DENTAL IMPLANTS

Improve Your Oral Health and Confidence

A dental implant is a popular tooth replacement option because they are convenient and can last a lifetime with proper care. Dental implants are specially designed to match the shape and color of your other teeth. They don’t require any special rinses or cleaning—just regular brushing and flossing. A dental implant is easy to care for, and it provides all the same functionality and looks as a natural tooth! Three parts make up a dental implant: a titanium post, a connecting abutment, and a crown. Your oral surgeon places the post, and your restorative dentist will create and place your custom-made crown. If you’re suffering from severe tooth loss or damage, you may be a candidate for full-arch restoration.

The Dental Implant Expert

If you have a damaged tooth, we may be able to extract the tooth and place the implant post on the same day. Dr. Glosenger will discuss the details of your treatment during your consultation and answer any questions you may have. Dr. Glosenger is passionate about dental implants and tooth restoration. He received world-class training at The Ohio State University from Drs. Peter Larsen and Edwin McGlumphy, who provided him with more experience in this advanced oral surgery procedure. In addition to receiving specialized training at Ohio State, Dr. Glosenger is at the forefront of utilizing computer-guided surgery, which increases the accuracy, efficiency, and success rate of dental implant placement procedures.

The Value and Benefits of a Dental Implant

Your smile can be restored, and you can feel happy with your smile once again when you receive dental implants. When a tooth has been missing for a while, the jaw bone does not get stimulated in this area. Over time, this causes the bone to atrophy, or wear away. In order for a dental implant to be placed, there needs to be enough stable jaw bone to support it. Bone grafts make it possible for more patients to become candidates for dental implants because they promote the growth of new bone. By having a dental implant placed, you will stimulate the jaw bone in this area and actually improve the structure and stability of your jaw. Other benefits of dental implants include

Improved speech
Improved confidence and self-esteem
Easier eating
Can last a lifetime with proper care
More convenient than other oral appliances
Easily cared for with regular brushing and flossing

The Dental Implant Process

When you come to our office for a dental implant, we will discuss your treatment in detail with you. It’s a good idea to write down any questions that you have before your consultation so that we get them all answered and help you feel comfortable. Every patient is different, but the typical dental implant process is as follows:

On the day of surgery, we will administer the selected form of anesthesia. When it has taken effect, Dr. Glosenger will make a small incision in your gum and place the implant post and a healing abutment that allows future access to the implant. Stitches are usually not needed during computer guided surgery. You will rest comfortably in our office until the anesthesia has worn off.
After your implant post has been placed, your recovery begins. You will be expected to follow the instructions we provide to ensure your post heals successfully and fuses with your jaw bone, which is a process known as osseointegration. This can take anywhere from several weeks to several months.
When the post has fused with your jaw, Dr. Glosenger will check to make sure the implant and bone have fused together. At this point, you are ready for a digital scan of your teeth or impression by your dentist to make the tooth that will fit into the implant.
Your restorative dentist will place your custom-made tooth on the implant. It will match the shape, size, and color of your other teeth, so your implant will be indistinguishable from your other teeth. Now, you’re ready to enjoy your fully functional dental implant!

The Cost of Dental Implants in Minot, ND

Many patients are concerned about the cost of dental implants, and our office is here to answer your questions and help guide you through the necessary steps. The fee of a dental implant varies depending on the details of your insurance coverage, how many implants you need, if any additional procedures are needed, and your choice of anesthesia. You can receive a cost estimation by scheduling a consultation with Dr. Glosenger, who will evaluate your needs and create a plan that’s right for you.

Dental Implant FAQ

WHY CHOOSE AN ORAL SURGEON?

Oral surgeons undergo an additional 4 to 6 years of education and training following dental school, which is where they learn hands-on techniques and experience in a hospital setting. Dentists are not required to complete this training, making oral surgeons the experts when it comes to performing oral surgery and administering various forms of IV sedation.

HOW LONG IS RECOVERY?

Your recovery time after receiving a dental implant will depend on your body’s natural ability to heal and the extent of your procedure. After standard cases, patients return to their normal routines the next day. After more complex cases, patients may need about a week of recovery. Over the next several weeks, patients should follow our instructions closely to help the post fuse with the jaw bone successfully.

WILL THE PROCEDURE HURT?

We offer a variety of anesthesia options to ensure our patients feel comfortable and at ease during treatment. We will discuss your options with you during the consultation, and you can opt to receive the choice that’s right for you. Patients suffering from dental phobias or anxiety find it reassuring to know that there are many options. Our team is here to listen to you, and we are happy to help you select the form of anesthesia that will help you feel safe, comfortable, and taken care of.

WHAT IF I’M MISSING MORE THAN ONE TOOTH?

Dental implants can be used to replace many teeth. If you have several damaged or missing teeth, you may be a candidate for a full-arch restoration procedure. A full-arch restoration procedure uses as few as four dental implants to support a new arch of natural-looking, fully functional teeth.