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Implant Dentistry

Dental Implant DiagramDental Implants

Dental implants are an excellent solution for replacing missing teeth. The implant offers comfort, stability, and the replacement tooth looks and functions naturally. Best of all, dental implants curb bone loss, and they can last a lifetime. At our West Allis dental office, Dr. Monteagudo recommends dental implants to replace missing teeth and protect your oral health for the long-term.

The Facts About Missing Teeth
One missing tooth may not sound like a problem, but it is. A single void in your dentition allows your teeth to shift, negatively impacting your bite. Additionally, when a tooth is lost and not replaced, the jaw once supporting the tooth lacks a purpose and begins to atrophy, affecting the teeth adjacent to the empty space. Here’s what can happen if one missing tooth isn’t replaced:

  • Surrounding teeth shift out of place
  • The risk of gum disease and tooth decay is increased
  • Remaining teeth strain to cover the work load
  • Up to 20% of adjacent teeth can be lost in the next 4-8 years
  • The bone tissue resorbs, creating a weakened jaw and limiting options for tooth-replacement in the future

Dental Implant & Crown DiagramThe Facts About Dental Implants
But the news isn’t all bad. Today, you have more options than ever before to replace a missing tooth. Dental implants are a true-to-nature alternative that give the jaw a purpose, keeping it strong and allowing you to retain healthy bone mass. Implants have been used for several decades with great success and many functional advantages:

  • Stability: the implant acts as an “anchor” or artificial tooth root
  • Versatility: With implants, we can replace a single tooth or several missing teeth
  • Support: dental implants can lock-in a partial or full denture
  • Function: the implant helps restore the ability to chew food comfortably
  • Maintenance: implants are fixed, meaning you won’t have to  remove them for soaking, cleaning, or to apply adhesives
  • Appearance: implants restorations can be made from all-white materials, and they will fill out the facial profile, preventing a “sunken” look
  • Dependability: made from medical-grade titanium, implants can serve you well throughout your lifetime

Dr. Monteagudo’s Guarantee*
Dental implants have maintained a success rate of 95-98% over the years, but if you’re still weary, you can take comfort in our lifetime guarantee. We use the most updated, advanced methods, coupled with our guarantee, you can have full confidence in your implant treatment.  
*Guarantee guidelines specified at appointment.

If you're suffering from missing teeth, call Dr. Monteagudo's West Allis dental office today. Our convenient location is easily accessible to patients in Milwaukee, Waukesha, Wauwatosa, and Elm Grove.

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FAQ

You can’t see my missing tooth, so why should I have it replaced? Why are dental implants important?
Although you might not be able to see a missing tooth, it’s important to replace it with a prosthetic. Dental implants are an especially good option for many patients, because they prevent the bone loss that accompanies a missing tooth. Without a tooth to support, the jaw that once held the missing tooth begins to degrade. This can affect neighboring teeth, and before you know it, you’re not just missing one tooth, but several teeth. Because dental implants are placed into the bone, your jaw maintains its purpose and its integrity, making sure you keep more of your natural teeth as long as possible.

Are dental implants safe?
Absolutely! Dental implants are made of materials which are safe for the human body. The “root” structure is composed of titanium and the “tooth” structure can be made from all-white materials, such as ceramic or porcelain, that have been used reliably in dentistry for years.

What is the success rate for dental implants?
Dental implants today have a 95-98% success rate.

How long will it take to receive dental implants?
Because the implant process is two-fold, it takes longer than a bridge or partial denture. The bone tissue needs time to fuse with the implant post that’s placed in the jaw bone. The timeframe varies from patient to patient, but a good estimate is around three months. After this process (called osseointegration) completes, then Dr. Monteagudo can secure a crown, bridge, or denture to the implant(s), and you can enjoy your new, fully functioning smile.

Is age a factor in receiving an implant?
No, age is definitely not a factor, as long as you have enough bone mass to support the implant. Almost everyone can benefit from dental implants no matter how young or old.

Will a dental implant be as strong as my natural teeth?
Yes. In fact, dental implants are often stronger than the teeth they are replacing!

Are dental implants expensive?
Dental implants generally have a higher up-front cost than other tooth-replacement options, such as bridges and partials. However, these other tooth-replacement options are not made to last a lifetime, and studies show that they can contribute to additional tooth and bone loss. Dental implants are an investment in your long-term oral health, and most people agree that the benefits far outweigh the initial cost.

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