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Dental Implants – Wauwatosa, WI

The Modern, Enhanced Solution to Missing Teeth

 

We are all aware that tooth loss can detract from one’s appearance, but it also makes it difficult to chew and speak. Additionally, if left untreated, tooth loss will usually lead to other serious issues such as a loss of facial structure, deterioration of the jawbone, undesired tooth shifts and bite imbalances. To learn more about the modern, enhanced solution to missing teeth, contact us today and ask about dental implants in Wauwatosa, WI!

Why Choose Wauwatosa Dental Arts for Dental Implants?

  • Start-to-Finish Dental Implant Treatment
  • We Accept Dental Insurance
  • Replacement Teeth with a Lifespan of 35+ Years

What is a Dental Implant?

Animated smile during dental implant supported replacement tooth placement

At Dental Arts Associates, we specialize in providing our patients with top-quality treatments that leave you with a smile to be proud of. Dental implants are often considered the gold standard for tooth replacement. They are designed to restore the look, feel, and function of your natural teeth. Dental implants use a titanium metal structure that is surgically implanted into the jawbone and supports a crown, bridge, or denture. The implants will actually fuse to your jawbone, providing stable support for artificial teeth. Unlike traditional dentures, you will never have to worry about your teeth slipping. To receive implants, healthy gums and a strong jawbone are required to support the implant. If you have suffered from bone deterioration, a bone graft procedure may be necessary.

The 4 Step Dental Implant Process

Woman learning how dental implants work in Wauwatosa

At Wauwatosa Dental Arts, we use the latest technology, including our cone beam CT scanner, to strategically and precisely plan out each of our dental implant surgeries. We’re able to complete the entire process in-office as well, which means that you won’t have to worry about traveling across town, and you can enjoy being treated by the same, trusted team of professionals that you started with. One of the best benefits about visiting us for this advanced treatment is that we never charge for a CT scan during this procedure either because we’re committed to affordable, exceptional dentistry.

While the process to receive these permanent prosthetics takes more time than a traditional dental bridge or denture, it is well worth the time and money invested. And while no two cases are exactly alike, everyone must complete the four steps of the dental implant process: initial consultation, dental implant surgery, osseointegration, and final placement of the customized restoration. To learn how dental implants work in Wauwatosa, keep reading.

Initial Dental Implant Consultation

Dental implant consultation in Wauwatosa

During your initial consultation, our team will examine your oral cavity and facial structures using advanced dental technology. Once we have a clear view of your jawbone and surrounding tissues, we can determine if you require preliminary treatment before moving forward with dental implant surgery. These can include periodontal therapy (to treat gum disease), tooth extraction (to remove any severely decayed teeth), or bone grafting (to strengthen weakened areas of the jawbone). 

Dental Implant Surgery

Dental implant placement in Wauwatosa

Because we are capable of performing the actual placement of your dental implants in-house, this makes it much more convenient and less stressful. When arriving for your appointment, we will administer local anesthesia to numb your mouth. Once you are comfortable, your implant dentist in Wauwatosa will make one or more small incisions in your gums before exposing the bone and placing each implant into its designated area. We will then close the gum tissue around the implant and placing a protective healing cap over the post.

Dental Implant Osseointegration/Abutment

Dental implant in Wauwatosa

The next phase is recovery, which can take anywhere from 3-6 months. Osseointegration must occur during this time, as the bone and implant must fuse to create a solid foundation for your new smile. Once you are fully healed, you’ll return to our office for another minor procedure that involves placing metal abutments atop each implant. These will serve to attach the implant to the custom restoration.

Delivery of Dental Implant Restorations

Couple with dental implants in Wauwatosa

The last part of the process is receiving your customized restoration. Because dental implants in Wauwatosa are so versatile, you can receive an implant dental crown, bridge, or denture. No matter which one you receive, you can expect it to look and feel completely natural, giving you the confidence to smile freely when surrounded by family and friends. Once your restoration is in place, you will begin to enjoy many of the great benefits only dental implants can provide.

Benefits of Dental Implants

Older man smiling after dental implant tooth replacement

Unfortunately, many people end up losing their natural teeth over time. This can happen due to decay, injuries, gum disease, and other reasons. Fortunately, dental implants offer a variety of unique benefits that set them apart from traditional restorative treatments. Read on to learn more about the advantages of choosing dental implants.

