Dental Implants in Horicon & Beaver Dam, WI
At Preferred Dental Partners in Beaver Dam and Horicon, WI, we understand the challenges and discomforts you might face with missing teeth. Whether it's difficulty in eating your favorite foods, feeling self-conscious about your smile, or experiencing bone loss and facial structure changes, missing teeth can significantly impact your quality of life.
Our state-of-the-art dental implants are designed to address these pain points head-on. We provide a permanent, stable solution that not only restores the functionality of your teeth but also brings back the natural beauty of your smile.
Enjoy the foods you love without hesitation, speak with confidence, and smile brightly, knowing your dental health is in good hands. Discover how we can help you overcome the challenges of missing teeth and guide you towards a happier, healthier smile.
Rediscover Your Smile!
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are a groundbreaking solution for replacing missing teeth. They consist of a titanium post surgically implanted into the jawbone, acting as a root for the artificial tooth. Over time, this post fuses with your bone, providing a sturdy foundation for a crown, bridge, or denture that looks, feels, and functions like natural teeth.
The advantages of dental implants are extensive:
Enhanced Aesthetics and Comfort: Implants are designed to resemble your natural teeth, improving both looks and comfort.
Improved Speech and Eating Abilities: Implants eliminate the slippage and discomfort associated with ill-fitting dentures.
Preservation of Oral Health: Implants do not require the alteration of adjacent teeth, thus preserving more of your natural tooth structure.
Longevity and Reliability: With the right care, implants can last a lifetime, providing a durable and reliable solution.
Who Makes A Good Candidate?
The ideal candidate for dental implants typically exhibits several key characteristics that significantly enhance the likelihood of successful implantation and long-term functionality. These characteristics include:
Adequate Bone Density: One of the most critical factors for successful dental implantation is sufficient bone density in the jaw. The implant needs a solid foundation, so adequate bone material is essential for the titanium post to integrate effectively. In cases where bone density is insufficient, procedures like bone grafting may be considered.
Healthy Gums: Healthy gums are crucial for dental implants as they help support the new tooth structure. Candidates should be free from periodontal disease, as gum health directly impacts the success of the implant. Ongoing gum disease can jeopardize the stability of the implant.
Good Overall Health: Since dental implant surgery is an invasive procedure, candidates should be in good general health. This means no significant medical conditions that could impair healing or increase surgical risks. Conditions such as uncontrolled diabetes or certain heart diseases may affect a patient’s eligibility for dental implants.
Non-Smokers or Willingness to Quit Smoking: Smoking can hinder the healing process and decrease the success rate of dental implants. Ideally, candidates should be non-smokers or willing to quit smoking before and after the procedure to ensure proper healing and integration of the implant.
Commitment to Oral Hygiene: A candidate must be committed to maintaining excellent oral hygiene. Dental implants require the same care as natural teeth, including regular brushing, flossing, and routine dental check-ups. Good oral hygiene is essential to prevent infections and ensure the longevity of the implant.
No Alcohol or Substance Abuse: Excessive alcohol consumption or substance abuse can negatively impact healing and the success of the implant. Patients with a history of such issues might need to be evaluated more carefully.
Age Factor: Dental implants are typically recommended for adults whose jawbones have fully developed. They are not usually recommended for children or young teens, as their jawbones are still growing.
Patience and Realistic Expectations: The process of getting dental implants can be lengthy, involving multiple stages and months of healing. Candidates should be prepared for this timeline and have realistic expectations about the process and outcomes.
It's important to note that even if a patient does not meet all of these criteria, there may still be options available. Our Beaver Dam and Horicon dentists can often provide treatments to prepare someone for dental implants, such as bone grafts for those with insufficient bone density or periodontal treatments for those with gum disease. A thorough evaluation by Dr. Borja, Dr. Minnema or Dr. Oldridge is the best way to determine an individual's suitability for dental implants.
The Procedure
The dental implant procedure is a multi-step process that involves several stages, typically spread out over several months. Here's a detailed breakdown of what you can expect during the dental implant procedure:
Initial Consultation and Planning
Comprehensive Dental Exam: The process begins with a thorough examination of your mouth, including dental X-rays and possibly 3D images. This helps in assessing the bone structure and determining the best placement for the implant.
Medical History Review: Your dentist will review your medical history, including any medications you take and any medical conditions, to ensure you're a suitable candidate for surgery.
