Dental Implants

It can be challenging to smile confidently, speak normally, or have the guts to go out to lunch with friends after tooth loss. Dentures and dental crowns, and bridges can be used to replace one or more lost teeth, but they cannot compare to the permanency and functionality of dental implants. Only dental implants can act as a robust tooth root structure to replace missing teeth permanently for the rest of one’s life. Dental implants, known for their excellent quality strength and natural appearance, allow patients of all ages and backgrounds to smile with confidence.

What does a dental implant mean?

Dental implants are designed to appear and feel like your natural, healthy teeth, giving you a beautiful and robust smile. To keep your dental crown or bridge in place, a thin titanium post is implanted into the jawbone and acts as a strong tooth root. Dental implants have become the conventional option for patients in good general health who have lost one or more teeth owing to periodontal disease, tooth decay, a dental injury, or aging and are looking for a permanent dental remedy.

The Consequences of Tooth Loss

Living without a complete smile can be unpleasant or inconvenient, but tooth loss also has health implications. Many people are not aware of the effects of tooth loss on their oral health until they develop dental problems such as TMJ pain or gum disease. Tooth loss necessitates professional dental understanding for practical assessment and treatment, from creating a misaligned bite when remaining teeth shift or slide out of place to producing tooth decay and infection in the mouth. Dr. Pogodzinski, your West Allis family dentist, has years of expertise treating patients who have lost teeth and leading them toward better dental and overall health.

What Are the Advantages of Dental Implants?

Dental implants maintain the appearance and function of the smile in ways that no other form of restorative dental therapy can. Patients may benefit from one or more of the following dental implant advantages after treatment:

• Will not shift or move in a place like a partial or entire denture
• Can support an implant-retained denture or a fixed dental bridge.
• By design, more tooth-saving than traditional bridgework
• Look natural, fit comfortably, and last a lifetime

Dental implants are revolutionary tooth replacement options because they are customized and adaptable to appear and feel just like your natural healthy teeth. Dental implants require little to no modification to healthy oral hygiene practice, and they eliminate some of the everyday responsibilities associated with removable dentures. Brush and floss as you would be doing to your natural teeth on a regular basis. You could forget you ever had a missing tooth after receiving dental implants.

Do I Need Dental Implants?

Dr. Pogodzinski is dedicated to giving each patient comfortable treatments that benefit their health and peace of mind at All Kind Smiles in West Allis. Dr. Pogodzinski will carefully analyze your oral health and medical history when you come in for a dental implant to determine if dental implants are suited for you. While this procedure is not for everyone, Dr. Pogodzinski and his colleagues will work with you to find the best dental option for you. Call (262) 784-7770 to book your restorative dental consultation in West Allis.

What Are Dental Implants – How Do They Work?

There are two parts to dental implants. The implant is a screw-shaped piece of titanium that works as an artificial tooth root and is surgically implanted into your jawbone and gums.
The implant can then sustain an implant-supported restoration. Dental crowns are generally used to replace a single tooth; however, numerous implants can also restore many teeth and support dental bridges or dentures.
Dr. Pogodzinski or Dr. Fakler will organize your initial appointment once you have been authorized for a dental implant. After cleaning and numbing your mouth, the implant will be inserted into your jaw. Your mouth will then be washed and disinfected before being sent home to recuperate.

The Recovery Process

The initial healing phase only takes a few weeks, but the “osseointegration” and bonding of your implant with your jawbone will take 3-6 months. You will return to All Kind Smiles for a few follow-up appointments throughout this period. Drs. Pogodzinski and Fakler will take photographs and impressions of your teeth, which will be sent to a third-party lab where the restoration process will be created.
You will return for your last session once your mouth has healed, and your implant-supported restoration has been completed. We will secure your restoration to your implant, ending the surgery and restoring your smile.

Dentures vs. Dental Implants

Dentures are a popular substitute for dental implants. An entire arch of dentures can be used to replace all the teeth in the upper, lower, or both arches, whereas partial dentures can only replace one or two missing teeth.
Dental implants have several advantages over dentures, including:

• Completely natural appearance and feel – When compared to dentures, dental implants appear and feel far more natural.
• Longer lifespan — While most dentures last only 5-7 years with good maintenance, dental implants can last up to 30 years.
• Stimulate your jawbone- Unlike dentures, dental implants stimulate your jawbone, just like a natural tooth, helping to keep your jaw strong.

However, when compared to dentures, dental implants have several drawbacks.

• Initial cost — Dental implants are more expensive than dentures upfront, and they are rarely covered by insurance.
• Prolonged procedure — Getting dental implants might take 3-6 months or longer; therefore, patients must be patient during the process.
• Not suitable for all individuals – You may not be a good candidate for dental implants when you have a weak jaw or gum disease.

Dental Bridges vs. Dental Implants

Two crowns are attached to two healthy “abutment” teeth in a dental bridge. These crowns hold a pontic (fake tooth) in place, thus “bridging” the gap left by your missing tooth. Bridges can be utilized to replace one or more missing teeth on either side.
Dental implants have certain distinct advantages over dental bridges:

• Maintains the strength of your jaw — Dental bridges, like dentures, do not stimulate the underlying jaw tissue, resulting in bone loss. Dental implants, on the other hand, keep your jaw healthy.
• Does not necessitate the removal of healthy enamel to put the abutment crowns — To place the abutment crowns, your teeth must be trimmed, which removes healthy enamel. With a dental implant, this is not necessary.
• Easier to clean and maintain – When compared to dental bridges, dental implants are significantly easier to clean and maintain.

West Allis Dental Implants: What to Expect?

Every patient is different; thus, treatment timelines and strategies for dental implants will differ. Additionally, some patients may feel more at ease using various sedation dentistry alternatives to help them feel peaceful and tranquil during the implant placement process. All Kind Smiles encourages you to book a consultation for a more functional and beautiful smile with dental implants by calling (414)475-0588 or book online.