Dental Implant Solutions Available in Glendale, WI
Dental Implants in Glendale and Greater Milwaukee
Missing teeth can affect how you eat, speak and smile. At Modern Touch Dental in Glendale, Dr. Nathan McDonald places and restores dental implants in our office, from a single tooth to a full arch with All-on-4, for patients across Milwaukee and the North Shore, including Whitefish Bay, Fox Point and Mequon.
Why Choose Dental Implants?
When it comes to replacing missing teeth, dental implants are widely considered the gold standard. Unlike traditional bridges or dentures, which rest on the gums or adjacent teeth, implants are surgically placed into the jawbone, providing a secure foundation for a tooth replacement. This approach helps avoid bone loss and preserves your facial structure. Other benefits of implant dentistry include:
- A natural look and feel
- Durability—with proper care, dental implants can last a lifetime
- Better comfort and stability, compared to traditional dentures
- Eat your favorite foods and speak with confidence
Who Should Consider Dental Implants?
Restorative dentistry includes several strategies for improving your smile, and implants are just one option. Ideal candidates for implant dentistry generally have:
- Good overall oral health
- Enough jawbone density to support the implant
- Healthy gum tissues
- Willingness to undergo bone grafting if they don’t meet the above criteria
Ask About the Types of Dental Implants
At our Glendale, WI clinic, we understand that every patient has different needs and requires an individualized approach to smile restoration. To that end, we offer several types of dental implants to best meet your needs. Here’s an overview of the treatments we might recommend:
- Single Tooth Implants—This is likely the solution for you if you’re only missing one tooth. The procedure involves placing one implant into the jawbone and attaching a custom-made crown that matches your surrounding teeth.
- All-on-4® Dental Implants—All-on-4® dental implants are ideal for patients who have lost most or all of their teeth. This technique uses just four strategically placed implants to support a full, permanent arch of teeth.
- Implant-Supported Bridges—For patients missing several teeth in a row, an implant-supported bridge may suffice. Instead of relying on adjacent natural teeth for support, the bridge is anchored to two or more dental implants.
- Implant-Retained Dentures—Are you apprehensive about traditional dentures? This solution allows you to snap your dentures onto the implants, preventing slipping and improving your ability to chew and speak.
What Does the Dental Implant Process Look Like?
The dental implant process is more involved than just getting dentures, but the results are often worth it. The whole process looks like this:
- Initial Consultation—We start with a comprehensive exam of your mouth to assess your oral health and determine if implants make sense for you.
- Planning and Preparation—Next, we’ll create a customized treatment plan that outlines all preparatory procedures.
- Implant Placement Surgery—During this minor surgical procedure, we’ll place a titanium implant post into your jawbone. You’ll be under local anesthesia to maintain comfort throughout the process.
- Healing—Over the next few months, the implant will fuse with your jawbone in a process called osseointegration. This creates a strong and stable foundation for your tooth replacement.
- Final Restoration—After the healing process, we can place the final crown or bridge. Your dentist will ensure it fits perfectly and matches your natural teeth.
Caring for Your Dental Implants and Dentures
Unlike dentures, caring for your dental implants is just like caring for your natural teeth! If you want to get the most out of your implants, be sure to keep up with good oral hygiene practices, including:
- Brushing twice a day and flossing daily
- Using a soft-bristled brush and non-abrasive toothpaste
- Attending regular dental check-ups and following your dentist’s advice
Why Patients Across Greater Milwaukee Choose Us
Patients drive in from Shorewood, Bayside, River Hills and across Milwaukee because their implant care stays in one place. Dr. McDonald trained in oral surgery and implant placement during his residency, so planning, placement and your final crown all happen here, without a referral to another office. We plan each implant with 3D cone beam imaging, offer oral conscious sedation and nitrous oxide for anxious patients, and take time to answer every question before treatment begins.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Implants
How much do dental implants cost?
The cost of dental implants varies depending on the number of implants you need, the type of restoration, and whether any preparatory procedures are required. But don’t worry—we’ll walk you through all the costs before we begin the dental implant process.
How long does the dental implant process take?
The entire process can take several months, with the majority of the time dedicated to the healing and osseointegration phase. The exact timeline will depend on your individual treatment plan.
Are dental implants painful?
The implant placement surgery is performed under local anesthesia, so you will not feel any pain during the procedure. You may experience some mild discomfort after surgery, but this can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain medication.
What are the benefits of All-on-4® dental implants?
Instead of replacing teeth one by one, All-on-4® implants provide a full-arch restoration with just a few implants. This means you get all the benefits of a full mouth of teeth without the lengthy recovery time and increased cost.