Dental Implants
Wausau, WI

If you are part of the 178 million American adults who are struggling with the ongoing shame and embarrassment of having missing implants, then understandably you have thought about what your replacement options are. Tooth loss can occur for a wide variety of reasons, but you do not have to endure gaps and holes in your smile.

We here at Wanserski Dental Center for Complex Dentistry see many patients who, just like yourself, have sustained tooth loss. When we meet a patient with missing teeth, we like to go over their options with them. Often, they are surprised to learn that they are good candidates for dental implants, a permanent and lasting solution that can restore both their confidence and their smile.

What Are Dental Implants?

While dental implants are a newer type of technology, they are growing steadily in popularity and have been the preferred choice for millions of people for many decades. Every year, another half million people choose to get dental implants, giving them back their beautiful smile. What makes dental implants so great?

Unlike other dental prosthesis options, dental implants stay inside your mouth for the rest of your life. That means that you never need to take them out for cleaning or maintenance, and, with a 98 percent success rate, they will not need to be replaced during your lifetime. When you get dental implants, you are getting a permanent replacement for your missing teeth. This stands apart from dentures, which can shift or click in your mouth when you are talking or eating or may accidentally pop out (a very unwelcome surprise!).

Dentures also need to be relined due to the shrinking of your gum tissue, and even if you take good care of them, you will need to replace them every seven to ten years. Dental implants not only will last you your whole life, but they also will not shift or click. They can also prevent gum tissue shrinkage and bone loss, plus they can greatly improve your ability to bite and chew.

Implants Are Safe

While dental implants are a surgical procedure, it is quite safe and routine and can be performed on an outpatient basis using a combination of local anesthetic and intravenous (IV) sedation options. The dental implant is comprised of three major parts: the titanium screw, the abutment, and the restoration. When we place dental implants on our patients, we start by carefully numbing the affected site up before surgically placing a titanium screw underneath the gums, directly into the jawbone.

Once the screw fuses to your bone tissue (a process known as osseointegration) - which can take up to six months - we will then affix the restoration (the crown, or the tooth prosthesis) to a protruding post (which is the component that is called an abutment) which is emerging from your gumline from the titanium screw. In as little as a year, you can have a happy, healthy-looking, and gorgeous smile once more!

Benefits of Dental Implants

Dental implants represent a groundbreaking solution that encompasses functional and aesthetic aspects of oral health. From restoring oral function and preserving jawbone health to enhancing self-esteem and quality of life, [[[CLIENTX:PracticeName]]] ensures that you derive maximum benefits from these innovative dental devices.

The Dental Implant Procedure

The process of restoring your smile with dental implants involves several stages:

Initial Assessment

A thorough examination including X-rays and molds is conducted to develop a customized treatment plan.

The Surgery

Under local anesthesia, the damaged tooth, if present, is removed, and the jawbone is prepared or grafted if needed. The dental implant post is then inserted, followed by osseointegration, placement of the abutment, and attachment of the crown.

Recovery and Aftercare

Recovery time varies, and maintaining oral hygiene and attending follow-up visits are crucial for the success of the implant.

Types of Dental Implants

There are various types of dental implants available, including:

Single Tooth Dental Implants

For individuals missing a single tooth, a single tooth implant offers an effective and discreet replacement. It involves inserting a titanium post into the jawbone, onto which a custom-fabricated crown is mounted, seamlessly blending with surrounding teeth.

Multiple Tooth Dental Implants

For multiple missing teeth, two main approaches are used:

Full Arch Replacements

In cases of complete tooth loss in an arch, implant-supported dentures or full-arch dental implants are used, offering stability and improved function and aesthetics compared to traditional dentures.

Candidacy for Dental Implants

To help ensure that you can withstand the stress of the surgical procedure, our team wants to know your overall health before we start any dental implant procedures. People who are heavy smokers or who are high-risk for heart disease may not qualify for dental implants. Your gums also have to be healthy enough to support the implant.

You also have to be committed to your long-term oral health. Having a history of taking care of your oral hygiene with regular brushing and visits with our team will show that you are dedicated to taking care of your new dental implant.

We will help you through the process to determine if you qualify for dental implants. We want everyone who goes through the process to have the best care for their new smile.

Caring for Your Dental Implants

Proper care extends the life of your dental implants. Regular brushing with a soft or specialized toothbrush, using non-abrasive toothpaste, and daily flossing are essential. A water flosser can be helpful for cleaning around implants. Regular dental visits every six months ensure your implants and natural teeth are maintained, and any issues are addressed promptly.

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If you have ever considered dental implants and would like to learn more about the process, we would love to answer your questions. To learn more about them, or to set up an appointment with us here at Wanserski Dental Center for Complex Dentistry, please give us a call today at (715) 848-2435!