4 Commonly Asked Questions (And Answers) About Implants

A missing tooth can cause other teeth to shift, which can affect your bite, the appearance of your smile, and the overall health of your teeth. If you’re missing a tooth, then it’s important to fill the gap. Dental implants can help with this. If you’re interested in dental implants, your dentist in Onalaska, WI can help. Here’s what to know about dental implants.

1. What is a dental implant?

A dental implant is a prosthetic tooth that is inserted into the jaw and permanently fused with it, much like a natural tooth. Compared to other forms of prosthetic teeth, dental implants are the most similar to real teeth.

2. Who is a good candidate for a dental implant?

You’re a good candidate for a dental implant if you have a healthy jaw bone and good oral hygiene. The best candidates are people who don’t smoke because smoking can increase the risk that the implant will fail. If you have poor oral hygiene, your dentist may help you improve your oral hygiene before recommending implant surgery.

3. Do dental implants look natural?

Yes, dental implants look just like real teeth. It’s impossible to tell the difference between an implant and a real tooth, even from up close. Your dentist will install an implant that fits in the space perfectly, resembles the other teeth in your mouth, and is the same color as your other teeth.

4. Are dental implants permanent?

Dental implants in Onalaska, WI are a permanent part of your mouth, once installed. If you’re missing one teeth or several teeth, dental implants may be a good solution for you. Want to know more about implants and whether you’re a good candidate? Contact Valley Dental to make an appointment.

How Does a Dental Implant Work?

While dentists offer a variety of solutions to improve your dental health, dental implants are one of the more popular treatments. However, while these dental devices are common, do you understand how they work?

In this post, we’ll discuss more about dental implants, including how they’re placed, how they work, and where you can find trusted dental implants in Onalaska, WI.

Why Choose a Dental Implant?

You may consider getting a dental implant if you lose a tooth or have one or more missing teeth. Adding an artificial tooth to this open space helps you maintain proper oral health. In fact, a dental implant looks and feels like a normal-functioning tooth. Dental implants are fixed into the jawbone, meaning you won’t have to deal with slipping or bone loss caused by dentures or bridges.

How the Process Works

First things first, you’ll need a comprehensive dental exam before receiving a dental implant. This involves x-rays, 3D imaging, and models made of your teeth and jaw. A dentist will also review your medical history to ensure you’re a good candidate for the procedure. From there, a personalized treatment plan is developed.

Preparing for the Implant

Once the procedure begins, the dental professional will first remove the damaged tooth. The next step is bone grafting, which is only needed when the jawbone is too soft or not thick enough. A dentist will add bone graft material to the jawbone to create a solid base for the implant.

Placing the Implant

Once the jawbone is ready, which may take several months, the dentist will make an incision on your gums to expose the bone. Next, they will drill holes into the bone to place the implant metal post.

Placing the Abutment and Artificial Tooth

After the metal post is placed, an abutment is attached to the device. The abutment will hold the artificial tooth. Once the gums heal, the artificial tooth is attached to the abutment.

If you’re interested in dental implants or need more information, call Valley Dental today to work with the top dentist in Onalaska, WI

Sources

https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/dental-implant-surgery/about/pac-20384622

The 3 Types of Dental Implants Explained

Has your dentist in Onalaska, WI, recommended you get dental implants? If so, learning all you can about them will help you make an informed decision about which one is right for you. So let’s talk about the three types of dental implants. Then, after talking it over with your dentist, you can decide which route to go.

The Three Types of Dental Implants Explained

There are three commonly used dental implants in Onalaska, WI, from which you can choose.

  • Endosteal Dental Implants

Endosteal implants are the safest and most commonly used dental implants on the market. Most people do well with endosteal dental implants. However, you must have a good, healthy jawbone; otherwise, the post won’t have anything to fuse to. These have posts that look like screws and are inserted into your jaw. Then your new teeth will be fitted onto those posts and secured.

If you don’t like the idea of screw-like posts being inserted into your jawbone, you might consider the second most common type of dental implant, which is the subperiosteal dental implant.

  • Subperiosteal Dental Implants

Subperiosteal dental implants rest on the top of your jawbone rather than being inserted into your jawbone. However, they still sit under your gums. A metal frame is inserted under your gums, and it has a post attached to it. Your gums will then heal around that frame to hold it in place. Your new teeth are then secured to those posts.

  • Zygomatic Dental Implants

Zygomatic dental implants are rarely used because it is an extremely complicated dental procedure. This method should only be used if you don’t have enough jawbone for the endosteal type of implant.

What’s Next?

If you need a dentist in Onalaska, WI, please Contact Valley Dental today. We have been providing the highest quality dental services in the safest possible environment to our patients since 1993. And we look forward to serving you too!