Dental Implants – Shorewood, WI
A Lifelike, Lifelong Solution for Missing Teeth
In the modern world, there are many ways for people to replace their lost
teeth, but one
restorative
service stands above the rest – dental implants. At Shorewood Family
Dentistry, dental implants are often Dr. Colosimo’s first recommendation
for patients suffering from the inconveniences of tooth loss. This
state-of-the-art treatment creates a lifelike, lifelong solution for missing
teeth. To learn more about how dental implants in Shorewood can help you enjoy
having a complete smile again,
reach out to us
to schedule a consultation!
Why Choose Shorewood Family Dentistry for Dental Implants?
- Partnered with Trusted Local Dental Implant Specialists
- Multiple Dental Financing Options Available
- Friendly, Caring Dentist & Team
What Are Dental Implants?
Traditional dentures and bridges only bring back the visible sections of the
teeth, lacking the stability and comfort of natural teeth. Dental implants, on
the other hand, replace teeth both above and below the gumline. In order to
replicate a tooth’s root structure, a small titanium post is surgically
placed into the jaw. Because titanium is biocompatible, the post merges with
the surrounding bone thanks to a natural process called osseointegration. Not
only does this stimulate the jawbone to keep it strong, but it creates a
sturdy foundation for your replacement teeth. A metal abutment is fixed on top
of the implant, allowing us to secure a custom crown, bridge, or denture into
place.
Due to their unique three-part structure, dental implants are able to feel,
function, and look almost exactly like the teeth you used to have. This is why
dentists worldwide, including Dr. Colosimo, consider dental implants as the
gold standard of tooth replacement.
The 4-Step Dental Implant Process
The dental implant process occurs over several months and multiple appointments. However, investing your time in this
solution is worth it. With the right care, your new teeth could last for 30+ years, if not a lifetime!
Dr. Colosimo refers our patients to a highly skilled dental implant specialist in the area to ensure you’re
receiving the quality of care you deserve. At your consultation, he’ll explain the details of your treatment
in detail, but the four basic steps of the dental implant process are: the initial consultation, the dental implant
surgery, osseointegration, and the placement of your restorations.
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Initial Dental Implant Consultation
Meeting with Dr. Colosimo is the first step when working toward a fully restored smile. This is when you can expect
to learn how dental implants work in Shorewood as well as whether you are a qualified candidate for treatment. Not
only will he evaluate your smile to determine if additional treatment is required to address existing signs of gum
disease, tooth decay, or infection, but he’ll also ask questions about your overall health and examine your
jawbone density.
If further treatment is required, the process of receiving dental implants will likely take longer because of the
need to create a healthier environment for your future prosthetics. This is also true should you need bone grafting
or another similar procedure to ensure a solid foundation for your new teeth.
Dental Implant Surgery
When it comes to dental implant surgery, Dr. Colosimo partners with local implant dentists in the area to complete
this step. You can expect him to remain actively involved, as he’ll want to make sure everything goes
smoothly.
Before each implant is put into place, you will receive local anesthesia to numb your mouth. The dentist will then
make small incisions in your gums before positioning each post into the appropriate area of your jawbone. Gum
tissues will then be closed before protective healing caps are placed over the surgical sites.
Dental Implant Osseointegration/Abutment
The longest part of treatment is recovery, as it can take 3-6 months for osseointegration to occur. Your dental
implants in Shorewood must fuse with the jawbone and its surrounding tissues if they are to be successful in the
long term. Otherwise, your new prosthetics will fail. This is why it’s important that you abide by the
guidelines our team provides when returning home to recover.
Once you are fully healed, you will have metal abutments placed over the tops of your implant posts so that your
custom restoration attaches successfully.
Delivery of Dental Implant Restorations
Earlier in the treatment process, Dr. Colosimo will take impressions of your smile so that a customized restoration
can be crafted. Based on the number of teeth you are missing, you can expect to receive a dental crown, dental
bridge, or denture. It naturally takes less time to produce a single crown; however, the cost-effectiveness of
implant dentures versus traditional ones cannot be overlooked. No matter which type of artificial teeth you receive,
though, we’ll make sure they fit comfortably, look completely natural, and deliver optimal function for easier
daily use.
Benefits of Dental Implants
Although the white crown of your tooth is what makes your smile shine, there
is so much more to it than that. The root structure that extends beneath the
gumline stimulates the jawbone and provides a dependable foundation. While
conventional dental bridges and dentures can mimic the crowns almost
perfectly, they ignore the roots. Because dental implants replace teeth from
top to bottom, they come with multiple benefits over other options, including
natural feel, easy maintenance, improved oral health, and the potential to
last for the rest of your life.
