Dental Implants — Milwaukee, WI

What Are Dental Implants?

Your natural teeth have two parts: the root and the crown. The crown is what you see when you smile, while the root is what holds the tooth in place. Traditional tooth replacement options like dental bridges, partials, and dentures do a respectable job of replacing the crowns of missing teeth but they do not replace the roots. Dental implants are the only treatment that restores the entire structure of a missing tooth!

A dental implant is a small titanium post that can be inserted into the jawbone to replace the roots of a missing tooth. Since titanium is biocompatible, the bone tissue will fuse with the dental implant to create a strong and reliable foundation. A small connector piece called the abutment will be attached to the top of the dental implant to secure the crown, bridge, or denture. The end result will look, feel, and function just like a natural tooth!

The 4-Step Dental Implant Process

Compared to traditional dentures and bridges, dental implant treatment is a far more complex process. As such, it requires a multi-step process that spans several months. While that may seem like a long time, the wait becomes a minor investment when you consider the potential decades of longevity implants offer. Although each case varies, you can expect the following key steps on your journey to revitalize your smile.

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Initial Dental Implant Consultation

The journey to restoring your smile begins with an initial consultation. During this appointment, we’ll assess your oral health and facial structures to determine the suitability and optimal placement of dental implants. Some patients might require preliminary procedures such as bone grafting, gum disease treatment, or tooth extractions before proceeding to the next phase of treatment planning. Throughout the consultation, we gladly provide an overview of the process, including timelines and costs, to ensure you're well-informed about what lies ahead.

Dental Implant Surgery

Rest assured – implant placement surgery is a straightforward procedure. We will administer local anesthesia before making small gum incisions to access your jawbone. Implants are strategically positioned, and incisions are closed with sutures. A protective cap is placed over the implants to safeguard them and maintain gum shape during the healing phase.

Dental Implant Osseointegration & Abutment Placement

During the next 3 to 6 months, the osseointegration process will take place. It’s a crucial phase where the implant(s) fuses with the jawbone. This creates a strong and durable foundation for secure replacement teeth. After this process is complete, a metal abutment can be affixed to the end of the dental implant(s).

Delivery of Dental Implant Restorations

Within a few weeks of the placement of your abutment, your restoration will be prepared. Once it’s ready, you’ll be asked to return to the office for its placement. During this appointment, we'll attach your new crown, bridge, or denture, tailored to the number of replaced teeth. Ensuring your bite's comfort, we'll check that everything aligns well before you leave, allowing you to enjoy the rewards of your fully restored smile!

Benefits of Dental Implants

Dental implants offer more advantages than any other tooth replacement option. Here are just a few of the perks you can expect to experience when you choose to undergo this treatment:

• Bone preservation.  When you lose a tooth, the bone that used to support it begins to deteriorate. Implants can stop this process because they act like natural tooth roots, thereby stimulating the bone around them and keeping it strong and whole.
• Longevity.  Implants may last for the rest of your life. The restorations (artificial teeth) on top of them have the potential to last for decades.
• A strong bite.  Implants are extremely sturdy. You should be able to eat almost anything without worrying that you’ll accidentally damage your new smile.
• Easy maintenance.  As long as you stick to a good oral hygiene routine and visit your dentist for regular checkups, it is unlikely that you’ll experience any problems with your implants.
• A beautiful smile.  Implant restorations are made of high-quality materials, such as porcelain, that closely resemble the look of natural teeth. As a prosthodontist, Dr. Franzen is particularly skilled at designing gorgeous, functional restorations.

Who Dental Implants Can Help

If you have good oral and general health, you are likely a candidate for dental implants. However, Dr. Franzen will perform a comprehensive consultation to assess the health of your jawbone and risk factors for implant failure, such as autoimmune disorders. Based on the information and your degree of tooth loss, he creates a customized treatment plan to accommodate your personal preferences and your oral health needs.

Dental implants are a suitable solution for all types of tooth loss, whether you need to replace just one tooth, a few teeth, or an entire arch of teeth.

Missing 1 Tooth

If you are missing just one tooth, Dr. Franzen will place a single implant in your mouth and top it with a single custom-made crown.

Missing Multiple Teeth

If you are missing several teeth in a row, an implant-retained bridge may be ideal for you. This type of restoration is similar to a traditional bridge, but it is supported by implants rather than your natural teeth. Two or more titanium implant posts are surgically placed into your jawbone to act as new roots. This stimulates new bone growth, allowing the bone and posts to fuse with one another. After adequate healing occurs, abutments are attached to the posts to connect your custom-made bridge. With over a 95% success rate, you never need to worry about having the posts replaced.

