Dental Implants Wauwatosa

Rebuilding Smiles with Superior Stability & Comfort

A tooth consists of more than just the crown; however, other tooth replacement solutions like dentures and dental bridges only replace this portion. Since every crown also has a root, you may wonder why this area is not restored as well. At Elmbrook Family Dental of Wauwatosa, it is with dental implants. Considered superior in their ability to offer improved function, longevity, stability, and a natural aesthetic, these prosthetics are why millions of people in the United States view them as a worthwhile investment. Call our office to speak to a member of our team if you are interested in replacing your missing teeth with dental implants in Wauwatosa.

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What Are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are custom prosthetics that work similarly to your natural tooth roots. They are commonly made of titanium and look like small screws. When placed within the jawbone, they fuse through a process known as osseointegration, which allows for a firm foundation that supports a uniquely designed dental crown, dental bridge, or implant denture – the type of restoration you receive is based on how many teeth you are missing. Their versatility and longer lifespan (30+ years) make them a preferred option among those suffering from tooth loss.

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The 4-Step Dental Implant Process

There is a standard four-step dental implant process that you must complete if you want a smile that lasts a lifetime: initial consultation, dental implant surgery, osseointegration/abutment, and the delivery of your final restoration. To discover more about each phase of treatment, read on:

• Initial Dental Implant Consultation: You will need to schedule a consultation with one of our trusted dentists to better understand when you can expect to receive your dental implants. Most patients require additional treatment in the form of bone grafting, gum disease treatment, etc.; however, this is not always the case but will be determined during this appointment.
• Dental Implant Surgery: You will receive local anesthesia before your implant dentist begins to open the gum tissue and place each implant post. Ensuring the proper depth, they will remain in their proper position before the gum tissues are closed.
• Osseointegration/Abutment: You will spend 4-6 months allowing osseointegration to occur, ensuring that your dental implants fuse with your jawbone to create a solid base. Once this happens and you’re fully healed, you will receive your metal abutments that help to attach your restoration to your implant.
• Delivery of the Final Restoration: During your consultation, we will determine which type of restoration you need, so at this stage, you can expect to receive your customized crown, bridge, or denture. We’ll attach it to the abutment(s) for added security so that you can leave with a fully function smile that looks and feels like new.

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Reasons to Get Dental Implants

Did you know that around 5 million dental implants are placed in the U.S. each year? Indeed, dentists and patients around the globe love this treatment, and it is easy to understand why! What are some of the remarkable benefits that you can expect to enjoy as a result of undergoing this treatment? Our team will be happy to discuss that with you during your consultation. In the meantime, we invite you to continue reading below to learn how implants may improve your daily life, support your health, and deliver long-term advantages.

Day-to-Day Benefits

Dental implants may improve your daily quality of life in a few significant ways:

• You can enjoy a strong bite force that allows you to eat virtually any food, including items that are off-limits with traditional dentures. Plus, you will not need to worry about your new teeth destabilizing or slipping out of place while you eat (unlike with traditional dentures).
• You can smile with confidence because dental implants and their restorations are virtually identical to natural teeth.
• You can enjoy easy oral hygiene. Taking good care of dental implants is not time-consuming or complicated. In fact, many of the same best practices apply both to natural teeth and prosthetic ones!
• You can speak with clarity. Teeth play an important role in speech. When you have a complete set of pearly whites thanks to dental implants, you can expect to be able to talk with confidence whether you are chatting with friends or making a big presentation at work.

Health Benefits

Dental implants can support your oral and overall health in a few ways:

• Dental implants stimulate the jawbone and prevent the deterioration that normally occurs after tooth loss. They help to keep the bone whole, which preserves your facial shape and allows you to maintain a youthful appearance.
• Dental implants provide strong chewing power that can allow you to eat a nutritious diet. Fresh fruits and veggies, lean proteins, and other nutrient-rich foods can do much to reduce your risk of various diseases.
• Dental implants are good for your remaining natural teeth. For example, they can act as placeholders that prevent your teeth from drifting out of place. Plus, unlike a traditional dental bridge, implants do not usually require that any of the nearby dentition be modified.
• Dental implants can contribute toward a fuller, more active life, which in turn supports your emotional and mental well-being.

Long-Term Benefits

Dental implants start to deliver benefits almost immediately, and they continue to provide advantages for many years.

• Dental implants have the potential to last a lifetime. They are designed for longevity, and if you stick to a few good habits, your prosthetic teeth are likely to last for decades.
• Dental implants are an excellent monetary value. The longevity and other benefits of dental implants make them a smart purchase for anyone who is looking to get the most out of every dollar.
• Dental implants support a long and healthy life. The health benefits of dental implants can support your overall wellness as you enjoy your senior years.

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Understanding the Cost of Dental Implants

Choosing dental implants is a worthwhile investment. Not only do they transform your physical appearance, but they also improve your mental and emotional outlook as well as enhance your confidence and quality of life. Since these prosthetics are fully customizable, you’re unlikely to see the price tag remain the same for all patients. You can count on our team to do our best to keep out-of-pocket expenses as low as possible, and we’ll help maximize any available dental insurance benefits you have. Additionally, we’ll discuss alternative payment solutions should you need further financial assistance.

Preliminary Treatments & Dental Implant Surgery

If our team discovers that you need preliminary treatment, like gum disease treatment, bone grafting, tooth extraction, etc., you can expect the price to be added to your total dental implant cost. Although they add to the total, they are essential if your new teeth are to remain intact for a lifetime.

Dental implant surgery does have its own cost because the implant posts need to be placed into the jawbone. The good news is that we offer start-to-finish implant placement & restoration in-house, so you don’t have to worry about a separate bill coming from a different dental office. Instead, you’ll remain under one roof.

The Parts of Your Dental Implant

Dental implants have many different parts that include:

• Number of dental implants: The more you need, the costlier your treatment will be. While a single missing tooth can be replaced by one dental implant, a denture will need between 4 and 6 posts to ensure optimal stability.
• Type of restoration: A dental crown is cheaper to produce than a denture but opting for a full arch restoration that is secured with dental implants is a much better investment and more cost-effective option than traditional dentures.
• Size or material: Dental implants are made of all shapes and sizes, so depending on their placement within the jawbone as well as the type of material used (i.e., zirconia or titanium), the cost will vary.
• Brand: Each brand of dental implant is different. You can expect us to discuss these differences during your consultation so that you better understand that cheaper quality isn’t always better.

How Dental Implants Can Save You Money

It’s natural to want to spend less when it comes to dental care; however, your smile is not something you want to mess up. The one-time cost associated with dental implants will prove to be more worthwhile than attempting to pay for adjustments, replacements, etc. over the years. Not to mention, you won’t need denture adhesives, and you’ll appreciate the more natural and lifelike appearance dental implants provide.

Does My Dental Insurance Cover Dental Implants?

Some dental insurance companies pay for dental implants; however, many still view them as a luxury service that is not medically necessary. Don’t be discouraged if your insurer doesn’t provide coverage. They’re likely to partially cover your preliminary treatments, custom restoration, etc. Our Elmbrook Family Dental near Mayfair will do our best to maximize any available savings and benefits you have.

Making Dental Implants Affordable

Apart from welcoming dental insurance plans, we are also pleased to accept cash, check, or a debit card. We also accept all major credit cards and partner with third-party financier CareCredit. Should you need help paying your out-of-pocket costs, enrolling in a monthly installment plan can lower your stress by helping you remain within your budget while paying off your preventive or restorative dental care.