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Dental Implants — Fargo, ND

Tooth Replacement That Can Last a Lifetime

Dental implants basically allow our team to recreate an entire missing tooth from the roots up, which is something no other treatment can accomplish. In the end, a dental patient receives a prosthetic that looks, feels, and functions like a real tooth in every way they can imagine, and they only need to brush, floss, and complete routine checkups to take care of it! Dental implants have revolutionized how dentists are able to reverse tooth loss, and at Cornerstone Dental, you can now get this state-of-the-art solution to permanently close any gaps you have in your smile.

Why Choose Cornerstone Dental for Dental Implants?

What Are Dental Implants?

Diagram of an integrated dental implant in Fargo

While natural teeth are made up of one piece of enamel, dental implants consist of three components. This includes the titanium post itself, the abutment, and the restoration, whether that be a crown, bridge, or denture. All dental implants are designed to mimic the root as closely as possible, which means that you can expect long-term benefits for your oral health and quality of life. Eating your favorite foods, speaking with clarity, maintaining a more youthful appearance, and lowering your risk for future tooth loss are all possible with dental implants, unlike other solutions for tooth loss.

The 4 Step Dental Implant Process

A young woman with dental implants in Fargo smiling.

Are you ready to commit to getting dental implants in Fargo? With their combined skillsets, Dr. Goodwill and Dr. Majidian are able to stay with you during every stage of the process; you can avoid the hassle of seeing a separate specialist and can instead count on a team you already trust to handle your new teeth. We’ll make sure you understand exactly what needs to happen so that you can feel comfortable with your care. Call Cornerstone Dental today to get started repairing your smile!

Initial Consultation

A man with dental implants in Fargo smiling outside

The consultation is where it all begins. Before you can receive implants, we need to confirm that you’re a suitable candidate by evaluating your oral and overall health. We’ll also need to consider your medical history as well as your lifestyle; any possible risk factors that could affect the chances of success (such as gum disease or jawbone damage) need to be addressed before the procedure starts. Also, this initial visit gives us a chance to scan your jaw to see if additional procedures like bone grafting or a sinus lift might be needed.

Dental Implant Surgery

A woman smiling while visiting an implant dentist in Fargo.

As a Fellow in the International Dental Implant Association, Dr. Goodwill can perform implant placement in-house. The goal of the procedure is to place the implant post directly into the jaw. After applying a sedative or anesthesia to keep you relaxed and comfortable, we’ll make an incision in the gums to expose the jawbone. We’ll then create several holes in strategic locations; the implant posts will be inserted into the holes. (The exact number of implants you get depends largely on how many teeth you’ve lost.) Finally, we’ll suture the gums closed and let the healing process begin.

Osseointegration & Abutment Placement

Closeup of mouth with an integrated dental implant in Fargo

The stimulation from your implants encourages the jaw to form new bone tissue. Eventually, the bone will fuse with the metal. This process is called osseointegration, and it normally takes several months. Since the implant effectively becomes part of the jaw, it can provide an extremely stable foundation for your new teeth.

Once osseointegration is complete, we’ll need to perform another surgery to attach a piece called an abutment to your dental implants. This is what will hold your restoration in place. Dr. Goodwill will open the gums again to place an abutment on each post. It should only take a couple of weeks for the gums to heal after this step.

Delivery of Final Restoration

Diagram of bridge floating over integrated dental implants in Fargo

Implants can support individual crowns, dental bridges, and even full dentures. We’ll take an impression of your mouth and send the information to our dental lab. They’ll use it to create false teeth with the exact color, size, and shape you need to maintain a functioning, natural-looking smile. Once it’s ready, we can schedule an appointment to place it in your mouth. This is the final step you’ll need to complete before you can enjoy a beautiful full grin again.

Benefits of Dental Implants

Smiling woman with dental implants in Fargo touching her face

Dental implants involve placing a small titanium post into the jawbone to resemble the natural root of a tooth, and this provides the foundation for a new crown, bridge, or denture. Does this approach to replacement really bring advantages compared to other options? Absolutely! There are certain benefits you simply won’t get with traditional dentures or bridges. From their stability and reliability to their natural appearance, you can quickly see why dental implants are often the most recommended replacement option available.