Treatment Planning: Depending on the condition of your oral tissues, oral hygiene, and personal habits, and the number of teeth involved, a specific treatment plan is crafted. This plan is tailored to your particular situation.
Surgical Procedure
Tooth Extraction (if necessary): If the tooth to be replaced is still present, it will need to be extracted.
Bone Grafting (if necessary): If your jawbone isn't thick enough or is too soft, you may need bone grafting. This involves taking bone from another part of your body or using a synthetic bone substitute to provide enough bone mass to support the implant. Bone grafting requires a separate procedure and additional healing time.
Implant Placement: Once the jawbone is ready, the dental implant (a titanium post) is placed into the bone socket of the missing tooth. This is done under local anesthesia, and you may experience some discomfort similar to a tooth extraction.
Healing and Osseointegration: After the implant is placed, osseointegration begins. This is the process where the jawbone grows into and unites with the surface of the dental implant. This process, which can take several months, provides a solid base for your new artificial tooth.
Abutment Placement
Once osseointegration is complete, an abutment is placed on the dental implant. The abutment is the piece where the crown will eventually attach. This may involve a minor surgical procedure to expose the implant and attach the abutment. In some cases, the abutment is placed at the same time as the implant.
Final Restoration
Impressions and Crown Fabrication: After your gums heal, more impressions of your mouth and remaining teeth are made to create the crown. The new crown cannot be placed until your jawbone is strong enough to support the use of the new tooth.
Crown Placement: Once the crown is ready, it's attached to the abutment. This crown is custom-made to match your natural teeth and fit perfectly in your mouth.
Follow-up and Care
Follow-up Appointments: You'll have follow-up appointments to check on the implant, abutment, and crown, ensuring they are functioning properly.
Oral Hygiene and Care: Good oral hygiene is essential for the success of the implant. You'll be advised on how to care for your new implant and surrounding teeth.
It's important to note that while the process is typically very successful, it requires patience and commitment to oral care. Regular dental visits and proper home care are critical to the long-term success of dental implants.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Dental implants are designed to be a long-lasting solution for missing teeth. With proper care and maintenance, including good oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups, they can last many years. In many cases, dental implants can last a lifetime. However, the crown attached to the implant may need replacement due to wear and tear, typically after 10 to 15 years.
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The recovery time following dental implant surgery varies from person to person. Generally, patients can expect some soreness and swelling for a few days after each stage of the procedure. The most significant recovery period is for osseointegration, where the implant fuses with the jawbone. This process can take several months, but it doesn't typically involve significant discomfort. Most people can return to normal daily activities within a day or two after each surgery stage.
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The type of sedation used during dental implant surgery depends on the complexity of the procedure and the patient's comfort level. For a standard implant procedure, local anesthesia is typically sufficient to numb the area and prevent pain. However, for more complex cases or patients with dental anxiety, additional sedation options like oral sedatives, nitrous oxide (laughing gas), or even IV sedation may be used. Your dentist will discuss the best sedation options for you based on your specific needs.
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Dental implant options vary depending on your needs and the condition of your jawbone. Common types include:
Single Tooth Implants: Ideal for replacing one missing tooth.
Implant-Supported Bridges: Used when several teeth are missing. Unlike traditional bridges, these do not require grinding down adjacent teeth.
Implant Dentures: Suitable for those who have lost all their teeth. These can be fixed (permanent) or removable, providing more stability than traditional dentures.
All-on-4 Implants: A technique where a full arch of teeth is supported by only four implants.
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Replacing missing teeth is important for several reasons:
Oral Health: Missing teeth can lead to bone loss in the jaw and the shifting of remaining teeth, impacting bite and overall oral health.
Functionality: Missing teeth can impair your ability to chew properly and may affect your speech.
Aesthetics: Gaps in your smile can affect your appearance and confidence.
Facial Structure: Tooth loss can lead to the loss of bone density in the jaw, altering the shape of your face over time.
Dental implants provide a functional, aesthetic, and durable solution for missing teeth, helping to maintain oral health, jawbone integrity, and overall quality of life.
Book an appointment.
Don't let missing teeth limit your life. Contact Preferred Dental Partners today to schedule a consultation and embark on the path to a full, vibrant smile. Our dedicated team is ready to support you through the journey of restoring your dental health with our comprehensive dental implant solutions.