When you’re missing one or more teeth, you may think that your replacement options are limited to dentures or dental bridges. Many people would like a more permanent, healthier solution to their problem. If you’re in this predicament, don’t worry! We at Hill Avenue Dental have the perfect option that replaces your entire tooth starting from the root up. Dental implants are a strong and secure answer to your bite problem, and both Dr. Clarks can make this procedure available to patients who qualify at our Superior, WI dental office.
Other tooth replacement options like dentures and dental bridges only replace the visible part of missing teeth. Unfortunately, this means they usually leave a lot to be desired in terms of comfort and stability. On the other hand, dental implants replace teeth both above and below the gumline. A small titanium implant post is inserted into the jawbone to mimic the roots of the missing tooth. On top of it is a small connector piece called an abutment that fastens the final restoration into place. This custom-made crown, bridge, or denture is carefully designed to seamlessly replace any number of missing teeth. Rebuilding your smile from the roots up offers unmatched functionality, longevity, and reliability, which is why dental implants are considered by both dentists and patients to be the gold standard of tooth replacement.
Getting dental implants is a multistep process that spans several months. While this may seem like quite an involved process, it’s relatively straightforward and the benefits are well-worth the time and effort! Once you’ve completed your dental implant treatment, you can easily expect to enjoy a comfortable, functional, and beautiful smile for the rest of your life! So what does this process entail? While every tooth replacement journey will look slightly different, there are four main stages you can expect when rebuilding your smile.
First, you’ll visit us for a consultation to make sure dental implants are a good choice for you. We’ll carefully inspect your smile for issues that may threaten the success of your dental implants, like gum disease and inadequate jawbone density. Many patients need to complete preliminary treatments such as tooth extractions, periodontal therapy, and bone grafting before they can be considered a good candidate. We can help you schedule the necessary treatments that will get you ready for your new pearly whites.
Next, the implant posts will need to be placed in the jawbone. We partner with the best local specialists to ensure you get the best care and results during this essential step of the process. The surgery is relatively straightforward: first, one or more small incisions will be made in your gums to access your jawbone, depending on how many teeth you’re missing. The implant post (or posts) is then positioned into the jawbone and then the gums are closed around it. Finally, a protective cap is placed over it and you’ll be sent home to heal.
After your surgery, it will take four to six months before your mouth has healed enough to move on to placing your new teeth. During this time, osseointegration will take place. This is the process where the titanium implant posts gradually fuse with the bone tissue in your jaw. In the end, your dental implant will essentially be part of your jawbone.
Then, you’ll complete one more minor surgery to have your abutment(s) placed. Of course, you’ll skip this step if your abutment was placed during your surgery. This small connector piece goes on top of the implant post and will eventually hold your final restoration in place. While you heal from this surgery over the next few weeks, your crown, bridge, or denture will be designed and created.
You’ll return to our office for the final step of your dental implant treatment. We’ll secure your custom-made crown, bridge, or denture into place using the abutment piece. Then, once we’ve made sure that you’re happy with your results and that your bite feels comfortable, you’ll be ready to go out and show off your complete, confident smile.
Replacing missing teeth with dental implants may take more time and money than other restorations (like dentures or a dental bridge), but the end results are well worth it. Rebuilding teeth from the roots up is the next best thing to the natural tooth you lost in every way. There is simply no other way to regain a complete smile that’s as comfortable, functional, and beautiful! At Hill Avenue Dental, we will be more than happy to go over how dental implants can improve your quality of life during your initial consultation. In the meantime, read on to learn more about some of the most popular benefits of dental implants in Superior.
Regardless of whether you’ve lost just one tooth or your entire arch, dental implants can replace them efficiently and effectively. No matter your situation, we can restore your smile and your confidence with dental implants. Once we carefully examine your mouth during a consultation, we’ll develop a personalized treatment plan that fits your unique needs. Read on to learn more about who can take advantage of dental implants in Superior.