Day-to-Day Benefits

people smiling and enjoying the everyday benefits of dental implants in Fargo

Because the new teeth are firmly anchored to the bone, patients are able to eat basically whatever they like without having to worry about slippage or breakage. As a result, you can feel confident to let your smile show in front of those around you! Implants are always restored using custom-made porcelain restorations, giving them an appearance that seamlessly blends into any smile.

With dentures, you need to soak your replacement teeth overnight to keep them in good condition; however, implants require the same basic oral hygiene as natural teeth, which is easier to integrate into your daily routine.

Health Benefits

woman about to eat an apple as a health benefit of dental implants in Fargo

Implants not only replace missing teeth but protect the jawbone from shrinking as well. This is common after tooth loss, but the implant roots actually stimulate blood flow and growth in the area to keep the bone strong and healthy.

Being able to eat a varied diet full of fibrous, nutritious vegetables and other foods opens the door to better overall health. In other words, dental implants can help you enjoy a higher, healthier qualify of life.

Long-Term Benefits

woman smiling and enjoying the long-term benefits of dental implants in Fargo

Unfortunately, many patients are deterred by the initial cost of dental implants compared to the cost of traditional dentures and bridges. However, when you factor in that these other options have to be replaced every few years, dental implants can become the smarter choice financially. With just basic oral hygiene, implants can be trusted to last for multiple decades on end, potentially giving you the best deal in the long run.

Who Dental Implants Can Help

man looking in the mirror after getting dental implants in Fargo.

No matter how many teeth you’ve lost in the past, dental implants can be customized to meet your needs. From having a single missing tooth to no teeth at all, your smile is not too far gone that these replacements can’t bring back your confidence and function. Dental implants are designed to mimic natural tooth structure and are efficiently and strategically positioned to replace missing teeth with as few posts as possible. Just reach out to our team to schedule a consultation to get started.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?

smiling man who is a good candidate for dental implants in Fargo

Most patients with missing teeth qualify for dental implants, but they must meet certain criteria first: they need to have an overall healthy mouth without infection, and their jawbone must be dense and strong enough to support the implant. After giving you an oral exam and taking X-rays of your jaw, your dentist can determine whether or not dental implants would be a good option for you. If they are, we can help you decide which restoration would be the best fit for your needs depending on the extent of your tooth loss.

Missing One Tooth

single dental implant (for missing one tooth section)

In this situation, we would need only a single implant to complete your smile. A dental implant crown can be placed between two healthy teeth without affecting them at all. The implant post connects the crown directly to the jawbone, just like a real tooth. This is a much more conservative approach compared to a traditional bridge in which the surrounding teeth have to be shaved down to support the prosthetic.

Missing Multiple Teeth

implant bridge

Regardless of where they are within the arch, a small number of implant roots, usually two, can be used to support multiple crowns, a partial denture, or even a bridge that replaces up to three teeth in a row. With a firm foundation attached to the jawbone in strategic places, implant restorations have a stronger fit, more natural appearance, and have been shown to last much longer than regular dental prosthetics.

Missing All Teeth

implant dentures

Even if you’ve suffered total tooth loss, we have an implant solution that can restore your smile. For patients missing all of their teeth along a single arch, we do not have to replace each one with an individual implant. Instead, we can be much more efficient and use just four to six implants to secure a full denture. Implant dentures are not only more stable than regular ones, but they also help a patient recover much more of their bite strength.

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Learn More about Implant Dentures

Understanding the Cost of Dental Implants

An older couple with dental implants Fargo laughing

At Cornerstone Dental, we’ve been helping people renew their smiles after tooth loss for many years. We often recommend implants because they’re the next best thing to natural teeth, but we also know that the cost of dental implants in Fargo is an important factor when making a decision. Although it’s impossible to provide a universal figure because everyone is different, you’ll learn about the many factors that can affect the cost below. If you’d like an individual cost estimate, just contact us at any time to schedule a consultation!