Day-to-Day Benefits

Man with dental implants in Wauwatosa eating salad

Dental implants feel just like natural teeth, so you shouldn’t notice them too much in your day-to-day life. Ultimately, you should be able to enjoy all of the things that you did before losing your teeth. Here are some of the benefits that you can experience from day to day:

  • Restores Bite Force: Your bite force can be restored by 80% or even higher! This is much more than you can experience with dental bridges or dentures.
  • Easy Maintenance: You care for dental implants the same way that you care for natural teeth. Brush, floss, rinse, and see your dentist for regular cleanings and checkups.
  • Increased Confidence: You don’t need to worry about visible gaps in your smile or ill-fitting restorations.

Health Benefits

Woman smiling at dentist in Wauwatosa

In addition to the noticeable benefits that you will experience daily, your health will also be positively influenced by your new addition. Here’s what you can look forward to:

  • Improved Dental Health: Dental implants can lower your risk of cavities, gum disease, infection, and additional tooth loss. None of your natural teeth will need to be altered for this restoration either.
  • Better Overall Health: Having excellent oral health has a positive influence on your overall health, as they go hand-in-hand. It even lowers your risk of serious medical problems, like diabetes and heart disease.
  • Prevents Bone Loss: When you’re missing teeth, jawbone deterioration follows. Dental implants stimulate the jawbone just like natural tooth roots to keep it strong.

Long-Term Benefits

Man smiling with dental implants in Wauwatosa

By choosing dental implants, you are making a long-term investment in your smile. Here are some benefits that you can experience many years down the road:

  • Implant Success: Dental implants are very successful with a success rate of over 95%. Your chances of experiencing an implant failure are very low.
  • Permanent: Dental implants can last upwards of 30 years with proper maintenance.
  • Save Money: You don’t need to worry about stocking up on adhesives or soaking solutions. There won’t be frequent repairs or replacements either. Dental implants also reduce your risk of many oral health issues, so you won’t need to ensure costly treatments that will add up over time.

Are Dental Implants Right for Me?

Woman considering dental implant tooth replacement

Dental implants can be used for a variety of tooth replacement needs, from a single tooth replacement to rebuilding an entire arch. At Dental Arts Associates, our extensive experience combined with the highest quality implants can provide you with a healthy, beautiful smile once again.

Animated smile during dental implant supported dental crown placement

Missing One Tooth

To replace a single tooth, we can surgically insert a dental implant into the gap in your smile below the gums. It will fuse with the jawbone, providing a strong support system for us to attach a customized dental crown, completing your smile.

Animated smile during dental implant supported fixed bridge placement

Missing Multiple Teeth

Instead of altering your surrounding healthy teeth by getting a dental bridge, we can secure a bridge using two dental implants that we surgically place below the gums on either side of the gap in your smile. Not only will this keep your surrounding teeth from shifting out of alignment, but it will also provide you with lasting, trusted stability that doesn’t rely on your other teeth.

Animated smile during dental implant supported denture placement

Missing All of Your Teeth

We can secure a full denture with anywhere from four to eight dental implants that are strategically placed along your arch. Implant-retained dentures are more stable, making eating and speaking easier by eliminating any unwanted movement of your prosthetic.

Learn More

Animated smile during all on four dental implant placment

All-on-4 Implants

All-on-4 implants are a great solution for patients who are missing all of their teeth along an arch. We’ll place four implants across the area and secure a load-bearing denture immediately afterward, so you won’t have to go without teeth as you heal and your implants fuse with your jawbone.

Animated smile during mini dental implants smile restoration

Mini Dental Implants

For patients who have been suffering from tooth loss for a while and sustained jawbone erosion, we offer mini dental implants. These require less jawbone to fuse with, which allows you to experience all of the benefits of implants without needing an invasive bone graft.

Start-to-Finish Convenience

Woman with flawless smile after dental implant tooth replacement

At Wauwatosa Dental Arts, we use the latest technology, including our cone beam CT scanner, to strategically and precisely plan out each of our dental implant surgeries. We’re able to complete the entire process in-office as well, which means that you won’t have to worry about traveling across town, and you can enjoy being treated by the same, trusted team of professionals that you started with. One of the best benefits about visiting us for this advanced treatment is that we never charge for a CT scan during this procedure either, because we’re committed to affordable, exceptional dentistry.

