Dr. Karl Petersen, DDS, AIAOMT Claimed

Karl Petersen, DDS, earned his dental degree from the University of Minnesota along with distinct honors for leadership, clinical excellence, and mentorship. In private practice, Dr. Petersen makes it a priority to stay at the forefront of dentistry and is passionate about minimally invasive, integrative, and holistic approaches to improve patient overall health in addition to their teeth. Dr. Petersen commits to more than 100 hours of continuing education annually and purses continuing education courses with leaders in the areas of sedation, oral surgery, and implant dentistry. Dr. Petersen believes in increasing access to those in need and regularly volunteers at Hope Dental Clinic and Give Kids a Smile.

Professional Memberships and Affiliations: 

Accredited with the Internation Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology (AIAOMT), Fellow of the Great Lakes Implant Institute, Fellow with the Academy of General Dentistry (FAGD), American Orthodontic Society (AOS), International College of Implantology (ICOI), American Dental Association / Minnesota Dental Association (ADA/MDA)

What is a Dental Implant?

Your teeth are composed of a crown and root. The root acts to hold the crown by being embedded in the bone. Like tooth roots, dental implants are support structures that interface biologically, or integrate, with the bone of the jaw to support a dental restoration. The type of dental restorations can range from single crowns, bridges, or even complete dentures. The linker from the dental restoration to the implant is known as the abutment. Abutments and implants are made from either zironia or a titanium alloy, both of which securely fuse to the bone under the gums.

Why Should I Consider Dental Implants?

Although there are other tooth replacement options available like dental bridges and dentures, the reasons why dental implants are the regarded as the best standard of care are numerous.

– Implant restorations are fixed in place, and not loose, like dentures

– Implants preserve bone like teeth and resist bone shrinkage, which can make you look older

– Dental implants allow for restorations that look, feel, and behave like natural teeth

– Dental implants enable you to chew, smile, talk, and look completely natural, which instills social, psychological, and physical well-being.