Types of Dental Implants

A denture designed to attach to dental implants in Fargo

It goes without saying that the cost of implants is very different for someone who is only missing one tooth compared to someone who has lost all their teeth. On top of simply needing a different number of implants, the type of implant and restoration that’s needed will also be different.

Are Dental Implants Worth the Investment?

Person holding tooth and money for dental implants in Fargo

Yes - dental implants in Fargo are a fantastic investment! Not only do they have the potential to last many decades or a lifetime with proper care, they also feel more natural than any other option. In addition to dramatically improving your oral health, implants also maintain a youthful appearance by preserving the jawbone and overall facial structure. In fact, most people’s only regret about implants is that they didn’t have them done sooner.

Does My Dental Insurance Cover Dental Implants?

An older man with dental implants in Fargo smiling

Not usually. The majority of dental insurance plans primarily cover the procedures that cost the least - without regard to what’s best for patients. However, some of the procedures that are done as part of the implant process, such as X-rays, extractions, exams, etc. will have partial coverage.

We’re always happy to look into your insurance benefits and file your claims for you, so don’t hesitate to ask us for help with navigating your plan. We also offer financing options so you can break up your cost into smaller monthly payments.

Dental Implant Failure & Salvage

a patient speaking to dentist about a failed dental implant

While dental implants typically boast a success rate of 95% or more even 10 years after being placed, it doesn’t mean they’re immune to complications. There is still an incredibly slim chance of dental implant failure, especially if you aren’t implementing the proper steps to maintain them. Should you begin to experience issues like sensitivity, looseness, swelling, or pain in your metal post, notify our team right away. We can assess the situation and provide the necessary treatment to save your newly rebuilt smile. Keep reading to learn more about dental implant failure and salvage.

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Dental Implant Post-Op Instructions

Smiling woman working on laptop after receiving dental implants in Fargo, ND

After your implant surgery, our team will give you post-op instructions to follow while your mouth is recovering. It will take about 3 to 6 months for your mouth to heal completely, but any pain or discomfort that you notice will subside significantly after just 5 days; you’ll normally be able to return to work in just a couple of days. In the meantime, it’s important that you follow these instructions to keep your mouth comfortable and your implant safe during the healing process.

What to Do Directly After Dental Implant Surgery

Man pouring pain medication into his hand

After the surgery is performed, a blood clot will form around the surgery site. The purpose of a blood clot is to prevent excessive bleeding and protect the mouth during the initial healing process. It’s important to make sure that the blood clot stays in place while your gums are still recovering, so avoid any actions that could dislodge it. This includes spitting, smoking, drinking with straws, or touching the surgery site with your fingers or your tongue.

Common Side-Effects

Render of a dental implant in Fargo, ND

It can sometimes be hard to tell the difference between normal side effects of oral surgery and symptoms that are pointing towards a serious issue. The following side effects are considered normal after implant surgery:

  • Gradual and intermittent bleeding that can be stopped by pressing a clean piece of gauze onto the surgical site.
  • Swelling that typically lasts 2 or 3 days (although sometimes it can last over a week).
  • General discomfort that can be reduced with pain medication.

If any of these symptoms become severe or last longer than expected, call our office immediately.

Diet

Bowl of mashed potatoes surrounded by potatoes

During the initial healing process, you should eat only soft foods. Good choices include mashed potatoes, soup (as long as it’s not too hot), scrambled eggs, pasta, yogurt, and ice cream. You should be able to eat normally again once the pain has subsided enough. However, your implant will still be in the process of joining with the jawbone, so you should continue to avoid chewing directly on the surgery site until you’ve received the final restoration.

Health & Oral Hygiene

Squeezing toothpaste onto a blue toothbrush

You can brush your teeth normally after implant surgery, but you need to be very gentle with the implant post. Exercise caution while brushing around the implant site. Rinsing with salt water two to three times every day to keep the area around the implant site clean.

