Dental Implants in Onalaska, WI
A whole smile is a beautiful smile. A mouth that is missing teeth can be a source of trouble in many ways. A missing tooth can negatively impact digestion by causing problems while chewing food. It can also make certain letters and words difficult to pronounce and even make you feel self-conscious about the way you look.
For someone who is missing a tooth, dental implants in Onalaska, WI, can be a perfect solution to an unpleasant problem. A dental implant is an artificial tooth that looks and functions like real teeth. When you install a dental implant in your mouth, you’re getting as close as you can to installing a new, beautiful tooth.
What Are Dental Implants?
A dental implant is an artificial tooth installed directly into the jaw, just like real teeth. Dental implants are installed in pieces: first, the screw is inserted into the jaw, then the abutment is attached to the screen, and finally, a crown is installed on the abutment.
Each implant is customized for the patient. The crown on a dental implant is made from impressions to fit perfectly in the space provided. The crown is even color-matched to the other teeth in the mouth, so it looks like it belongs. Once a dental implant is installed and has fully healed, it can be used to chew the same foods you enjoy eating every day.
Benefits of Dental Implants
There are many benefits of installing dental implants. Some examples of the ways that patients benefit from dental implants include:
- Look natural. Dental implants look so much like normal teeth that it’s virtually impossible to tell the difference between them and another tooth in the mouth.
- Function like real teeth. You can use your dental implant to chew the same foods you enjoyed before the implant was installed. In fact, you should find eating easier after the implant is there.
- Are maintained like normal teeth. Dental implants are maintained just like your other teeth: with brushing and regular visits to the dentist.
- Restore your smile. Do you feel self-conscious about the gap in your mouth? Installing a dental implant is one way to restore your smile to its full potential.
- Talk naturally once again. It’s possible that you had trouble saying certain words when you had a missing tooth. Installing a dental implant can fix that.
Dental Implant Procedure
Dental implants are installed in phases. Each piece of the dental implant is installed individually during separate appointments. First the screw, then the abutment, then the crown.
Between each installation, the area must be allowed to heal for a few months. The dentist will ask you to eat only soft foods in the days following each installation to avoid damaging the area.
Dental Implant FAQ
Have questions about dental implants? We have answers! Below are some of the most commonly asked questions about dental implants.
Who is a good candidate for dental implants?
You’re a good candidate for dental implants if you have a healthy jaw bone for receiving implants and good oral hygiene. Your jaw bone must have enough volume and density to hold on to the implant, so your dentist will evaluate your jaw health before recommending a dental implant. The dentist may recommend a bone graft if your jaw lacks density and volume.
How long do dental implants last?
Dental implants can last for decades, and for many people, they last a lifetime. However, they can fail even years after installation. Smoking, poor oral hygiene, and behaviors like tooth grinding can cause dental implants to fail. If you have dental implants, seeing the dentist regularly is important, as is following good oral hygiene habits and avoiding smoking.
How long does it take to get dental implants?
How long it takes to get your dental implants fully installed depends on various factors. For example, if you need a bone graft before the implant can be installed, you will need to add several months to the time required. Getting a dental implant can take anywhere from a few months to a year. Talk to your dentist to find out how long it will take.
How are dental implants maintained?
Dental implants need to be cleaned twice daily with non-abrasive toothpaste. Your dentist will instruct you on the different tools you can use to pick food out from between your teeth. And, of course, you’ll need to visit the dentist twice yearly for dental cleanings. Dental implants can’t be whitened.
How are dental implants different from dental bridges?
A dental implant is an artificial tooth that’s inserted into the jaw. Dental implants stand on their own, similar to how your natural teeth function. A dental bridge is an artificial tooth that uses crowns placed on either side of the tooth to grip onto the teeth on either side of the gap.
Why Choose Valley Dental to Install Dental Bridges?
Patients choose Valley Dental for the dental implant installation because Valley Dental is an office that prioritizes good patient care and easy scheduling for its patients. We offer a modern, comfortable dental office where patients can feel good about their dental care.
Need Dental Implants? Contact Valley Dental Today
Dental implants can restore your smile and restore functionality to your mouth. As your dentist in Onalaska, WI, we proudly provide dental implants to our patients. If you believe you could benefit from dental implants, call today to make an appointment.