Almost any healthy adult can get dental implants, which is one of the reasons why they’re so popular. Usually, you’ll need to have three things to be considered a candidate for dental implants:
A dental implant for one tooth serves as a firm base that is topped with a dental crown – just as if you were getting your natural tooth fixed after decay or an injury. This option is sturdier and longer lasting than other options like dental bridges. The implant rooted in the jaw allows the crown to mimic the way your natural teeth emerge from your gums. We will also ensure that your crown matches the size, shape, and shade of the rest of your smile. That way, once the single implant is placed and restored, it will seamlessly blend in with your other teeth – you may even end up forgetting which tooth was replaced.
If two or more teeth in a row are missing, you can take advantage of an implant bridge, where the implants serve as the anchors for the appliance instead of your natural teeth. To avoid the alteration of your natural enamel that accommodates the crowns which support traditional bridges, implant bridges are supported by implants rooted in the jaw. This provides a lifelike, stable smile while literally “bridging” the gap. It also prevents your remaining teeth from drifting out of place. In other cases, a partial implant denture may be needed. This involves combining a few dental implants with a personalized partial denture to restore your smile’s beauty and function.
Even if you’ve lost all your teeth, strategically placed dental implants can hold your dentures in position, preventing those awkward situations when they can slip or come loose while eating or speaking. An implant denture combines the best of both worlds, using 4 to 6 implants to support a custom-made denture. This is the most stable and natural feeling smile replacement, allowing you total confidence when eating, speaking, or smiling. We will use the minimum number of dental implants to provide you with the maximum amount of stability when using your smile.
Because dental implants can meet a wide variety of tooth replacement needs, it is difficult to pinpoint a price for treatment. For a more accurate estimate, you need to schedule a consultation with one of our experienced dentists who can evaluate your specific situation and create a personalized treatment plan. If the initial cost of dental implants is a downside for you, think about this: With dental implants, you can enjoy your oral health and your beautiful smile for many more years than dentures or bridges alone, potentially saving you money in the long run. Plus, we will help you maximize your insurance benefits, and we have alternative financing through CareCredit. Read on to learn more about the cost of dental implants in Superior.
In some cases, we may recommend preliminary treatments like bone grafting, gum disease therapy, and tooth extractions. While these procedures will add to the total cost of your tooth replacement, they are integral for the success of your dental implants.
Implant surgery will incur its own cost, and this will vary based on where the implants are placed and what type of anesthesia is used. We want you to get the best, longest lasting results, which is why we partner with local specialists for the placement of dental implants. They’ll discuss with you separately exactly what you can expect when it comes to surgery cost.
The number of implants you need will affect your cost. While a single dental implant will cost less than 4 to 6 for an implant denture, the implant denture will be more cost effective than replacing each tooth individually. Typically, the larger the restoration required, the higher your price is. That’s why dentures tend to cost more than a single crown – they require more material and planning.
Dental implants will also vary in size depending on where they are placed in your mouth. The size and material (zirconia or titanium) will contribute to the overall cost of your treatment. And, just like cars, there are different brands and models of dental implants that cater to the unique needs of different patients. Please don’t hesitate to contact our office to learn more about the types of implants that we use.
While dental implants in Superior do have a high upfront cost, the benefits they provide are truly one-of-a-kind. No other tooth replacement option, whether it be bridges or dentures, can simulate natural teeth in the same way that dental implants can. And, perhaps even more importantly, implants are designed to last multiple decades without any issues. Dental implants boast the potential to last a lifetime when properly maintained, but the same cannot be said for bridges or dentures. Bridges only last about 10 to 15 years before they need replacement. Dentures will require replacement every 7 years or so, resulting in dental care costs that don’t exist for implants. This is why your implant dentist in Superior considers them to be the most cost-effective solution for tooth loss.
Most dental insurance plans will not cover the cost of dental implants because they do not deem them medically necessary, however this will vary based on your provider. Our friendly office staff is always willing to file insurance claims on your behalf. We are experienced in maximizing your benefits while minimizing your out-of-pocket spending. In some cases, you may be able to have your insurance cover certain aspects of the procedure like the preparatory treatments. That said, it’s always important to check with your insurance company first before pursuing treatment.
If you don’t have insurance, there is no need to worry! As a part of our commitment to quality dentistry that is affordable for all budgets, we offer alternative financing through CareCredit. With this amazing solution, you can pick the monthly payment plan that works for you. The best part is that these fees come with little-to-no interest.