What to Do After Your New Teeth Are Attached

Man with dental implants in Fargo, ND outside smiling

Prosthetic teeth can be attached to your implants once the posts have fused with the jawbone. This may result in minor sensitivity, but it’s nothing that can’t be managed with pain medication. There isn’t normally any swelling or bleeding after restoration attachment, so call us immediately if there are any unusual symptoms. Once you’ve received the final restoration, you’ll be able to put your new smile to use right away.

Maintaining & Caring for Your Dental Implants

a patient undergoing routine dental implant care in Fargo

Dental implants are considered the “gold standard” when it comes to tooth replacement options. They’re the only restoration treatment that not only rebuilds pearly whites from the roots up but can also prevent and revert jawbone loss by promoting strong bone tissue. While you can expect to enjoy your new teeth for several decades to a lifetime, their lifespan will depend entirely on your oral health and how well you take care of them. Keep reading to learn several ways to practice solid dental implant care in Fargo.

Make Oral Hygiene a Priority

a woman brushing teeth for dental implant care in Fargo

Your dental implants can’t develop cavities, as they’re constructed out of titanium alloy and don’t contain the same organic tissue as your natural teeth. This doesn’t mean the rest of your smile will be immune to dental decay, however. For this reason, you’ll need to maintain good oral hygiene every day to keep issues at bay. Neglecting to clean your smile can increase your risk of serious problems like gum disease, which can lead to implant failure. Be sure to brush twice a day, floss daily, and rinse with mouthwash frequently to keep your mouth strong and healthy.

Eat a Healthy Diet

a woman eating healthy for dental implant care in Fargo

Since your dental implants will be directly anchored to your jawbone, you’ll be able to regain 80% or more of your biting power. This means you can enjoy most of your favorite foods like you could with your natural teeth. That said, you’ll still need to be somewhat careful about the meals you choose to munch on. Firstly, you’ll want to eat foods like low-fat dairy, lean proteins, and other treats containing plenty of calcium and vitamin C to encourage healthy gum and bone tissue.

Break Poor Oral Habits

a stickman kicking cigarette for dental implant care in Fargo

If you want your new pearly whites to last as long as possible, you’ll need to protect them by putting a stop to certain oral habits. To make the most of your dental implants, be sure to:

  • Keep away from chewing on hard objects - You’ll want to watch out for meals that are too hard or sticky, as they can damage or wear down your restorations. You should also avoid chewing on ice, pencils, fingernails, and other tough items that can end up loosening your metal posts. Try chewing on sugar-free gum instead!
  • Never use your teeth as tools – If you tend to use your teeth to open packages, bottle caps, or even hold grocery bags, you can end up damaging your dental implants later on. Make sure to keep the appropriate tools handy to avoid temptation.
  • Quit smoking – Stopping this bad habit can significantly decrease your risk of dental implant failure as well as other serious oral health issues, such as gum disease and oral cancer.

Protect Your Dental Implants

a woman wearing mouthguard for dental implant care in Fargo

Though your dental implants will be durable, they won’t be indestructible. If you enjoy physical activities where there’s a chance of getting hit in the face, ask your dentist about custom-made sports mouthguards. These appliances can provide the cushion and protection your teeth need to remain safe and intact. If you tend to grind your teeth at night, then you can ask us about nightguards for bruxism. We’ll be more than happy to recommend the best products to help your specific dental needs.

Schedule Routine Dental Checkups

a patient undergoing routine dental implant care in Fargo

Even if you’ve rebuilt your missing teeth, you should still schedule regular dental checkups and cleanings every six months with our team. We’ll be able to monitor your oral health and address any developing problems we might find. Not only will this help you avoid or stop dental issues early on, but it’ll also allow us to ensure that your dental implants remain in pristine condition for as long as possible. We’ll also provide you with personalized preventive care and thoroughly clean your smile so that you can enjoy your renewed pearly whites for the rest of your life!

Dental Implant Technology

a dentist explaining dental implant technology.

Our team wants to ensure that you receive the highest quality treatment that you deserve, especially when it comes to replacing missing teeth and rebuilding a complete and healthy smile. That’s why we’re proud to be utilizing some of the most advanced dental implant technology available, which allows us to provide precise and personalized results with little room for error. With our tools and expertise, we’ll be able to offer a lifelike and long-lasting solution for restoring your oral health. Read on to learn about the dental implant technology we use or reach out to us if you wish to schedule your initial consultation.

3D Cone Beam Imaging

a 3 D cone beam imaging scanner

While a digital X-ray can offer a decent depiction of your mouth, it won’t always provide the greatest detail or accuracy. For enhanced digital imaging, our team will utilize an X-ray technology known as the 3D CT Cone Beam Scanner. This device can perform a 360-degree scan of a person’s head, taking several hundreds of images in mere moments. The images will then be combined to develop a 3D model of a patient’s oral cavity, including their sinuses, dentition, and the nerves in their jaw! With this 3D technology, we can develop a more accurate plan of how to place your dental implants to ensure long-lasting and successful results, all while significantly minimizing any room for error or complications.

Guided Dental Implant Surgery

a guided dental implant system on a model of teeth

After using the 3D CT Cone Beam Scanner to develop a 360 model of your oral cavity, we can use specialized computer software that collects the data gathered to develop a virtual road map for performing your dental implant procedure. After our team has properly determined the correct angles and areas to place your implants, we’ll use the software to create a surgical guide, which will then be printed out with a 3D printer that we will place in your mouth during your surgery. This custom guide will help ensure that we place your implants in their proper positions, increasing your chance of treatment success.

Digital Impression System

: a person looking at a digital impression of teeth

Once you’ve completely recovered from your dental implant surgery, you’ll return to us to receive your personalized restoration (a crown, bridge, or denture) to finish rebuilding your smile—which will depend on the number of teeth you’re missing. To develop your custom and natural-looking restoration, our team will use a digital impression system to plan out the specifics of your brand-new teeth. Back then, patients had to wear messy and uncomfortable putty to create impressions of their smiles. Today, we can create digital impressions by scanning your mouth, providing a quicker and more accurate method of developing your restorations. This way, you can be sure to enjoy lifelike results for decades to come.

Dental Implant FAQs

dentist showing a patient a model of how dental implants work

Do you still have some questions about dental implants in Fargo? If so, then you’ve definitely come to the right place – we have answers! Dr. Goodwill and Dr. Majidian are more than happy to satisfy your curiosity during your consultation. Until then, we’ve included the answers to a few of our most frequently asked questions about dental implants below to give you easier access to the information you need.

Does It Hurt to Get Dental Implants?

Rest assured that before your dental implant surgery, we’ll help you feel fully comfortable. We’ll ensure your mouth is numb with local anesthetic. Additionally, your jawbone actually doesn’t have that many pain-sensing nerves. As a result, the procedure is essentially painless.

That said, you’ll likely experience some soreness for a few days following your surgery. However, it can be easily managed with the pain medication we prescribe. You can also apply a cold compress to your cheek throughout the healing process to reduce discomfort and swelling.

Am I Too Old to Get Dental Implants?

There is actually no such thing as being too old for dental implants. In fact, most of our dental implant patients are older because they’ve already dealt with tooth loss or uncomfortable dentures.

One thing to note is that seniors are more likely to have other health problems that could complicate dental implant treatment. That’s why an initial consultation with our dentists is crucial. We’ll thoroughly examine your smile to determine whether dental implants are right for you.

Will People Be Able to Tell That I Have Dental Implants?

Not at all! Your implant dentist in Fargo will design your replacement crown, bridge, or denture to perfectly mimic size, shape, and color of the pearly whites you used to have. Because the implant posts are rooted in your jaw, they’ll also emerge from your gums in the exact same way as your original teeth. Once the dental implant process is complete, your new teeth should be indistinguishable from your old ones. You might even forget which teeth are real and which are implants!

How Successful Are Dental Implants?

One major reason why dental implants are so popular is their outstanding rate of success. Even after more than a decade, over 95% of dental implant patients are still enjoying their replacement teeth. this may be due to the fact that they require very little maintenance beyond what you would extend to natural teeth. To make your implants last for years to come, you should be able to simply brush and floss them as if they were the teeth you were born with.

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