What’s the Most Common Tooth Replacement Option in Lakeville, MN, Apple Valley, Burnsville, Shakopee, Eagan, Savage, MN, and Surrounding Areas?

You have all kinds of questions when you lose a tooth. Do you really need to replace your tooth? Will it hurt? Do replacement teeth look natural? Will it feel uncomfortable or awkward?

But one of the most pressing questions patients have is which tooth replacement option is the most common, and why?

Modern dentistry offers several ways to rebuild a natural, beautiful smile. Considered the gold standard in tooth replacement are dental implants, an option that provides a secure, long-term way to replace a missing tooth or teeth.

Natural-looking and comfortable once healed, dental implants are one of the tooth replacement options that closely mimic the real look, feeling, and function of natural teeth.

Why Dental Implants?

From the foundation up, dental implants are designed to replace your missing tooth. Instead of just resting on your gums, an implant is surgically placed into your jaw to provide support for a replacement tooth.

Because they are anchored right into your jawbone, implant tooth replacements are a versatile option if you’re missing one tooth, several teeth, or an entire arch. Keep in mind that your treatment will depend on the number of teeth missing, your oral health, your available bone, and the type of restoration recommended for you by your oral or maxillofacial surgeon.

What You Can Expect with Dental Implant Surgery

Before choosing dental implants, it’s worth knowing that tooth replacements with implants are a process, not a one-and-done solution. Dental implant surgery is generally performed on an outpatient basis, with healing periods incorporated into different stages. Depending on your individual situation, your tooth replacement journey with an implant may involve:

• Preparing the treatment area – If your tooth needs to be removed, extraction may take place before implant placement.
• Preparing the jawbone – It’s not uncommon for some people to need bone grafting to create an appropriate foundation for an implant.
• Placing the implant – The dental implant is positioned in the jaw where it can provide a stable base for your future replacement tooth.
• Allowing time to heal – Your mouth needs time to fully heal around the implant before the next stage can start.
• Attaching the abutment – An abutment is a small connecting piece that links the dental implant to the eventual restoration, which creates a secure foundation for the new tooth.
• Completing your smile – A custom crown or other artificial tooth is attached to finish the tooth replacement and complete your smile.

How Long Does It Take?

Because healing is an important part of the dental implant process, this tooth replacement method can take several months from beginning to end. While that timeline may sound long at first, you need to remember that your body needs adequate time between stages so the implant can properly heal and become a permanent part of your smile.

Why Your Treatment Plan Matters

Every person is different. Your mouth, jawbone, medical history, number of missing teeth, and personal goals all influence which dental implant approach makes sense. You shouldn’t assume that every dental implant or tooth replacement looks the same for every person.

Your oral surgeon can assess your individual needs, discuss the right options, and explain what you can realistically expect from your tooth replacement journey.

Taking the time to understand your options also allows you to ask questions before treatment begins. And knowing why a particular approach is recommended can make the entire experience feel less overwhelming.

Learn More About Your Tooth Replacement Options

At Dakota Valley Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, we provide individualized treatment plans for tooth replacement in Lakeville, MN, Apple Valley, Burnsville, Shakopee, Eagan, Savage, MN, and the surrounding areas. Our practice performs a full range of dental implant procedures and other tooth replacement methods, allowing you to receive specialized surgical care for different needs. We also use advanced diagnostic technology to help with treatment planning and offer IV sedation in our office, with patients continuously monitored during and after surgery.

Our team of oral and maxillofacial surgeons is certified by the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons; qualifications that matter because they demonstrate a commitment to advanced surgical training, professional standards, and providing you with skilled care. Contact us today to set up an appointment and learn more about your tooth replacement options.