If you’ve been living with tooth loss, loose dentures, or the constant anxiety of a smile you don’t feel confident about, and aren’t sure where to start with your dental care. Thousands of people across the Twin Cities face this every day. And most of them have the same questions:
Am I a candidate? How much does it cost? Where do I even start?
This guide was written for Minnesota patients who are exploring dental implants and want straight answers from an experienced oral surgeon.
At EOS, Dr. Diana Lyu and I have placed more than 10,000 single dental implants and completed 3,500+ full arch implant surgeries across our three Minnesota locations in Eden Prairie, Savage, and Shakopee. Here’s what I want every prospective patient to know.
What Are Dental Implants?
A dental implant is a small titanium post that is placed directly into your jawbone to replace the root of a missing tooth. Once it integrates with the bone, through a process called osseointegration, a custom crown, bridge, or full arch is attached on top.
The result is a artificial teeth (replacement teeth) that look, feel, and function like the real thing. You eat normally, speak normally, and don’t take them out at night.
Unlike dental bridges or dentures, implants
- Preserve your jawbone by stimulating it the way a natural root does
- Don’t depend on adjacent teeth for support
- Don’t slip, click, or require adhesives
- Can last 20+ years with proper care
Single Implants vs. Full Arch Implants: What’s the Difference?
When it comes to tooth replacement options, implant treatment falls into two main categories. The right one depends on how many teeth are missing and what’s happening with your jawbone.
Single Dental Implants
If you’re missing one or a few teeth, a single implant with a crown is typically the gold standard. It replaces the missing tooth without altering the healthy teeth around it. Most patients are surprised by how natural they look and feel.
Full Arch Implants (All-on-4®)
If you’re missing most or all of your teeth, or have been struggling with full dentures, full arch implants may be the most life-changing procedure available in dentistry today. The All-on-4® technique uses four to six implants to support an entire arch of teeth, often completed in a single surgical appointment.
At EOS, Dr. Lyu and I have completed 3,500+ of these procedures combined. That level of experience matters. Full arch surgery is technically demanding, and the volume of cases we’ve handled means we’ve seen and solved situations that less experienced providers haven’t encountered.
Who Is a Candidate for Dental Implants?
The most common question I hear from new patients is: “Am I even a candidate?” The honest answer is: most people are good candidates for the dental implant procedure, but it requires a proper evaluation.
General candidacy factors include:
- You have one or more missing teeth, or teeth that require tooth extractions prior to placement
- Your jawbone has adequate density to support an implant or it can be built up with bone grafting
- Your gums are healthy, or treatable prior to surgery
- You don’t have an uncontrolled medical condition that could affect healing or implant success
- You don’t smoke or are willing to quit, as smoking significantly impacts implant success rates
A word on bone loss: many patients are told by a general dentist that they “don’t have enough bone” for implants and assume that’s the end of the conversation. Bone grafting can create the stable foundation needed for a successful implant. Don’t rule yourself out before speaking with an oral surgeon.
Determine if you qualify by taking our 2-minute Implant Candidacy Quiz — six quick questions, personalized results. If you look like a strong candidate, we’ll walk you through booking a free consultation.
What Makes Dental Implants in the Twin Cities Different from Other Markets?
Minnesota patients have strong options, but you still need to know what to look for. Not all implant providers are the same, and the differences matter a great deal for your safety and long-term outcomes.
Specialist vs. General Dentist
Dental implants can legally be placed by general dentists in Minnesota, but oral and maxillofacial surgeons (OMS) complete four to six years of hospital-based surgical residency specifically focused on procedures like this. At EOS, every implant is placed by a board-certified OMS — a Diplomate of the American Board of OMS. That’s the highest credential in our specialty.
In-House Everything — No Referrals, No Extra Trips
Some providers send you to a separate facility for imaging, to a different office for surgery, or to another practice for your temporary restoration. At our Eden Prairie, Savage, and Shakopee locations, we have in-house CBCT 3D imaging, a full surgical suite, and IV sedation — all under one roof. That means fewer appointments, less coordination stress, and a more consistent experience.
Personalized Care — Not a Franchise Model
Large implant providers have expanded aggressively into the Twin Cities market. Their model prioritizes volume. Ours prioritizes you.
Dr. Lyu and I review your imaging ourselves, develop your surgical plan personally, and are with you through every step. We’re a specialty practice, not a chain.
Advanced Technology: Fotona LightWalker MAX Laser
We’re one of the few oral surgery practices in Minnesota equipped with the Fotona LightWalker MAX — a dual-wavelength laser system that allows us to perform soft tissue procedures with less discomfort, fewer sutures, and faster recovery compared to traditional surgical methods. For implant patients, this includes procedures like implant uncovering and peri-implantitis decontamination with significantly reduced trauma.
How Much Do Dental Implants Cost in Minnesota?
This is the question every patient asks, and it’s a fair one. The honest answer: implants cost varies significantly based on the extent of dental implant surgery needed, whether bone grafting is required, and other individual factors. Any provider who gives you a firm quote before completing a full evaluation is guessing.
What we can tell you:
- We offer free consultations that include a review of your imaging and a clear treatment plan with transparent pricing.
- Many of our full arch patients finance their treatment for less than a typical car payment per month.
- We accept CareCredit and work with you to maximize any insurance benefits that apply.
- The cost of doing nothing adds up. Bone loss can continue. Teeth can fail. You may keep paying for denture adhesive and repairs.
We’d rather give you a real number based on your actual situation than a ballpark that sets the wrong expectations.
Common Questions Minnesota Patients Ask
Does the surgery hurt?
The surgery itself is performed under anesthesia or IV sedation — you won’t feel pain during the procedure. Most patients are surprised by how manageable the post-operative recovery is, with most handling discomfort using OTC pain relief during the first few days.
I’ve been told I have too much bone loss. Am I out of options?
Not necessarily. We perform bone grafting in-house, which can restore the bone structure needed for a successful implant. Even patients with a history of gum disease are often still treatable. We also offer advanced graftless implant placement techniques, including zygomatic and pterygoid implants, for cases where traditional grafting isn’t the right path. A 3D imaging evaluation at your free consultation will tell us definitively what’s possible.
I currently wear dentures. Can I still get implants?
Yes. Many of our patients transition from full or partial dentures to implant-supported teeth. The improvement in stability, confidence, and quality of life is often dramatic.
What’s the difference between All-on-4® and All-on-6?
Both use multiple implants to support a full arch of teeth — the difference is in the number of implants used and the specific anatomy and bone density of your jaw. Your surgeon will recommend the appropriate approach based on your imaging and your available bone. It’s not one size fits all.
Does insurance cover dental implants?
Coverage varies widely. Some plans cover portions of the procedure; many do not. Our team will review your coverage at your consultation and help you understand what’s applicable and how to maximize your benefits.
Ready to Learn If You’re a Candidate?
Ready to restore your smile? Start with our free 2-minute Implant Candidacy Quiz. Six quick questions tell us a lot about where you are in your journey — and what your best next step might be.
Or, if you’re ready to speak with us directly, contact our team at (952) 452-9151 or visit any of our three Twin Cities locations.
