Dental Implants in Centuria, WI

What Are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are a tooth replacement option that involves the surgical placement of small metal posts into the jaw bone to support a natural-looking prosthetic. Their design mimics the look and function of natural teeth, providing individuals with a fully restored beautiful smile. Dr. Vargas in Centuria, WI can use them to restore one or several missing teeth.

A dental implant is made of a biocompatible material, commonly titanium, allowing it to fuse with the jaw bone over time. This process, known as osseointegration, creates a strong foundation for the custom prosthetic. It also allows patients to achieve a natural-looking smile that can last a lifetime with proper oral hygiene care.

At River Birch Dental, our Centuria, WI dentist offers dental implant surgery and treatment options. We’re here to help you meet your oral health goals and restore the function and beauty of your smile. Contact our dental office today by calling (715) 646-2161 to schedule an appointment. Note: you may not be a candidate for dental implants if you smoke. Learn more about dental implant risks here.

Natural Tooth Anatomy 101

To fully appreciate the benefits of dental implants, it’s helpful to understand the anatomy of a natural tooth. A natural tooth consists of two main parts: the crown and the root. The crown is the visible part of the tooth above the gum line, while the root is embedded in the jawbone. The root is composed of dentin, a hard tissue that encases the pulp, which contains nerves and blood vessels. Surrounding the root is a thin layer of cementum, a bone-like tissue that helps anchor the tooth to the surrounding alveolar bone. The alveolar bone, or jawbone, is a thick, spongy bone that supports the teeth and provides the necessary stability for chewing and speaking.

Dental implants are designed to mimic this natural structure. The implant body acts as the root, providing a stable foundation for the artificial tooth, which functions like the crown. This design ensures that dental implants not only look like natural teeth but also perform the same functions, offering a durable and aesthetically pleasing solution for tooth replacement.

The Dental Implant Structure

A dental implant consists of the following three components:

1. Implant Body: The main part of the implant that’s usually made of titanium or a titanium alloy. It’s surgically placed into the jawbone to serve as the foundation for the rest of the implant.
2. Abutment: The part that protrudes above the gum line and provides a connection point for the prosthetic tooth. It’s typically made of titanium or a similar material.
3. Artificial Tooth: The visible restoration that replaces the tooth. It’s most often a dental crown that can be made of porcelain, ceramic, or acrylic resin.

Benefits of Dental Implants

Dental implants are a highly effective tooth replacement procedure that offers numerous benefits. Dental implants in Centuria, WI can offer patients the following benefits:

• Improved aesthetic appearance
• Enhance confidence
• A durable, long-lasting tooth replacement
• Improved speaking ability
• Better eating experience
• Improved oral health
• Preservation of the jawbone
• Easy maintenance
• Cost-effective solution
• Prevents shifting of surrounding teeth
• No food restrictions
• Better quality of life

Types of Dental Implants

Endosteal Dental Implants

The most common type of dental implant is endosteal. With endosteal dental implants, the post gets inserted directly into the bone and is used for those who have enough bone structure to support it.

There are various dental implant treatments available today. However, each dental office offers different options. To learn more about the options at our Centuria, WI practice, contact our dentist today.

Single-Tooth Dental Implants

Single-tooth dental implants completely replace one lost tooth from root to crown. It involves the placement of a titanium implant into the jawbone that serves as the foundation for a custom-made prosthetic single-tooth replacement itself. Most patients receive a dental crown as the visible portion of their implant treatment. Single-tooth replacement with a dental implant provides patients with a permanent solution for missing or damaged teeth.

All-On-Four

All-on-four dental implants are full-arch replacement options. It involves placing four dental implants in the upper or lower jawbone and securing a full arch of prosthetic replacement teeth to them. The All-on-four technique is less invasive and can be completed in one day. All-on-four implants are a good option for those who have lower bone density, as they allow for the restoration of a full arch of teeth while using fewer implant posts.

Implant-Supported Bridges

Implant-supported bridges are excellent options for replacing multiple teeth. A traditional dental bridge or artificial tooth root is anchored to the jaw using dental implants. The bridge is typically made up of two or more artificial teeth that are connected and attached to the implant abutments. The number of posts needed will vary depending on the size of the bridge.

Implant-Supported Dentures

Implant-supported dentures are removable appliances anchored to the mouth and jaw using dental implants. They provide a more secure fit and eliminate messy adhesives that removable dentures typically need. Implant-supported dentures are also a more stable option than traditional dentures and can improve overall oral health by providing stimulation to the jawbone.

Mini Dental Implants

Mini dental implants are a smaller version of traditional implants. They’re a less invasive implant surgery option typically used to replace a single tooth or stabilize a loose denture. They shorten the healing process and have a lower cost. However, they may not be suitable for patients who don’t have adequate bone density.