Understanding the Cost of Dental Implants

Dental team member discussing the cost of dental implants with patient

Although the cost of dental implants in Wauwatosa may have a higher price tag than traditional tooth replacement solutions, it’s important to consider the long-term investment that you’re making. Dental implants can last for over 35 years with the proper care; that’s over three times the lifespan of traditional bridges or dentures! When you factor in all of the unique benefits this procedure offers and all the money that you’ll be saving by avoiding additional dental visits and replacement restorations, dental implants are actually the most cost-effective tooth replacement treatment you can choose. Not to mention, our team at Wauwatosa Dental Arts provides start-to-finish treatment, making it less chaotic and more comfortable for you to remain in one place for your entire dental implant treatment!

Preliminary Treatments & Dental Implant Surgery

A dentist uses a mouth mold to explain how preliminary treatments in Wauwatosa can help

Preliminary treatments are not necessary for all patients suffering from tooth loss; however, after meeting with your implant dentist in Wauwatosa, we will determine if you require bone grafting, periodontal therapy, or even tooth extraction. If you are required to undergo one or more of these procedures, you can expect them to be added to the overall cost.

Also, your dental implant surgery will be a different line item on your cost breakdown. Fortunately, you won’t need to worry about paying a separate fee for a specialist since we provide dental implant placement and restoration all in one convenient location.

The Parts of Your Dental Implant

A dentist points to a mouth mold with a single dental implant in Wauwatosa

When reviewing your estimate, you will also find that parts of your dental implants in Wauwatosa affect the cost, including:

  • Materials Used: Titanium and zirconia are the two most popular choices for dental implant materials because of their ability to fuse with the bone.
  • The Number of Implants: If one tooth is missing, only one implant is needed. With multiple teeth, it requires at least two dental implants, and if all teeth are missing, it can take between 4 and 8 implant posts.
  • The Brand: Similar to other products, dental implants are made by different manufacturers, thus, there are multiple brands available. While it is our decision who we choose to work with, we will explain why and how this particular brand of implant will positively impact your smile well into the future.
  • The Type of Restoration You Need: Because of the versatility surrounding dental implants, you can receive a dental crown, implant, or denture. Each comes with its own price tag, but it’s natural to assume that the small the restoration, the cheaper your treatment will be.

How Dental Implants Can Save You Money

A young female listens to her dentist discuss the process of receiving dental implants in Wauwatosa

While it may be hard to believe, dental implants can actually save you a lot of money in the long run. Instead of investing your time and money into dental adhesives, regular visits for adjustments and replacement prosthetics, and specialized cleaning solutions to maintain your new teeth, you can enjoy a solution that is designed to last 30 years or more! In many cases, dental implants in Wauwatosa have remained firmly in place for an entire lifetime!

Unlike traditional prosthetics like dentures and dental bridges that do nothing to stimulate the jawbone, dental implants can also reduce your risk for developing systemic issues that can shorten your lifespan. You will not only save money on your prosthetics, but you’ll also keep more money in your wallet by avoiding costly procedures and treatments meant to address osteoporosis, diabetes, heart disease, and other common health problems associated with tooth loss.

Does My Dental Insurance Cover Dental Implants?

Two rows of blocks that read “Dental Plan” in Wauwatosa

Many dental insurance companies are coming around to the fact that dental implants are necessary for some individuals. However, this isn’t the case for all insurers, which is why you’ll need to check with your carrier to find out if they offer coverage for dental implants. Even if they will not cover the cost of your surgery, they may pay a portion of your preliminary treatments or restoration.

Making Dental Implants Affordable

At Wauwatosa Dental Arts, we are pleased to offer alternative payment methods to help keep your costs low and your dental implants more affordable. These include:

  • Flexible financing with CareCredit, which is a third-party company that offers low and no interest payment plans to help you better budget your treatment.

Also, right now, we are offering a special promotion that includes a free dental implant consultation as well as $399 a month for dental implants when approved through CareCredit. This special offer includes implants, abutments, and crowns.

If you’re ready to let our team help you take the next step in your oral healthcare journey, contact us today to schedule an appointment. We’ll walk you through the process and explain the cost of treatment, so you can prepare for a new and improved smile.

Maintaining & Caring for Your Dental Implants

a woman checking teeth for dental implant care in Wauwatosa

Dental implants offer the most comprehensive solution for rebuilding missing pearly whites. Other than providing durable and natural-looking tooth replacements, they can last anywhere between several decades to a lifetime. However, the only way to make the most of this benefit is to practice proper care. The good news is that it won’t take very much effort to do so! Keep reading to learn about several of the most essential methods to follow when implementing good dental implant care in Wauwatosa!

