Dental implants are an integral component of our practice of dentistry, as they most closely copy the look and function of teeth. A dental implant replaces the root of a tooth, the part that is embedded in the jaw, allowing for tooth replacement to be secure and permanent. You can eat, brush, floss, and talk as normal. Historically, the challenges with implants have been the use of titanium. But in the last 15 years, metal-free implants have been a viable alternative, giving people more options for a natural tooth replacement. All implants placed at Bionica Dental Wellness of Delafield are made of zirconia, a metal-free (bioceramic) material that has been proven to be high strength and friendly to the bone and gum. The results are a tooth replacement that is durable, long-lasting, esthetic, and healthy for the whole body.
A dental implant consists of two parts: the bioceramic implant (post) and the customized metal-free dental crown. As a more biocompatible and hypoallergenic alternative to traditional titanium implants, Zirconia makes it possible for individuals with allergies and sensitivities to metal to restore their smile without worry.
While other solutions require the altering of natural, healthy teeth, dental implants only focus on the vacated socket, leaving all other teeth untouched. These unique restorations work to mimic the entire tooth structure, allowing you to maintain a natural look and feel for decades. Not only do they preserve the jawbone, but they also make it easier to bite and perform daily functions otherwise proven difficult with a missing tooth (i.e. speaking, chewing).
If you are contemplating the idea of having dental implants replace your missing teeth, you’ll be pleased to learn that at Bionica Dental Wellness of Delafield, we can perform the entire procedure from beginning to end right here in our office. Dr. Holinbeck is specially trained to restore smiles using bioceramic implants and will ensure your custom-made dental restoration looks and feels completely natural when placed. If you are in the early stages of your decision-making process, it is helpful to have a clear understanding of each stage of the implant process. Below you will find valuable information that details what you can expect with this type of procedure. Should you have additional questions or wish to schedule an appointment with us, contact our office today.
As a dentist, Dr. Holinbeck will do more than assess your teeth, gums, and overall facial structure. She will also ensure you are in good health to undergo this restorative process, as it is necessary that you heal completely without any problems. Once she completes her initial visual examination, she will use a 3D Cone Beam Imaging system to capture high-resolution images of your oral and facial structures. This will allow her to create a more accurate and precise treatment plan for your dental implant placement.
Using state-of-the-art 3D scanning technology, she will ensure each implant is placed correctly to ensure maximum support. These are known as guides and are used by dental professionals in practices throughout the country to make the dental implant process less invasive.
When arriving for your surgery, Dr. Holinbeck will administer a local anesthetic to keep you comfortable throughout the procedure. Once she feels you are fully relaxed, she will begin by making small incisions in your gums, exposing the jawbone for implant placement.
Carefully, she will insert each bioceramic post into the precise area of the bone before closing up the gum tissue and sending you home to heal. To quicken the recovery process and encourage faster healing, she may choose to use Platelet Rich Fibrin (PRF). This uses your own blood platelets to stimulate stem cells and encourage bone and tissue growth more rapidly as well as minimize the risk for potential infection.
For the next 3-6 months, you will need to recover at home. It is during this time that osseointegration must occur successfully. This is when the implant fuses to the bone and surrounding tissues. Our team will provide you with detailed instructions to follow to ensure your recovery is swift and without complications.
The final phase of the dental implant process is to receive your custom-made restoration. Based on the specifications provided by Dr. Holinbeck regarding size, shape, and color, lab technicians will create a beautiful, natural-looking, metal-free restoration that will blend in with your smile. Whether it is a dental crown, fixed bridge, or denture, we will secure it into place and ensure everything looks and feels good before you leave.
The benefits of dental implants cannot be overlooked and in fact, are impossible to ignore. Not only do these prosthetics deliver outstanding stability and support, but they restore the complete root-to-crown structure, which no other tooth replacement solution can do. As you continue to learn more about this unique tooth replacement option, take a few moments to review the following benefits to learn why so many people have already chosen dental implants to help rebuild their smiles.
In order to be a qualified candidate for dental implants, a patient needs three basic things: good dental health, stable overall health, and enough strong jawbone to support the new roots. Once these requirements have been met, Dr. Holinbeck can use one of the following methods to restore your smile:
Instead of reshaping the teeth on either side of a gap to support a bridge, a single dental implant with a crown can be placed between them to close the space. This approach helps preserve more tooth structure, which is better for overall health.
Implant crowns can be placed throughout the mouth as needed, but for patients with consecutive missing teeth, just two implants can support up to four new teeth, making this a more cost-effective solution that still delivers fantastic results.
