Aug
Many people take their smile for granted, not realizing just how wonderful it is to have healthy, functional teeth โ until, that is, their teeth start to go missing. Simple functions like smiling, biting, and chewing can become complicated when you lose teeth. Since you canโt grow new permanent teeth, getting dental implants is the next best thing. Dr. James Albrecht from Albrecht Dentistry in West Bend, Wisconsin, answers your questions about implants to help you make wise decisions about this restorative treatment.
Dental implants have two main components – a post and crown restoration. The post is made of titanium and is used to replace the root of your missing tooth. Implants are what anchor your new tooth or teeth in place. Once the post is placed, it is allowed to heal and fuse to the bone in a process called osseointegration. Once the process of osseointegration is complete, the restoration is attached to the post to make your smile whole again.
With implants, you get your whole tooth back โ roots and all. As a result, your new smile will look, function, and feel just like natural teeth. Youโll be able to eat all the foods you love, just like you did before your teeth went missing. You can smile, laugh, and talk naturally without worrying about your teeth slipping or shifting.
Implant treatment is highly versatile, giving you various options for replacing lost teeth. Dr. Albrecht recommends single implants topped with dental crowns to replace one or more teeth individually. Each implant gets its own crown. To replace multiple consecutive missing teeth in a row, a bridge consisting of multiple teeth can be made and be anchored in place with implants on each end. Implant dentures can replace an entire arch of teeth anchored by four or six implants placed in strategic locations in your jaw.
Good overall and oral health and sufficient bone density to hold implants are the basic requirements for this treatment. If needed, a bone graft to compensate for bone loss. Mini-implants can sometimes be done for people with poor bone density. A thorough evaluation by our team will enable us to determine if implants are a good fit for you.ย ย
Titanium implants have been known to last more than 25 years or even a lifetime with proper care. Considering the long-term attributes of implants, they make a great alternative to natural teeth.
Albrecht Dentistry is the best place to get dental implants in the West Bend, WI, area. To schedule a consultation for implant treatment, contact Dr. James Albrecht at (262) 357-6622.