Make Oral Hygiene a Priority

a man brushing teeth for dental implant care in Wauwatosa

Since they’re constructed out of porcelain and titanium, dental implants can’t develop cavities. This doesn’t mean any of your other teeth will be immune. For this reason, you’ll still need to regularly practice a solid oral hygiene routine. The most common reason for dental implant failure is peri-implantitis—an infection in the gum tissue surrounding the metal post(s). To prevent this issue, simply brush twice a day, floss daily, and rinse with mouthwash frequently.

Eat a Healthy Diet

couple picking healthy food for dental implant care in Wauwatosa

The success of your dental implants will depend on you having good gum, bone, and overall health. That’s why you’ll want to ensure to maintain a healthy diet consisting of vitamin and nutrient-rich foods. Fortunately, since dental implants can help you regain 80% or more of your natural biting power, you won’t have to worry about any dietary restrictions. This will make it easier for you to stick to foods that will benefit your bone and gum tissue. Be sure to eat nutritious meals consisting of vitamin C, calcium, and lean protein to preserve your jawbone and periodontal health. 

Break Bad Habits

breaking a cigarette for dental implant care in Wauwatosa

Although a few good habits will benefit and extend the lifetime of your dental implants, some bad ones can drastically raise your risk of implant failure. To maximize the success of your newly rebuilt smile, you’ll want to break a few bad oral habits, including:

  • Smoking or using tobacco – Not only do tobacco products increase the risk of oral cancer, but they also reduce your body’s ability to heal properly. This can cause your mouth to be more vulnerable to bacteria and infection as well as disrupt the osseointegration process, which is necessary for allowing your implant(s) to fuse with your jawbone.
  • Using teeth as tools – When using your teeth to open packages or containers, or simply to hold a bag of groceries, you leave them open to being seriously damaged, which can result in loosening or compromising your dental implants.
  • Chewing on hard objects – Biting on hard items like pen caps, ice, or even your fingernails can wear down your implants and natural teeth. To avoid damaging your smile, try chewing on a crunchy apple or sugar-free gum instead.

Protect Your Dental Implants

a mouthguard for dental implant care in Wauwatosa

While dental implants are durable, they aren’t indestructible. If you enjoy contact sports where there’s a risk of taking a blow to the mouth, then you might be putting your restorations at risk of being loosened or damaged. Also, grinding your teeth in your sleep can wear them down over time. If any of these cases concern you, our team can provide you with a custom-designed athletic mouthguard or nightguard for bruxism to maintain a safe and healthy smile.

Schedule Regular Dental Checkups

a patient receiving dental implant care in Wauwatosa

Even if you’ve only replaced one or all of your natural teeth, you should still make time to schedule dental checkups and cleanings with your dentist every six months. By visiting them, they’ll be able to monitor your oral health and the condition of your dental implants. This will also give us the best opportunity to detect and address any developing issues before they become bigger problems. Additionally, by receiving thorough polishing, you can avoid future oral health issues from starting altogether!

Dental Implant FAQs

Man with orange question mark wonders about dental implants in Wauwatosa

Dental implants in Wauwatosa are truly the modern, enhanced solution to missing teeth. However, choosing how to rebuild your smile is a big decision, one that we want you to feel absolutely confident in! During your consultation, we’ll be happy to walk you through the entire process step by step and answer all your questions personally. In the meantime, we’ve gathered some of the most common questions we get about dental implants below so you can learn more about them. If you don’t see the answers you’re looking for, don’t hesitate to give us a call and we’ll be happy to help!

How Long Do Dental Implants Last?

If you’re looking for a long-term solution to missing teeth, there’s no better option than dental implants. Since they are rooted in the jawbone and prevent its deterioration, they can last for decades at a time. In fact, most patients can easily count on their dental implants to last a lifetime with the proper care! This is a distinct advantage dental implants have over dentures and dental bridges, which loose their fit and need to be replaced every 5-7 years.

Can Dental Implants Fail?

