Here at Riverside Dental, we empathize with the emotional impact of losing a tooth and how it can affect your self-esteem, eating habits, and overall oral health. Thankfully, dental implants provide a reliable solution to restore both the functionality and appearance of your smile. Here are some details about implants to help you determine whether they are the right choice for you.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are biocompatible, artificial tooth roots carefully inserted into the jawbone, providing a strong base for replacement teeth. This surgical procedure involves placing a titanium post into the jawbone, which then fuses with the bone.
Unlike dentures or bridges, implants seamlessly integrate with your bone, creating a stable and permanent foundation. This integration offers a long-lasting solution that perfectly replicates the appearance, sensation, and functionality of natural teeth, allowing you to eat, speak, and smile with confidence.
Why Choose Dental Implants?
Choosing dental implants comes with numerous benefits:
- Natural Appearance: Implants have the same look and feel as your natural teeth. Our custom-made dental restorations are designed to perfectly match your natural teeth, blending seamlessly with your smile.
- Durability: With the right care, dental implants have the great potential to endure for a lifetime.
- Improved Oral Health: Implants maintain the alignment of adjacent teeth and can, therefore, help prevent bone loss. Not only does this help maintain your facial structure, but it also promotes overall oral health.
- Enhanced Comfort and Function: Because dental implants are anchored into the jawbone, they eliminate the discomfort and inconvenience associated with removable dentures. You can speak, eat, and smile confidently without worrying about your teeth shifting or slipping.
The Dental Implant Procedure
The process of getting dental implants is a multi-stage procedure that typically spans over a few months. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect:
First Consultation
During this visit, our team of highly skilled dentists will carefully assess your oral health through a comprehensive examination. We will perform X-rays and 3D imaging to evaluate the state of your jawbone and identify your eligibility for dental implants.
Treatment Planning
Once we confirm that dental implants are the best option for you, we will create your personalized treatment plan. This plan provides a comprehensive overview of the number of implants needed, the specific type of prosthetic teeth, and any additional procedures you might need, such as bone grafting or sinus lifts.
Placing Your Dental Implants
Our experienced dentists will carefully and precisely insert the dental implants into the jawbone during the implant placement procedure. We prioritize your comfort and well-being by performing this procedure under local anesthesia. Following placement, the implants will go through a healing period called osseointegration, where they bond with the bone. This process usually lasts a few months, but it is absolutely important for ensuring the long-term stability of the implants.
Placing the Abutment
After the implants have completely fused with the bone, an abutment is connected to each implant. The abutment acts as a bridge between the implant and the replacement tooth. This procedure is typically performed with the use of local anesthesia, ensuring your comfort throughout.
Prosthetic Teeth
Finally, custom prosthetic teeth are carefully crafted and securely attached to the abutments. Our prosthetic teeth are meticulously crafted to blend perfectly with your natural teeth, creating a seamless and authentic appearance.
Could I Be Eligible for Dental Implants?
Although dental implants are a versatile and effective solution, they may not be suitable for everyone. There are various factors that will determine your suitability for dental implants:
Adequate Bone Density
Having proper bone health is essential for the optimal outcome of dental implants. A strong and stable foundation is essential for the secure anchoring of the implants. If you have experienced major bone loss, bone grafting may be necessary to enhance the jawbone prior to placing implants.
Good Oral Health
Having healthy gums and maintaining good oral health is critical for the success and longevity of dental implants. Prior to implant placement, it is necessary to address conditions like gum disease in order to achieve the best possible results.
After getting dental implants, it is crucial to prioritize proper oral hygiene. This includes maintaining a regular brushing and flossing routine, as well as scheduling routine dental check-ups in order to keep the implants and surrounding tissues in optimal condition.
Non-Smoker
It is important to note that smoking can have a negative impact on the healing process and significantly increase the chances of implant failure. To maximize the results of your dental implants, it is essential to be open to quitting or reducing your smoking habit if you are a smoker.
Overall Health
Some medical conditions, like uncontrolled diabetes or autoimmune disorders, can impact your healing process and the successful integration of implants. Our dental care team will conduct an evaluation to determine if dental implants are suitable for your needs.
The Cost of Dental Implants
The price of dental implants will differ based on various factors, such as the number of implants required, the type of prosthetic teeth, and any additional procedures that may be necessary. At Riverside Dental, we aim to offer clear and competitive pricing options for our valued patients.
During your first consultation, we will go over the estimated cost of your dental implant treatment and discuss the various payment options that are available to you. We are committed to ensuring that everyone has access to top-notch dental care in Watertown, WI. Our team will collaborate with you to develop a payment plan that aligns best with your financial needs.
Schedule a Consultation for Dental Implants in Watertown, WI
Dental implants are a remarkable advancement in restorative dentistry, offering a permanent and reliable solution for missing teeth. At Riverside Dental, we are dedicated to helping our patients achieve beautiful, healthy smiles through state-of-the-art dental implant procedures. We invite you to schedule a consultation with our experienced team to determine if they are the right choice for you.
Contact us today at (920) 262-2176 or request an appointment online to begin your journey toward a confident and radiant smile.
