Riverside Dental

Riverside Dental | Dentist Watertown

Dental Implants

Watertown Dental Implants

Imagine living without missing teeth. Even just one tooth can seriously impact your oral health, function, and self-confidence. Multiple missing teeth can cause serious impairment, ranging from speech problems and chewing difficulties to social anxiety and depression. The impact of dental implants is nothing short of transformative — and we’re proud to offer this option to our patients here at Riverside Dental in Watertown, WI.

What Are Dental Implants?

Implants are replacements for missing teeth. The base of the implant is topped with a natural-looking, porcelain dental crown that restores the function and aesthetics of your smile.

The three parts of a dental implant are:

  • Fixture (Implant) — A titanium screw is used to mimic the function of a natural tooth root. In traditional dental implants, this screw is placed in the jaw and eventually fuses with the bone.
  • Abutment — A topper for the screw that will connect the screw and crown.
  • Crown — An artificial tooth made from porcelain shaped, colored, and designed to match your smile.

The fixture is the only part of the dental part that becomes permanently joined to your mouth. It takes approximately six months for the fusion process to complete. Your dentist will place a temporary crown to protect the implant as it heals.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?

Dental implants are ideal for anyone who has lost a tooth, and they can even be applied to patients with only a few or no natural teeth. All-on-4 and All-on-6 dental implants replace an entire arch of teeth with just four or six screws. You can think of them as a combination of dentures and dental implants that offer a more comfortable, permanent solution. Dental implants are best for patients with missing teeth who are in good oral health and have sufficient jawbone density to support the implant. If you do not have enough jawbone to support implants, you may undergo a bone grafting procedure. This surgery adds bone to your jaw to strengthen it for a future implant. Another option is called subperiosteal implants. These are placed above the jawbone but beneath the gums. Patients who do not have enough jaw bone to support regular implants may qualify for these instead. Finally, zygomatic implants are placed in the cheekbone for patients whose jaws are not suitable for other types of implants.

Deciding on the Right Type of Dental Implants

Your dentist will discuss your options based on physical examination and imaging of your mouth. They will walk you through the pros and cons of each option so you can make the most informed choice for your oral health.

What Is the Dental Implant Process?

Getting dental implants can be divided into four steps:
  1. Meet with your dentist to discuss your candidacy and choose an implant time.
  2. Undergo oral health care and any necessary preparation for implants.
  3. Have the implant placed, then let it heal.
  4. Have the implant topped with the dental crown.
While this is a highly simplified version of the process, it gives you a good idea of what to expect from treatment. Length can vary by patient depending on how many implants they require, the type of implant they choose, and whether they require bone grafting before implant placement.

Dental Implant FAQs

The cost of dental implants varies depending on factors such as the type of implant, whether you need bone grafting, and if you receive dental sedation during your procedure. Generally, an implant costs between $1,000 to $3,000.

Yes, but the coverage is likely to be partial. You will need to speak with your insurance provider to determine if they pay for dental implants and what costs you will be responsible for before treatment.

Our team is happy to discuss pricing and insurance policy coverage with you in our office. Please bring any questions you have when you come in for a consultation.

Dental implants can last a lifetime if they are properly cared for. Following good oral hygiene practices can support an implant for decades.

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