If you are missing one or more teeth, you do not have to rely on temporary or unstable restorations. You can enjoy a permanently restored smile that looks and feels natural with dental implants treatment coordinated by Dr. Richard Salm in Waukesha, WI. Implants are small titanium posts that support a crown, bridge, or denture. If you are found to be a good candidate for treatment, your implants will be placed during a minor surgery. Once you have healed, your doctor can provide your permanent restorations. Contact Smiles for Miles Family Dentistry to find out if implants are a good option for you. Our staff will gladly work with you to determine the best financing options to place the cost of the procedure comfortably within your budget.What Are Dental Implants?Dental implants are artificial tooth roots placed in your jaw to create a foundation for teeth that need to be replaced. Teeth may need to be replaced for a variety of reasons like a car accident or disease.Who Can Have Dental Implants?Persons of any age may require dental implants, however it is fundamental to Dr. Salm that you:
- practice good oral hygiene
- are healthy enough to undergo a routine dental extraction
- have enough bone to hold the implant in place
- are healthy enough to receive oral surgery
- have healthy gums
- attend regular dental visits after the procedure
Some patients may require a more thorough examination to see if dental implants are a good option for them. This may pertain to you if you:
- are a heavy smoker
- suffer from uncontrolled chronic disorders (like heart disease or diabetes)
- have had radiation therapy around the head or neck
The Benefits of Dental ImplantsThere are many reasons to choose dental implants over other forms of
restorative dentistry:
- Implants are a permanent replacement for lost tooth roots.
- The posts, which are surgically positioned in your jaw, provide the most stable and lasting support for crowns, bridges, or dentures.
- Once positioned, the posts integrate with your bone tissue, sending out regenerative signals that prevent future bone loss.
- Dr. Salm creates restorations that are custom-designed for each patient, ensuring a lifelike look that blends with your smile.
- Implant-supported restorations are very durable, and, with proper care, can last the rest of your life.
Do You Qualify?Because implants are surgically placed into your jawbone, it is important that you have sufficient bone tissue. Fortunately, even if you have suffered bone recession, a surgeon can often perform a bone graft to restore your jawbone tissue. During your initial consultation, Dr. Salm determines if you need one of these procedures.Along with your bone tissue, Dr. Salm will consider your overall oral and physical health. Dental implants are safe and involve minimal risks. However, if you have a compromised immune system, you may not be able to undergo surgery. Additionally, untreated gum disease and other issues can compromise the success of your treatment. Dr. Salm considers these factors when he evaluates if the procedure is right for you.Should I Get Dental Implants?There are several factors in determining whether or not dental implants are a good option for you. If you are considering tooth replacement, evaluate the characteristics of Dr. Salm’s dental implants:
- Comfort: Each dental implant is individually placed which can provide more comfort than dentures and bridges
- Strength: If maintained and treated right, they can last you the rest of your life
- Fit: Usually better than dentures or bridges
- Appearance: They look and feel like your actual teeth
- Speech: They won’t fall out, so you don’t have to worry about them causing any speech impediments
- Eating: They stay in place even while eating
- Oral Health: There are no alterations to other teeth to make the implants fit, unlike a bridge, so your teeth remain in their original places
- Flossing: It’s easy to floss around the implant
- Cleaner: You don’t need to clean or disinfect, unlike dentures
How Do I Get Dental Implant?The first step in the process of getting dental implants is to schedule an appointment with Dr. Salm. Dr. Salm’s team is eager to answer any questions you have about dental implants and the process. Dr. Salm will establish a personalized treatment plan to best fit your needs.What to Expect when Receiving Dental ImplantsYou may receive one or more implants, depending on the size of your restoration. A crown requires one implant, a bridge typically requires two or more, and a denture will need four or more for complete support. During your procedure, the surgeon will position the implants to properly support your restoration. After your implants are in place, healing will take four to six months. During this time, you will wear a temporary restoration as your bone fuses to the implants, allowing the posts to replace your tooth roots. Once you have recovered, you will undergo another procedure in which abutment pieces are attached to your implants. These abutments connect your restoration to the posts. Dr. Salm then attaches your custom restoration, which will be crafted to blend with the rest of your teeth, while providing a lifelike look and feel.How Do I Take Care of My Dental Implants?You should treat dental implants like your actual teeth. Maintain your oral routine of brushing, flossing, and rinsing with ADA approved mouthwash. Make sure to schedule regular dental checkups, so Dr. Salm can ensure you are getting the most out of your dental implants. This thoughtful maintenance will continue to keep your implants looking and working great.Schedule a ConsultationIf you suffer from tooth loss, dental implants provide the ultimate in support so you can chew, smile, and speak with total confidence.
Schedule an appointment with Dr. Salm to determine if implants are right for you.