Who Dental Implants Can Help
Whether you have just a handful or a whole mouthful of missing teeth, dental
implants can help. Most healthy adults who have lost teeth are eligible for
this procedure. During your consultation, your dental implant dentist in
Shorewood will go over your options for how many implants and which type of
restoration you’ll need based on your smile goals and personal
preferences.
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Missing One Tooth
To replace a single missing tooth, an all-porcelain crown can be placed over
an implant post that has been inserted into the empty space. Not only does
this solution look and feel natural, but it completes your smile without
requiring neighboring teeth to be filed down like traditional bridges do.
Missing Multiple Teeth
For patients who are missing several teeth in a row, we can anchor a dental
bridge onto just two implant posts – each one placed at the end of the
gap. Missing teeth that are not consecutive can be brought back with an
implant-supported partial denture.
Missing All Teeth
Dental implants can even recreate an entire arch of lost teeth. Rather than
replacing each individual tooth with an implant post, a small number of
implants (usually four to eight) throughout the jaw can support a full
denture. This solution eliminates the slipping that often accompanies
traditional dentures.
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Understanding the Cost of Dental Implants
When it comes to restoring your smile, the greater the investment in your health and well-being, the better the rewards. Dental implants are simply the best way to replace missing teeth, but because this treatment is highly customizable, prices can vary dramatically depending on your individual needs.
At Shorewood Family Dentistry, we want you to feel confident about your choice before treatment begins, so you’ll always know the cost of care up front. Our team will do our best to ensure that your treatment is as affordable as possible.
Yes, it’s true that dental implants are more expensive than other restoration options, however, their benefits are well worth the investment. Your dental implants are likely to last you a lifetime, meaning despite their initial cost, they may just be the most cost-effective option overall.
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Preliminary Treatments & Dental Implant Surgery
If you require any preliminary treatment such as gum disease therapy, tooth extractions, or bone grafting, this will add to the overall cost of your dental implant treatment. Keep in mind that while these treatments do add to the cost, they are still vitally important for maximizing the success of your new smile. The good news is that many of them may be partially covered by your dental insurance.
Dental implant surgery incurs its own cost, including where your implants are being placed in the jaw, and what type of sedation or anesthesia you’ll need.
At Shorewood Family Dentistry, we want you to get the best results possible from your dental implant treatment, which is why we work with local partners for your surgery. They will discuss with you separately exactly what you can expect to pay for the surgery and any other portion of your treatment they’ll be providing.
The Parts of Your Dental Implant
There are several factors that go into the cost of the dental implant itself. These include:
- The number of dental implants you need: One implant for one missing tooth will cost less than four to six for an implant denture; however, an implant denture will be much more cost effective than replacing each tooth separately.
- The type of restoration you need: This includes prosthetics such as crowns, bridges, or dentures, each of which have different price points.
- Size or material of the dental implant: Some dental implant posts are made longer or shorter depending on where they will be placed in the jawbone. Some are made of zirconia instead of titanium.
- The brand of your dental implant: Much like different car or cell phone brands, different manufacturers make their own unique dental implants to cater to the unique needs of patients, each at their own price points.
How Dental Implants Can Save You Money
While it’s true that many patients are tempted to choose dentures or dental bridges because of their lower initial price, the one-time cost of dental implants could easily be the more cost-effective choice in the long run. That’s because unlike with other restorations, you won’t need to replace or adjust your dental implants every five to ten years, nor will you need to invest in special pastes, cleaning solutions, or adhesives to care for them.
Furthermore, because your dental implants won’t wear down your teeth or irritate your gums, they’ll help you prevent a variety of oral health problems like gum disease, tooth decay, and jawbone deterioration and their associated treatment costs. Studies have even shown that good oral health can help lower your risk of systemic issues and the cost of addressing them, too.
Does My Dental Insurance Cover Dental Implants?
Unfortunately, dental insurance does not usually cover the cost of dental implants, but there are some exceptions. Our team will happily review the details of your dental insurance plan. We have many years of experience maximizing benefits and are glad to do so on your behalf.
Portions of your treatment may be covered, such as a percentage of the cost of your final restoration, or preliminary treatments such as bone grafts, extractions, or gum disease therapy.
Making Dental Implants Affordable
At Shorewood Family Dentistry, we offer a variety of options to help make your dental implant treatment more affordable. These include:
- Flexible financing through third-party financier CareCredit. These plans offer low-to-no interest payment plans for qualified patients.
- Our In-Office Membership Plan provides valuable discounts on services performed in our office, including some preliminary treatments that may be required prior to your surgery.
