Dental Implants | Rapid City SD

Dental Implants Presentation

To provide you with a better understanding of dental implants, we have provided the following multimedia presentation. Many common questions pertaining to dental implants are discussed.

What are dental implants?

A natural tooth consists of a root and a crown. If you compare natural teeth to implant-supported replacement teeth, you’ll see they have the same basic parts.

Both have a crown (the visible part used to chew food). Both have a root that holds the tooth securely under the gum and is anchored into the jaw.

The difference is that the implant is made of titanium – the same time-tested material used by surgeons for artificial joints. When you lose a tooth, you lose both the root and the crown.

To replace the tooth, the surgeon first replaces the root with a small dental implant.

Time is allowed for bone to heal and grow around the dental implant. The bone bonds with the titanium, creating a strong foundation for artificial teeth.

A support post (abutment) is then placed on the implant and a new replacement tooth (crown) is placed on top of the abutment.

In many cases a temporary replacement tooth can be attached to the implant immediately after it is placed. If all of your teeth are missing, a variety of treatment options are available to support the replacement teeth.

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A smiling elderly man with dental implants

“Don’t be afraid to Smile.”

For years I’d felt like a part of my body was missing — because my teeth were. My dentist told me that dental implants would make me feel and look a lot better. OK, I said. Now, I’m thrilled. I can smile, eat anything, and enjoy a good laugh with my friends.

Surgical Advances in Dental Implants

Using the most recent advances in dental implant technology, Dr. Crossland, Dr. Van Dam, Dr. Morgan and Dr. Richman are able to place single stage implants. These implants do not require a second procedure to uncover them but do require a minimum of six weeks of healing time before artificial teeth are placed.

There are even situations where the implant can be placed at the same time as the tooth extraction – further minimizing your number of surgical procedures.

Dental implant placement is a team effort between an oral and maxillofacial surgeon and a restorative dentist. Dr. Crossland, Dr. Van Dam, Dr. Morgan and Dr. Richman performs the actual implant surgery, initial tooth extractions, and bone grafting if necessary. The restorative dentist (your dentist) fits and makes the permanent prosthesis. Your dentist will also make any temporary prosthesis needed during the implant process.

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Patient Reviews: Dental Implants

Please read testimonials from our patients. You can also leave us your feedback. For assistance, please call us at Rapid City Office Phone Number (605) 348-6818.

Black Hills Oral Surgery and Dental Implant Center

5 out of 5 stars based on 4 Dental Implants reviews.

Our Latest Patient Testimonial By Carolyn B

I had three extractions in June of 2022 at the Spearfish office; two of those teeth had to be replaced with implants which was done in January 2023 at the Rapid City office. Both procedures went surprisingly well. I get extremely nervous about dental surgery and opted for sedation both times. The entire staff was very understanding and did everything possible to put me at ease. Dr. Van Dam was excellent and was very patient in answering all of my questions. I received several phone calls checking up on me after the procedures. My only complaint is that they didn't automatically call me to schedule the appointment for the implants or for my post-op visit as they said they would and I had to call to make the appointments but that's minor. I was very pleased with the procedures and the care that I received for both of them.

- Carolyn B