Immediate-Load “Same Day” Dental Implants

Immediate-load dental implants, also known as same-day implants, are done in one appointment. With immediate-load implants, dentists place the implant and prosthetic tooth in the mouth at the same time, allowing the patient to leave the dental office with a fully functional replacement tooth after just one dental implant procedure.

Zygomatic Dental Implants 

Zygomatic dental implants can restore lost teeth for patients who don’t have enough jawbone density to support a traditional endosteal implant. While zygomatic implants are still in use, they’re less common today and aren’t used by our Centuria, WI dentist. 

Subperiosteal Dental Implants

Subperiosteal dental implants sit on top of the jawbone but under the gum tissue. Subperiosteal implants are rarely ever used because of modern technological advancements in the field of implant dentistry.

Dental Implant Procedure

For those receiving standard dental implants, the dental implant procedure involves a multi-step process to replace missing teeth with artificial tooth roots and prosthetic crowns. Our Centuria, WI dentist will assess your oral health and create a personalized treatment plan. During the surgical phase, a small titanium implant is surgically placed into the jawbone to serve as the foundation for the replacement tooth. 

Over several months, the implant fuses with the bone in osseointegration. Once the implant has firmly integrated, an abutment is attached to it, and a custom-made crown is placed on top, restoring the appearance and function of a natural tooth. 

The Dental Implant Placement Procedure

The dental implant placement procedure is a multi-step process that requires precision and expertise. It begins with an oral and maxillofacial surgeon making an incision in the gum tissue to expose the jawbone. A small hole is then drilled into the jawbone, and the dental implant is carefully inserted into this hole. The implant is covered with a healing cap, which allows the gum tissue to heal around it.

After several months, during which the process of osseointegration occurs, the implant fuses with the bone tissue, creating a strong bond. Once this integration is complete, the healing cap is removed, and an abutment is attached to the implant. The abutment serves as a connector, allowing the artificial tooth to be securely attached to the implant. This meticulous process ensures that the dental implant is stable and functions like a natural tooth.

Waiting for Bone Growth

One of the critical stages of the dental implant process is waiting for the jawbone to grow around the implant, a process known as osseointegration. This phase can take several months, during which the bone tissue gradually grows around the implant, anchoring it firmly in place. This integration is essential for the long-term success of the dental implant, as it ensures that the implant is stable and can withstand the forces of chewing and speaking. Once osseointegration is complete, the implant is ready for the attachment of the artificial tooth, providing a permanent and functional solution for missing teeth.

Advanced Dental Implant Procedures

Bone Grafting

In some cases, patients may require additional procedures to ensure the success of their dental implants. One such procedure is bone grafting, which involves transplanting bone tissue to rebuild the jawbone in areas where it has been lost due to tooth loss or other factors. Bone grafting provides a solid foundation for the dental implant, allowing it to be placed in a stable and secure position.

There are several types of bone grafts that can be used. Autografts are taken from the patient’s own body, typically from the hip or another part of the jaw. Allografts are taken from a donor, while xenografts are derived from animal sources. Each type of bone graft has its advantages, and the choice of graft will depend on the patient’s specific needs and the recommendation of the dental implant dentist.

Bone grafting is a crucial step for patients who do not have sufficient bone density to support a dental implant. By rebuilding the jawbone, bone grafting ensures that the dental implant can be securely anchored, providing a stable and long-lasting solution for tooth replacement.

What’s the Best Implant Treatment Option for You?

You’ll want to consider your dental needs and smile goals when determining the best dental implant treatment. Factors such as the number of missing teeth, the condition of your jawbone, and your budget all play a role in determining the best option. When weighing your options, you should also evaluate the dental implant benefits and costs. Your dentist or oral surgeon can help you evaluate your options and make a recommendation.

If you’re wondering where to start, find out how to find the best dental implant provider for you and your needs. For those in Centuria, WI, contact our implant dentist today to schedule your consultation at (715) 646-2161.

Financing Dental Implants

At River Birch Dental, we’re dedicated to ensuring everyone can access the dental care they need. To help make your dental implant costs treatment plan fit your budget, we offer various financing options:

• Budget Flexibility with Wells Fargo: We offer financing through Wells Fargo, providing flexibility in managing dental expenses.
• Financing with CareCredit®: Our practice accepts the CareCredit healthcare credit card, offering financing options and flexibility for healthcare-related expenses.
• Dental Perks Program: For patients without dental insurance, our in-house Dental Perks savings program offers low annual fees, discounts on all dental treatments, and hassle-free enrollment.
• Maximizing Your Dental Insurance Benefits: Our experienced team will help you understand and maximize your dental insurance benefits, saving you time and reducing out-of-pocket costs.
• Other Payment Options: We accept cash, checks, money orders, and major credit cards (Discover, MasterCard, Visa, and American Express) for your convenience. We aim to simplify the payment process for our patients.

Frequently Asked Questions