Dentures are a good solution to replace a full set of teeth, but often times, they are loose, irritate the gum tissues, and limit the types of food you can enjoy. If you’re looking for better functionality, implants can be used to anchor a full-mouth replacement of teeth and will allow you to chew better and be more confident while smiling and talking.
When it comes to being able to afford your upcoming dental treatment, it’s likely you are looking at different ways to pay for your new smile. Whether through insurance or a financing plan, dental implants require higher upfront costs than a traditional bridge or dentures. Each step in the process incurs its own fee, and while most insurance companies do not pay for dental implants, certain aspects of your treatment may still be covered. At Bionica Dental Wellness of Delafield, our team of expert professionals will work to help you save the most money while continuing to move along the path to a new and improved smile. Contact us today to schedule an appointment or speak to a friendly staff member.
Depending on the number of missing teeth you have, Dr. Holinbeck will determine the correct type of dental implant you will need to see a fully restored smile.
If you consider the many benefits of dental implants, there is no denying that they are certainly worth the investment. While costly in the beginning, their livelihood and easy maintenance make them a much better solution and more cost-effective in the long run. Not only do dental implants restore the look of your smile, but they also engage your jawbone, keeping it stimulated, thus, improving your oral health from the root up.
It is highly unlikely that your dental insurance company will pay for dental implants; however, more and more insurers are recognizing that implants are a viable alternative to traditional dentures and bridges. If you are struggling to determine how you will pay for your dental implant placement, and your dental insurance won’t cover the surgery, may we suggest checking to see if any parts of the implant process are covered (i.e., consultation, custom restoration).
No matter if you’re covered or not, financing options are available with CareCredit, allowing you to use a payment plan to alleviate much of the financial burden.
The dental implant post-op instructions that you receive from Dr. Holinbeck and our team at Bionica Dental Wellness of Delafield are important if you want to make sure that you experience no complications throughout your recovery. These helpful tips and recommendations will serve to protect your surgical sites as they heal while also helping to keep you out of any additional pain or discomfort. Review the details below and feel free to give us a call if you have any questions.
The time after your dental implant surgery should be spent resting. You’ll need to take a few days off of work (1-2 days) if you only have a few teeth replaced. If you receive an implant denture, you’ll likely need to plan your procedure for later in the week so that you can take a few additional days to recover.
Once your surgery is complete, you’ll need to have someone drive you home after your appointment, as the anesthesia will require some time to wear off. You’ll likely experience some mild discomfort, but it can be addressed with an over-the-counter pain reliever.
You’ll want to avoid smoking or using any kind of tobacco for 24 hours, but it is best to try and kick the habit long before you receive your dental implants.
Mild discomfort, swelling, bleeding, and bruising are all normal side effects after dental implant surgery. It can be a bit alarming; however, your mouth will need time to heal, so these reactions should be expected. However, if you notice that the bleeding does not cease or the swelling does not start to go down, you’ll need to contact our office right away so that we can determine if you have an infection. If so, we can provide antibiotics to address the issue.
A liquid diet will be what you can expect in the few days following your surgery. Once your mouth has a chance to overcome much of the initial soreness, you can begin to incorporate softer foods like pasta, mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, yogurt, pudding, and even ice cream.
Over the next several months, you may find that your mouth begins to feel quite normal. If this is the case, you can introduce solid foods into your diet, but you’ll need to be careful not to eat anything too hard or crunchy, as it could damage your implant posts before they have the chance to fully integrate with the bone tissues.
Taking care of your teeth and gums during this time is essential, as you don’t want peri-implantitis to form. Inflammation of the gum tissues can impact your dental implants, causing them to fail if left untreated.
The day after your procedure, you are free to brush and floss your teeth; however, you must be careful when navigating around your surgical sites. It’s also best if you avoid regular mouthwash during this time and instead opt for saltwater rinses 2-3 times each day.
Some minor sensitivity is normal after your new teeth are put into place, but this shouldn’t last more than a few days. Otherwise, you can begin to use your artificial teeth just like your regular ones. Eating, speaking, smiling, and enjoying life will be much easier once your complete smile is in place.
Ensuring you have all the necessary information for proper dental implant care in Delafield is the most important step after receiving your custom restoration. Because these unique tooth replacement solutions are designed to last decades or even a lifetime, you’ll want to pay close attention to the tips and suggestions provided to you by Dr. Holinbeck and our team of professionals. With a committed mindset and willingness to go above and beyond to take care of your teeth and gums, you can expect to enjoy your new smile for many years to come.