Missing All Teeth

For individuals with extensive tooth loss, an implant denture may be perfect. Dr. Franzen will strategically place implants throughout your mouth so your new teeth will have the strong base of support they need to thrive. An implant denture may be either a fixed or removable prosthesis.

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All-On-4 Dentures

All-on-4 dentures use four dental implant posts uniquely positioned to support a full denture, using the naturally denser parts of the jaw to minimize the need for advanced preparatory tissue grafting.

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Understanding the Cost of Dental Implants

Are you ready to invest in your quality of life with dental implants in Milwaukee? That’s great! You’re making an excellent decision for your oral health. Although you’re excited to start your journey to a complete smile, Dr. Barry R. Franzen understands your concerns about the cost of the procedure. The total price will depend on several factors, including the number of implants you need, the type of restoration you’re going to receive, and whether your medical or dental insurance will help cover the cost of your treatment. Although implants may seem expensive, they present an exceptional value! They are a worthwhile investment that can provide you with decades of strong, healthy, and beautiful smiles.

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The Cost of Replacing Teeth

It’s no secret that dental implants cost more upfront than traditional tooth replacement options, like dentures, but you’ll save money long-term. Dental implants have the potential to last for a lifetime. You’ll never need to worry about paying to have them replaced down the road.

To lower the initial price, it’s tempting to choose the cheapest dentist, but that’s never a good idea. You can find discounted dental implants, but they often use low-quality materials, or the dentist doesn’t have too much experience. Both factors could cause implant failure. It’s best to choose someone who is an expert in the field, like Dr. Franzen. You can rest assured your smile is in good hands.

Getting Your Dental Implant Estimate

After ensuring you’re a candidate for the procedure, Dr. Franzen creates a customized treatment plan and provides you with an estimate. Since Dr. Franzen handles both the implant placement and restoration process, you won’t need to pay additional fees for specialists or deal with the hassle of separate dental offices.

While reviewing your estimate, there are several factors that influence the final cost.

• Number of Teeth : A single-unit implant is more affordable than an implant-retained bridge or denture; however, implant-supported devices are cheaper than replacing each tooth individually. The number of posts, abutments, and restorations needed will impact how much you pay.
• Additional Procedures : It’s not uncommon to need additional procedures before having your implant posts placed, like tooth extractions or bone grafting. Depending on your insurance policy, your benefits may cover 20% to 80% of their cost.
• Sedation and Anesthesia: To ensure your comfort, sedation or anesthesia is used. In some cases, your insurance may pay a portion of the cost.
• Restorations: Your restorations are designed to meet your specific needs in terms of function and aesthetics. They tend to be the most expensive part of the process, but your dental benefits may include some of the cost if you haven’t exceeded your annual allowance.

How Can I Pay for Dental Implants?

Dr. Franzen doesn’t want finances to stand in the way of completing your smile. He’ll maximize your insurance benefits to reduce the amount you must pay out-of-pocket. To cover any remaining expenses, he accepts CareCredit. You’ll repay the line of credit using a monthly payment plan that accommodates your budget.

If you’re ready to complete your smile,  contact our office today  to see if dental implants are right for you.

Dental Implant Salvage

Dental implants are the most reliable option to treat tooth loss with over a 95% success rate. Even though the majority of patients enjoy their dental implants for life, they can fail. Although the risk is less than 5%, it’s best to be proactive to protect your new smile from any complications. You will want to commit to your oral hygiene at home and visit our office at least twice a year for a cleaning and checkup. Dr. Franzen also recommends you avoid tobacco or drinking alcohol in excess. If you develop any concerning symptoms, like redness or pain, don’t wait to schedule a dental appointment. We may need to perform a dental implant salvage treatment.

Dental Implant FAQs

If you’ve lost a tooth or two over the years, dental implants in Milwaukee are an excellent solution to permanently replace your missing teeth. As the only dental prosthetic to replicate the entire tooth structure, they provide exceptional benefits not possible with any other solution. Although you anticipate enjoying their advantages for yourself, it’s normal to have a few concerns before you’re ready to commit to the treatment. Here are the answers to a few of the most common questions Dr. Franzen is asked about the procedure.