Dental Implants In Elm Grove
After tooth loss, it can become a challenge to smile with confidence, speak normally or have the courage to go out to eat with friends. Replacing one or missing teeth is achievable with dentures and dental crowns and bridges, but these methods cannot be compared to the permanence and functionality of dental implants. Only dental implants act as a strong tooth root structure to permanently replace missing teeth for as long as a lifetime. Known for their high quality strength and natural appearance, dental implants help patients of a variety of ages and backgrounds to live comfortably again in a beautiful, functional smile.
What is a Dental Implant?
Dental implants look and feel just like your natural, healthy teeth for a smile that is beautiful and strong. Using a small titanium post, dental implants are secured into the jawbone to act much like a strong tooth root to hold your dental crown or bridge into place. For patients who are in good general health and have lost one or more teeth due to periodontal disease, tooth decay, a dental injury or age, dental implants have become the standard option for patients seeking a permanent dental solution.
Risks of Tooth Loss
Many patients do not know the effects of tooth loss on their oral health until dental issues such as TMJ pain or gum disease have occurred. It can feel embarrassing or uncomfortable to live without a full smile, but tooth loss has related health risks as well. From developing a misaligned bite when remaining teeth shift or move out of place, to causing tooth decay and infection in the mouth, tooth loss requires professional dental insight for proper assessment and treatment. As your local family dentist in Elm Grove, Dr. Meinerz has years of experience in treating patients after tooth loss and guiding them towards better oral and overall health.
What Are The Benefits of Dental Implants?
Dental implants effectively support the appearance and function of the smile in ways unparalleled to any other form of treatment in restorative dentistry. After treatment, patients may experience one or more of the following benefits of dental implants:
Replaces one or more teeth without affecting adjacent teeth
Won’t shift or move in place such a partial or complete denture
Can support a fixed dental bridge or implant-retained denture
More tooth-saving by design than traditional bridgework
Look natural, fit comfortably and can last a lifetime
Dental implants require little to no change in a good oral hygiene routine, and don’t require some of the daily tasks of caring for removable dentures. Simply brush and floss regularly the way you would your own natural teeth. While dental implants are revolutionary forms of teeth replacement, they are personalized and customizable to look and feel just like your natural healthy teeth. With dental implants you may forget you ever had a missing tooth.
Are Dental Implants Right For Me?
At Honest Teeth in Elm Grove, Dr. Meinerz is dedicated to providing each patient with comfortable treatments that work to benefit their health and peace of mind. When you come in for a dental implant Dr. Meinerz will carefully assess your oral health and medical history to determine if dental implants are right for you. While this treatment is not right for everyone, Dr. Meinerz and his team will partner with you to determine the ideal dental solution for your specific needs. Give us a call at (262) 784-7770 to schedule your consultation for restorative dentistry in Elm Grove.
How Do Dental Implants Work?
Dental implants consist of two parts. The implant itself is a screw-shaped piece of titanium, which is surgically inserted into your jaw bone and gums, and functions as an artificial tooth root.
The implant, in turn, can support an implant-supported restoration. Dental crowns are commonly used to restore a single tooth, but multiple implants can also be used to support dental bridges or dentures, and restore multiple teeth.
Once you’ve been approved for a dental implant, Dr. Meinerz or Dr. Krueger will schedule your first appointment. Your mouth will be cleaned and numbed, then your implant will be placed into your jaw. Then, your mouth will be cleaned and disinfected, and you’ll be sent home to heal.
The Healing Process
The initial healing process takes only a few weeks, but it will take 3-6 months for your implant to “osseointegrate” and bond with your jaw bone. During this time, you’ll come back to Honest Teeth for a few follow-up appointments. Dr. Meinerz and Dr. Krueger will take images and impressions of your teeth, and these images will be sent to a third-party lab where your restoration will be built.
Once your mouth has healed and your implant-supported restoration has been completed, you’ll come back for your final appointment. We will attach your restoration to your implant, restoring your smile and completing the procedure.
Dental Implants Vs. Dentures
Dentures are a common alternative to dental implants. Partial dentures may be used to replace one or two missing teeth, or a full arch of dentures may be used to replace the upper, lower, or both arches of teeth.
Compared to dentures, dental implants have a number of unique benefits:
Completely natural look and feel – Dental implants look and feel much more natural, compared to dentures.
Superior lifespan – While most dentures last 5-7 years at the most, dental implants last 30+ years with proper care.
Supports jaw health – Unlike a denture, dental implants help keep your jaw strong by stimulating your jaw bone, just like a natural tooth.
However, dental implants also have some disadvantages, compared to dentures.
Up-front cost – Dental implants cost more up-front than dentures, and are usually not covered by insurance.
Lengthy procedure – It can take 3-6 months or longer to get dental implants, so patients will need to have patience throughout treatment.
Not appropriate for all patients – If you have gum disease or a weak jaw, you may not be a good candidate for dental implants.
Dental Implants Vs. Dental Bridges
Dental bridges use two crowns, which attach to two healthy “abutment” teeth. These crowns support a pontic (false tooth), which literally “bridges” the gap where your missing tooth used to be. Bridges can be used to restore one or more adjacent missing teeth.
Compared to dental bridges, dental implants have some unique benefits:
Keeps your jaw strong – Just like dentures, dental bridges do not stimulate the underlying jaw structure, leading to bone loss. In contrast, dental implants keep your jaw healthy.
Does not require healthy teeth to be trimmed – To place the abutment crowns, your teeth must be trimmed, removing healthy enamel. This is not necessary with a dental implant.
Easier to clean and maintain – Dental implants are much easier to clean and maintain, compared to dental bridges.
What to Expect of Dental Implants in Elm Grove
Every patient is unique and will have varying treatment times and plans for dental implants. In addition, some patients may feel more comfortable with various options of sedation dentistry to help them feel relaxed and calm throughout the placement of the implant.To best understand what to expect about your treatment for dental implants, the staff at Honest Teeth encourage you to call (262) 784-7770 to schedule a consultation for a more functional and beautiful smile with dental implants.