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Dental Implants
The Gold Standard in Tooth Replacement

Dental implants can replace one or more missing teeth and give you the stability you deserve.

Dental Implants | Dentist

Dental Implants

Dental implants are a long-term solution to tooth loss and are the replacement that dentists most often recommend, with good reason!

Unlike removable dentures or partials, you won’t experience problems with slipping or shifting, and implants don’t require a specialized daily care routine beyond regular brushing and flossing. We do not need to alter existing, healthy teeth with dental implants; we can support a dental bridge with implants. 

Do I Need Dental Implants?

For many people, missing teeth present a mostly cosmetic problem, which is a legitimate concern: Missing teeth carry a stigma, and people with missing teeth may find themselves unfairly judged in many social settings.

Unfortunately, the problem of missing teeth goes beyond aesthetics. Tooth loss puts additional stress on your remaining teeth, leading to damage such as fractures and breakage. You may find it difficult or even painful to enjoy the fresh, healthy foods you need for proper nutrition and nourishment.

One or more missing teeth can eventually lead to significant bone loss in your jaw as the bone atrophies from lack of use. Over time, jawbone loss leads to visible changes in your face and causes a prematurely aged appearance.

Dental implants will stop bone loss in its tracks, which even dentures and partials cannot do.

Frequently Asked Questions

Dental implants have several advantages over other tooth replacement options:

  • Dental implants appear the most life-like and natural.
  • The actual implant piece of the dental implant is made of titanium, a biocompatible metal.
  • Dental implants are the most secure and stable.
  • Dental implants prevent bone loss, keeping your jaw tissue healthy and preventing changes in the shape of your face.
  • With proper care, dental implants can last a lifetime.
 

Am I a Good Dental Implant Candidate?

While most healthy adults are eligible for tooth implants, some health conditions can affect placement results.

When you visit our office to discuss dental implants, we will ask several questions about your health history. These questions help us determine whether dental implants are the right option for you. Don’t worry—even if you have a health concern, we can likely work with you. We need to know about any conditions and take the necessary precautions to account for them.

How Are Dental Implants Placed?

Before beginning the implant process, we perform a full examination, including x-rays. Because the implant is attached directly to your jaw, we need to know the condition of your bone. Our dentist may recommend bone grafts and other procedures to build up your jawbone if necessary.

We then place the titanium implant post in your jawbone. When you have healed sufficiently, we may place a temporary crown over the implant while waiting for your permanent crown to return from the dental lab.

When your final crown returns from the dental lab, you will return to our office so we can place it on your dental implant. The final step is to check the crown for fit and appearance, and your implant will be complete.

For more information about tooth implants or to schedule an appointment, please call our dental practice today.

  • Dr. Jeremy Berger

    Dr. Jeremy Berger has been a dentist since 2016 and co-founded Bluffside Dental in 2018 after purchasing the practice of Dr. Gary Erickson, a long-time dentist in Red Wing. Together with his team, he brings dedication, passion, and a patient-centered approach to his practice.

    He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Biology from St. Olaf College and then received his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree with Distinction from the University of Minnesota.

    Dr. Berger's decision to pursue dentistry stemmed from his love of science and desire to build meaningful, personal connections with patients. Since ...

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Dental Implants Technology

Panoramic X-Rays

Individual x-rays are beneficial for identifying decay, infection, and many other dental conditions. Having a full-picture view is often helpful, and that’s where panoramic x-rays come in handy. Panoramic x-rays take a full-picture view of the teeth, bone, jaw joints, and other biological landmarks. These types of x-rays are helpful in planning oral surgeries, such as extractions and dental implant placement, as well as identifying tumors, cysts, and jaw joint problems.

Testimonial

Highly recommend.

Great staff. Great dentist, takes the time to explain options. Felt very comfortable going there. Highly recommend.
-CS