When placed by a professional like our trained and experienced team here at Wauwatosa Dental Arts, dental implants have an astonishing success rate of over 95% even 10 years after placement. However, while rare, dental implant failure can happen because of:

  • Peri-implantitis: The most common cause of dental implant failure is called peri-implantitis, which is an infection brough on by poor oral hygiene.
  • Failed osseointegration: In some cases, a dental implant simply will not fuse with the bone tissue because of inadequate jawbone density, certain medical conditions, or tobacco use.
  • Trauma or illness: Rarely, a dental implant can be knocked loose during a sports injury or accident. Or, it may gradually become loose because of teeth grinding, cancer treatment, osteoporosis, or other certain medical conditions.

Do I Have to Brush and Floss My Dental Implant?

Although they look quite lifelike, dental implants are not made of the same type of porous material as your natural enamel. Therefore, your dental implant will never get a cavity! However, it’s essential that you continue to brush and floss every day, even if you have no natural teeth left. These important dental hygiene habits are key for keeping your gums and other oral structures healthy. In turn, this will keep the connective tissues that help hold your dental implant in place strong and infection-free.

Am I Too Old or Young to Get Dental Implants?

Tooth loss is more common in older age, but it isn’t exclusive to it! Our younger patients will be happy to hear that dental implants are a good choice for practically any healthy adult over the age of 18. Similarly, our esteemed older patients will be glad to know that there is no upper age limit for dental implants either. As long as you are healthy and your jawbone is strong, you’ll likely be considered a good candidate for dental implants. Additionally, if you are not a good candidate for dental implants at first, we may be able to help you become one with a preliminary treatment like gum disease therapy or bone grafting.

Dental Implants Post-Op Instructions

Woman visiting her implant dentist in Wauwatosa for a checkup

Following your dental implant surgery, it’s important that you take it easy over the next several days so that your mouth has time to heal. This healing phase is crucial to maintaining the longevity of your dental implants. Thankfully, the process of aftercare is relatively straightforward. Keep these tips from Wauwatosa Dental Arts in mind ahead of your dental implant treatment in order to be as prepared as possible. You’ll be glad you did!

What to Do Directly After Dental Implant Surgery

Man following dental implant post-op instructions in Wauwatosa by sleeping

Do not disturb the implant site as the blood clot needs time to properly heal. To prevent it from accidentally coming loose (and triggering a painful condition known as dry socket), you’ll need to:

  • Avoid spitting or using a straw over the next 48 hours.
  • Avoid smoking or tobacco products (which can negatively impact healing).
  • Keep your tongue and fingers away from the surgical site.

Common Side Effects

Woman holding pain medication after receiving dental implants in Wauwatosa

Mild side effects are common following dental implant treatment (as well as many other oral surgeries). These can be easily managed at home. The most typical side effects include:

  • Facial swelling – This will occur over the next 72 hours or so and can be managed with cold compresses.
  • Intermittent bleeding – To mitigate bleeding, apply light pressure to the treatment site using a gauze pad. It’s normal for bleeding to occur over multiple days, but it should improve with time.
  • General discomfort – You can take pain medication as needed. This could be through a prescription or over-the-counter options.

Diet

Series of fruit smoothies next to pile of mint leaves

Sticking to a liquid diet for the first 24 to 48 hours is key because your implant site will be very sensitive. After that period, you can introduce soft foods into your diet as well. Common recommendations we make for patients receiving dental implants include:

  • Applesauce
  • Smoothies
  • Yogurt
  • Cold oatmeal
  • Scrambled eggs
  • Cold/lukewarm soups or stews
  • Mashed potatoes
  • Ice cream
  • Pudding
  • Soft-cooked pasta

Once you feel up to it, you can start to reintroduce other foods to your diet. However, we strongly recommend avoiding hard or crunchy foods until you’ve been back at our office.

Health & Oral Hygiene

Older woman brushing her dental implants in Wauwatosa

You’ll want to avoid brushing or flossing immediately after your surgery, but you can continue your at-home oral hygiene roughly 24 hours later. Just use caution when cleaning near the extraction site. To keep the area clean, use either a prescription oral rinse or a saltwater mixture two to three times a day. Do not use any mouthwashes that contain alcohol as this can cause dry mouth (and negatively impact the healing site).

What to Do After Your New Teeth Are Attached

Woman using a dental mirror to examine her smile

Now that the hard part of your treatment is already over, you need to wait several months for the implants to fully fuse with your jawbone. Once they do, you’ll come back to our office to have your permanent restoration attached. Whether it’s a crown, bridge, or denture, you should not experience any pain, swelling, or bleeding. However, it is normal to have some mild sensitivity in the gum tissue around the implant for the next couple days.