While it is true that your dental implants cannot decay, it doesn’t mean that you can forgo your regular oral hygiene routine. Your gums are sensitive areas that remain vulnerable to plaque-causing bacteria that forms in your mouth. If it begins to attack the soft oral tissues surrounding your new implants, you can develop what is known as peri-implantitis, which can lead to the destruction of the bone and ultimately, your implant(s).
This is why it is crucial to prevent this type of problem by continuing to maintain good oral hygiene. By brushing your teeth twice a day for two full minutes and flossing at least once a day (preferably before going to bed), you can effectively remove any bacteria and food particles from your oral cavity. You are advised to use a soft-bristled toothbrush to avoid damaging your gums as well as a non-abrasive toothpaste. This will keep your prosthetics looking their best. Also, don’t forget to incorporate mouthwash into your routine, as it will kill bacteria that cause tooth decay, gingivitis, and bad breath.
If regular dental floss proves too difficult to use, ask Dr. Holinbeck about alternative options such as a water irrigator or interdental brush.
Now that your dental implants in Delafield are firmly in place, you want to make sure they do not become damaged in any way. Unfortunately, you cannot predict when accidents will happen, but you can take extra steps to avoid them if at all possible.
Wearing a custom-made mouthguard while playing sports will protect your implants from injury should you suffer a hard hit or fall. These oral devices are also effective should you experience problems with teeth grinding or clenching (bruxism). Because this common dental issue causes wear and tear on your tooth enamel, it can wreak havoc on your implants if you’re not careful, and since it occurs most often at night, you may be unable to control it. To avoid chips, fractures, or breaks in your implants, allow your implant dentist in Delafield to recommend a nightguard to safeguard your smile.
Lastly, it’s important that you avoid some of the more common day-to-day habits you may find yourself doing, such as chewing on pens or pencils, chomping on ice, or opening packages with your teeth. All of these can damage your new implants and cost your valuable time and money to replace them.
Just because your new teeth are not real doesn’t mean you can skip your six-month dental checkups and cleanings with Dr. Holinbeck. It is during these visits that she will not only examine your natural, healthy teeth, but she will also check your implants and restoration for any problem areas and ensure they are still firmly in place and maintaining a natural appearance.
She will also check your bone density to ensure there are no weakened areas of the jawbone or additional loose teeth.
There is no better solution to replace your missing teeth than with dental implants. Not only do they provide a greater aesthetic, but they also ensure longevity, greater functionality, and improved stability. Even with all this insight and knowledge, it’s understandable that you might have additional questions about treatment. This is why Dr. Holinbeck has provided answers to some of the most common frequently asked questions about dental implants. After reviewing, please don’t hesitate to contact our office for any other questions or concerns you might have.
The most common difference between a ceramic and titanium implant is its structure. Titanium implants have three parts: the post, metal abutment, and custom restoration. Ceramic implants are one piece. They can be made to replicate the look of a natural tooth just like a traditional dental implant but what makes them all the more popular and pleasing among patients is the promise of no possible metal showing through the gums.
By incorporating Platelet Rich Fibrin Therapy (PRF) into your dental implant procedure, you can expect to have a quicker, more effective healing process. It’s not a secret that implant placement requires spending several months recovering at home before a finalized restoration is placed. However, once Dr. Holinbeck places PRF onto your surgical sites before sending you home, the PRF will use the growth factors of your blood to encourage faster healing, the formation of new tissue, and protect against infection.
The 3D Cone Beam Imaging system is a high-tech piece of equipment that emits low radiation and quickly scans a patient’s teeth and jaw. Producing a high-resolution, 3D x-ray image, Dr. Holinbeck can examine the sensitive nerves located within the mouth and use it to formulate a thorough treatment plan for patients moving forward with dental implant placement.
By using these images, she can personalize your procedure to ensure there is minimal invasiveness and greater accuracy during the placement portion of the surgery.
In order to properly care for and maintain your implants, all you need to do is continue practicing good oral hygiene habits at home and keeping your regularly scheduled dental checkups and cleanings with Dr. Holinbeck. There are no special tools or products required, only a toothbrush, toothpaste, dental floss, and mouthwash to ensure your new smile is clean and healthy.
Unfortunately, yes, dental implants can fail; however, it is extremely rare that this will happen. Dental implant placement has a high success rate of placement (95-98%), so if failure does occur, it is likely due to one of the following reasons: