Understanding How Implants Function
A dental implant consists of a titanium post that acts as an artificial root, surgically positioned into the exact spot where your natural tooth root once existed. Titanium has unique properties that allow bone tissue to recognize it as compatible and actually grow around it, fusing the implant to your jaw through a biological process that takes several months to complete fully.
Once this fusion happens, Dr. Prouty or Dr. Connor connects an abutment—essentially a small connector piece—to the implant post. This abutment supports your final crown, which gets custom-crafted to match the size, shape, and colour of your surrounding teeth so precisely that distinguishing it from natural teeth becomes nearly impossible.
The biological integration is what distinguishes implants from other tooth replacement methods. Bridges rest on top of your gums and anchor to adjacent teeth. Dentures sit on your gums and rely on suction or adhesives. Only implants actually become part of your skeletal structure, which explains why they feel so natural and last so remarkably long.
This integration also solves a problem most people don’t realize exists until it’s too late. Tooth roots stimulate your jawbone every time you chew, signalling your body to maintain that bone. Remove the tooth, and that signal disappears. Your body responds by resorbing the bone it no longer needs. Implants restore that signal, preventing bone loss and the sunken facial appearance that often develops years after tooth loss.
What Your Treatment Journey Looks Like
Your experience with dental implants in Sioux Falls starts with comprehensive planning. Dr. Connor and Dr. Prouty need to understand your complete health status, thoroughly examine your mouth, and use detailed imaging to evaluate your bone structure. This assessment determines whether you can proceed directly to implant placement or whether preparatory treatments would improve your outcome.
Sometimes gum disease needs treatment before moving forward—healthy gum tissue is essential for implant success. Other times, bone grafting becomes necessary to build up areas where bone has already deteriorated. These preliminary steps add time to your treatment but dramatically increase your likelihood of achieving lasting results.
Implant placement happens under sedation at any of the three Infinity Sedation Dentistry locations, including Sioux Falls, Watertown, and Dakota Dunes. The practice’s focus on sedation dentistry means you’ll stay comfortable and relaxed throughout the surgical procedure, with most patients reporting they remember very little about it afterward. Recovery typically involves manageable discomfort that responds well to over-the-counter pain relievers.
During the months while your implant integrates with your bone, you’ll typically wear a temporary restoration that maintains your smile’s appearance and allows normal function. You won’t go around with an obvious gap—Dr. Prouty and Dr. Connor ensure you look and feel your best throughout every stage of treatment.
The final crown placement appointment arrives once your implant has fully bonded with your jawbone. This visit is straightforward and relatively quick since the foundation is already secure. Your dentist simply attaches your custom crown, checks your bite carefully, makes any minor adjustments needed, and sends you on your way with your completed restoration.
Advantages That Transform Daily Life
Implants restore eating pleasure in ways that surprise people. When you’ve been avoiding certain foods for months or years, finally biting into a crisp apple or enjoying a steak without worry feels almost revolutionary. The stability implants provide a means for you can eat confidently without constantly thinking about your teeth.
Clear speech returns, too. Gaps create air pockets that cause whistling, and poorly fitting dentures move around while you talk, affecting pronunciation. Implants eliminate these issues because they’re fixed permanently in position. You’ll speak with the same clarity you had before you lost your teeth.
The maintenance routine is refreshingly normal. Brush your implant crown like a natural tooth. Floss around it daily. Visit your dentist for regular checkups. That’s it. No adhesives, no soaking solutions, no nightly removal routine. Your implant becomes just another tooth that requires the same care as all your other teeth.
Long-term value makes implants a worthwhile consideration, even with their higher initial investment. Bridges typically fail after 10-12 years and require replacement. Dentures need frequent adjustments and eventual replacement as your bone structure changes shape. Quality implants typically last 25 years or more, and many patients never require replacement.
Identifying Good Candidates
You’re probably a suitable candidate for dental implants in Sioux Falls if you’re missing one or more teeth and have reasonable overall health. Adequate bone density is important, although bone grafting procedures can address deficiencies in many cases. Healthy gums are important, though treatable gum disease doesn’t necessarily disqualify you—it just needs addressing before implant placement.
Age rarely presents a barrier. Young adults who’ve lost teeth from sports injuries or accidents are excellent candidates. Older adults tired of dealing with dentures that slip and click find tremendous relief with implants. Dr. Connor and Dr. Prouty evaluate each person individually, rather than making assumptions based solely on age.
Certain habits and conditions require management. People who grind their teeth need night guards to protect their implants from excessive force. Smokers face significantly higher failure rates because smoking interferes with healing, making quitting before treatment highly advisable. Conditions like diabetes need to be controlled rather than unmanaged, but controlled diabetes doesn’t prevent successful implant placement.
Dental Implants in Sioux Falls
Missing teeth limit your life in ways that extend far beyond appearance, affecting everything from nutrition to self-confidence. Schedule a consultation at Infinity Sedation Dentistry in Sioux Falls, Watertown, or Dakota Dunes to determine if dental implants are a suitable option for your needs. Dr. Brian Prouty and Dr. Kevin Connor will thoroughly evaluate your situation, discuss all available options honestly, and develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your circumstances. Your path to a complete smile begins with a conversation—reach out today and let’s start mapping out how to restore what you’ve been missing.