Dental Implants Wauwatosa

What Are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are custom prosthetics that work similarly to your natural tooth roots. They are commonly made of titanium and look like small screws. When placed within the jawbone, they fuse through a process known as osseointegration, which allows for a firm foundation that supports a uniquely designed dental crown, dental bridge, or implant denture – the type of restoration you receive is based on how many teeth you are missing. Their versatility and longer lifespan (30+ years) make them a preferred option among those suffering from tooth loss.

The 4-Step Dental Implant Process

There is a standard four-step dental implant process that you must complete if you want a smile that lasts a lifetime: initial consultation, dental implant surgery, osseointegration/abutment, and the delivery of your final restoration. To discover more about each phase of treatment, read on:

• Initial Dental Implant Consultation: You will need to schedule a consultation with one of our trusted dentists to better understand when you can expect to receive your dental implants. Most patients require additional treatment in the form of bone grafting, gum disease treatment, etc.; however, this is not always the case but will be determined during this appointment.
• Dental Implant Surgery: You will receive local anesthesia before your implant dentist begins to open the gum tissue and place each implant post. Ensuring the proper depth, they will remain in their proper position before the gum tissues are closed.
• Osseointegration/Abutment: You will spend 4-6 months allowing osseointegration to occur, ensuring that your dental implants fuse with your jawbone to create a solid base. Once this happens and you’re fully healed, you will receive your metal abutments that help to attach your restoration to your implant.
• Delivery of the Final Restoration: During your consultation, we will determine which type of restoration you need, so at this stage, you can expect to receive your customized crown, bridge, or denture. We’ll attach it to the abutment(s) for added security so that you can leave with a fully function smile that looks and feels like new.

Benefits of Dental Implants

You will not be disappointed by the benefits that dental implants can offer, some of which include:

• The opportunity to eat the foods you love because of your stronger bite force
• A jawbone that is continuously stimulated and does not experience the effects of facial sagging or collapse
• Greater confidence that helps create more opportunities personally and professionally
• A fuller facial appearance thanks to dental implants filling in the spaces left behind by missing teeth
• Improved oral and overall health
• A more cost-effective solution that will have you saving money over time

Understanding the Cost of Dental Implants

Choosing dental implants is a worthwhile investment. Not only do they transform your physical appearance, but they also improve your mental and emotional outlook as well as enhance your confidence and quality of life. Since these prosthetics are fully customizable, you’re unlikely to see the price tag remain the same for all patients. You can count on our team to do our best to keep out-of-pocket expenses as low as possible, and we’ll help maximize any available dental insurance benefits you have. Additionally, we’ll discuss alternative payment solutions should you need further financial assistance.

Preliminary Treatments & Dental Implant Surgery

If our team discovers that you need preliminary treatment, like gum disease treatment, bone grafting, tooth extraction, etc., you can expect the price to be added to your total dental implant cost. Although they add to the total, they are essential if your new teeth are to remain intact for a lifetime.

Dental implant surgery does have its own cost because the implant posts need to be placed into the jawbone. The good news is that we offer start-to-finish implant placement & restoration in-house, so you don’t have to worry about a separate bill coming from a different dental office. Instead, you’ll remain under one roof.

The Parts of Your Dental Implant

Dental implants have many different parts that include:

• Number of dental implants: The more you need, the costlier your treatment will be. While a single missing tooth can be replaced by one dental implant, a denture will need between 4 and 6 posts to ensure optimal stability.
• Type of restoration: A dental crown is cheaper to produce than a denture but opting for a full arch restoration that is secured with dental implants is a much better investment and more cost-effective option than traditional dentures.
• Size or material: Dental implants are made of all shapes and sizes, so depending on their placement within the jawbone as well as the type of material used (i.e., zirconia or titanium), the cost will vary.
• Brand: Each brand of dental implant is different. You can expect us to discuss these differences during your consultation so that you better understand that cheaper quality isn’t always better.

How Dental Implants Can Save You Money

It’s natural to want to spend less when it comes to dental care; however, your smile is not something you want to mess up. The one-time cost associated with dental implants will prove to be more worthwhile than attempting to pay for adjustments, replacements, etc. over the years. Not to mention, you won’t need denture adhesives, and you’ll appreciate the more natural and lifelike appearance dental implants provide.

Does My Dental Insurance Cover Dental Implants?

Some dental insurance companies pay for dental implants; however, many still view them as a luxury service that is not medically necessary. Don’t be discouraged if your insurer doesn’t provide coverage. They’re likely to partially cover your preliminary treatments, custom restoration, etc. Our Elmbrook Family Dental near Mayfair will do our best to maximize any available savings and benefits you have.

Making Dental Implants Affordable

Apart from welcoming dental insurance plans, we are also pleased to accept cash, check, or a debit card. We also accept all major credit cards and partner with third-party financier CareCredit. Should you need help paying your out-of-pocket costs, enrolling in a monthly installment plan can lower your stress by helping you remain within your budget while paying off your preventive or restorative dental care.