As the only tooth replacement to rebuild the crown and roots of a missing tooth, dental implants can fully and naturally restore your smile. Not only do they look, feel, and function just like natural teeth, but dental implants can be cared for just as easily as well! You won’t need to buy any special cleaning solutions or take them out to soak every night. Dental implants can last for decades with minimal maintenance, and most patients can expect to enjoy them for life! Read on as we go over the five best ways to care for your dental implants in Superior.
You won’t need to worry about your dental implants getting cavities, but it’s important that you make your routine oral hygiene a priority nonetheless. Poor dental habits put you at a higher risk of issues like gum disease, which can pose a threat to your dental implants. So make sure you brush for two minutes twice a day, floss daily, and rinse with mouthwash regularly to keep your smile strong and healthy.
Dental implants will help you enjoy all your favorite foods once again! However, don’t forget to keep your diet balanced and nutritious. Eat plenty of lean proteins, low-fat dairy, and other foods with lots of calcium to help keep the foundation of your dental implants strong. Also be sure to get plenty of vitamin C to encourage stronger, healthier gums.
If you want to make the most out of your new smile, you need to protect your dental implants by breaking a few common bad habits. To take care of your dental implants, you need to:
Dental implants are incredibly strong, but they’re by no means indestructible. If you play a contact sport, you need to wear an athletic mouthguard to protect your dental implants in case of an accident. If you grind your teeth in your sleep, talk to us about getting a custom-made nightguard for bruxism. Mouthguards may be relatively small, but they can make a tremendous difference in keeping your dental implants in great condition.
Whether you’ve replaced one, several, or all your teeth with dental implants, you should still visit us every six months for your routine checkups and cleanings. Even if your teeth look and feel fine, we’ll carefully inspect your smile for any signs of issues that may be developing so we can put a stop to them right away. Of course, we always aim to keep problems of any kind from starting in the first place with thorough cleanings and personalized preventive care!
We understand if you’re feeling hesitant about receiving dental implants, especially if you’ve never undergone oral surgery or had a tooth replaced before. The fact is we want you to feel as informed as possible about your care before beginning any phase of treatment. While you’re encouraged to ask questions during your consultation, we’ve also provided a handful of the most common questions we’ve heard at Hill Avenue Dental over the years. If your question is not mentioned, give us a call directly!
Before our partnered implant specialist begins treatment to place your dental implant, they numb the mouth with a powerful local anesthetic. This effectively removes any sensations that could be felt in the mouth during surgery. Furthermore, the jawbone has very few nerve endings, so at worse, you may experience some slight pressure during treatment. Once treatment is complete, it is normal to have some minor swelling and mild discomfort, both of which can be managed with medications, cold compresses, and plenty of rest. If these side effects do not improve over the next two to three days, please give us a call right away.
Many people are able to resume their normal activities the next day after surgery. This is because bleeding should stop relatively soon following your procedure. Swelling should also go down significantly after a few days. With that said, you should avoid strenuous activity for the first week or so in order to ensure the best healing process possible. You’ll also be asked to take all prescribed medications as needed. Keep in mind that the fusion of the titanium post to the implant can take as many as six months to complete.
Dental implant failure is extremely uncommon, but if it does occur, it’s usually due to peri-implantitis or failed osseointegration. Peri-implantitis is similar to gum disease in that it develops as a result of poor oral hygiene. It can also cause damage to the bone and gums supporting the implant, resulting in it becoming loose and even falling out. In cases of failed osseointegration, it typically happens when there was not enough bone tissue available to begin with. Our dentists and trusted oral surgeons take all the necessary steps to ensure you are in the best possible condition to receive implants before beginning treatment, ensuring the most successful outcome possible.
Every cases is unique, but there are instances, particularly in younger patients, where the jawbone is healthy enough to receive a dental implant the same day a tooth is extracted. However, it’s not uncommon for us to have to wait anywhere between three and six months before an implant can be placed as the mouth needs time to heal after a tooth extraction. We don’t want to wait much longer than that, though, as doing so can allow the jawbone to shrink due to the lack of stimulation from the tooth’s roots.
