Dental Implants Explained by Your Implant Dentist

Dental implants provide a permanent replacement for missing teeth. They look and feel like your natural teeth and help maintain the integrity of your jawbone.

To determine if you are eligible for an implant, we will take x-rays and often a cone bean computed tomography (CBCT) scan of your jaws. This allows us to see if you require bone grafts to prepare your jaw to support the implants.

Benefits of Dental Implants

Many patients choose dental implants to replace missing teeth. They look and feel like natural teeth, and they are more comfortable than fixed bridges or dentures.

The implant consists of a small screw-like post made from titanium, which gets placed into the jawbone. A connector called an abutment is then screwed on top of the implant. A single replacement tooth, a bridge containing multiple teeth, or a full denture can then be attached to the abutment.

When choosing an implant dentist Wauwatosa WI, consider their experience and education. A dentist with specialized training and a high volume of implant procedures is likely to be more skilled in handling unexpected complications that may arise during the procedure. Also, ask whether they use modern tools that enhance precision and reduce risks during surgery.

Tooth Replacement Options

Unlike other tooth replacement options, such as bridges, implants support and replace both the natural tooth root and the prosthetic tooth. This helps to preserve bone, prevent resorption and maintain the shape of your face.

Implants are ideal for replacing single or multiple teeth, as they look and function like natural teeth, while also requiring the same at-home oral hygiene and dental care. Other less-invasive solutions include a dental bridge for missing one or more teeth or a full denture.

In cases where there is not enough bone for an implant, a bone graft can be performed to add new bone. This may involve using natural bone from another area in the body, a synthetic bone-substitute material or a combination of both. If the back of the upper jaw has limited bone height, a sinus lift can be used to raise the sinus floor and increase the amount of available bone.

Preparation for Implants

During a consultation, an oral surgeon will examine the patient’s mouth and take X-rays to determine whether or not the gum tissue is healthy enough to support a dental implant. They will also review the patient’s medical history to assess any potential concerns.

They will help the patient decide on the type of artificial tooth that would best suit their needs, and they will also discuss other options for teeth replacement such as dentures and bridges. They will then inform the patient of any preparation steps that they must take before their surgery.

It is crucial that patients follow their implant dentist Wauwatosa WI preoperative and post-surgical care guidelines, as these will play a significant role in the success of the procedure and the recovery process. This includes avoiding spitting, drinking through a straw, and smoking, as these habits can lead to dry socket, prolonging healing time.

Implant Placement

Using the information gathered from your consultations, oral health assessment, and imaging tests, your dentist or oral surgeon develops a personalized treatment plan. They may suggest preparatory procedures, like bone grafts or sinus lifts, to ensure your implants succeed.

During the surgical procedure, anesthesia is used to numb the area and reduce discomfort. They then make an incision in the gum tissue to expose the underlying jawbone and drill a hole into which they insert the titanium implant post, which replicates your tooth root.

The implant integrates with your jawbone through a process called osseointegration. Depending on your treatment, the team might place an abutment or healing cap on the dental implant during a brief follow-up appointment. Typical symptoms after the procedure include swelling, bruising, and minor bleeding around the surgical site. You can minimize these symptoms by applying ice packs and taking over-the-counter pain relievers as directed.

Post-Surgical Care

Typically, dental implants last a lifetime when patients follow their implant dentist Wauwatosa WI or oral surgeon’s instructions for home care and regular visits to the office. Implants, artificial teeth and surrounding gum tissue must be kept clean just as natural teeth are, including using special brushes to reach the nooks and crannies. Patients should also refrain from damaging habits, such as smoking, which can affect bone healing and slow integration of the implant.

The time it takes for implant treatment varies depending on your unique situation, but generally includes evaluation and planning, surgically placing the implants and, finally, restoring them with final restorations. The initial evaluation usually includes a medical history review to make sure you have no chronic health problems that could interfere with successful integration of the implants.