointment. Your oral surgeon will take any necessary scans to form your treatment plan and determine the best course of action for your procedure. During this appointment, you will be able to ask your doctor any questions you have and discuss your overall treatment plan.
The surgical procedure is the next step in the treatment process. After administering your agreed-upon anesthetic option, your oral surgeon will place the screw into the empty tooth socket using advanced, custom-made surgical guides to ensure a proper fit. After the placement of the dental implant screw, your implant sites must heal before the tooth crowns are attached.
After the healing phase is complete, your oral surgeon will attach connecting abutments to your screws (if they were not attached already during your initial procedure). Then, your dentist will be able to attach your crown, bridge, or other permanent tooth attachment. The entire process is a joint effort between you, your oral surgeon, and your dentist.
How Long Do Dental Implants Last?
One of the most common questions patients ask is how long dental implants last. Dental implants are designed to be a long-term solution for missing teeth, and with proper care they can last for decades.
The implant post itself, which is placed into the jaw bone, is made from durable materials such as titanium or zirconia. Once the implant integrates with the bone through a process called osseointegration, it functions similarly to a natural tooth root and can last a lifetime in many cases.
The visible portion of the implant—the crown or prosthetic tooth—may need replacement after many years of normal wear, but the implant itself typically remains stable and secure.
Several factors influence dental implant longevity, including:
- Daily oral hygiene habits
- Regular dental checkups and cleanings
- Smoking or tobacco use
- Overall health and bone quality
- Bite forces and teeth grinding
When properly cared for, dental implants are considered one of the most reliable and durable tooth replacement options available today.
Permanent Denture Replacement With Dental Implants
Dentures and dental implants are both options for replacing missing teeth. Dentures do not require surgery and are cheaper upfront. You must replace dentures every few years, and because they do not prevent jaw bone loss, they can lead to costly bone repair treatment down the line. Dental implants are an investment in your smile and, with proper care, will not need to be replaced.
Dental implants can be used to replace full dentures through full-arch restoration, a treatment that uses several implants to secure a fixed denture. Unlike removable dentures, a prosthesis attached to dental implants will not slide around or cause sores. Your replacement teeth remain in your mouth at all times and are designed to look and function just like healthy natural teeth. If you wear dentures and are looking for a denture replacement in Sioux Falls, SD, contact our office to explore your tooth replacement options with dental implants.
The Dental Implant Guide provides additional information about implants, the procedure process, and your care team.
Dental Implants and Tooth Replacement Options
If you are missing teeth, several treatment options are available to restore your smile and oral function. Dental implants are widely considered the gold standard for tooth replacement because they replace the entire tooth structure—from the root to the visible crown.
Common tooth replacement options include:
Dental Implants
Dental implants provide a permanent and stable solution for missing teeth. Because they integrate with the jaw bone, implants help preserve bone structure and prevent the shifting of nearby teeth. They can replace a single tooth, support a bridge, or restore an entire arch with full mouth dental implants.
Dental Bridges
A dental bridge replaces one or more missing teeth by attaching a prosthetic tooth to neighboring natural teeth. While bridges can restore appearance and function, they do not replace the tooth root and may require alteration of adjacent teeth.
Removable Dentures
Traditional dentures are designed to replace multiple or all missing teeth. While dentures are a non-surgical option, they rest on top of the gums and may shift during eating or speaking. Over time, dentures may also contribute to jaw bone loss because they do not stimulate the bone like dental implants do.
For patients seeking a long-term and natural-feeling solution, dental implants provide unmatched stability, durability, and comfort. Your oral surgeon can help you compare your tooth replacement options and determine the best treatment for your needs.
What You Need to Know About Dental Implants
Download an informative PDF to learn more.
Dental Implants in Sioux Falls, SD
Our practice offers tooth replacement solutions that restore your ability to eat the foods you love and smile confidently. Whether you are missing one tooth or several teeth, we offer many options for replacing your missing or failing teeth. Contact our office in Sioux Falls, SD, to schedule a consultation with one of our oral surgeons.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the dental implant procedure take?
Placing a single implant usually takes about 1–2 hours, but the full process can take several months to allow the implant to heal and bond with the jawbone before the final teeth are placed. Some patients may qualify for Teeth-in-a-Day, which allows implants and temporary teeth to be placed in one visit.
Can implants replace all teeth?
Yes. Dental implants can replace all teeth in the upper jaw, lower jaw, or both. Several implants are placed in the jaw to support a full set of fixed replacement teeth, offering a stable, natural-looking alternative to removable dentures while helping preserve jawbone health.
What happens if I have bone loss?
Bone loss in the jaw can occur when teeth have been missing for some time, but it doesn’t automatically prevent dental implants. In many cases, bone grafting can rebuild the jaw to support implants. For more severe upper jaw bone loss, zygomatic implants can anchor in the cheekbone, allowing patients to still receive full mouth dental implants. Your oral surgeon will evaluate your jaw and recommend the best solution for a strong, long-lasting foundation.
How do I care for dental implants?
Caring for dental implants is similar to caring for natural teeth. Brush twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush, floss daily, and visit your dentist regularly for cleanings and exams. Avoid tobacco and follow your dentist’s recommendations for oral hygiene. With proper care, dental implants can last for many years.