Learn About Dental Implant Options in Green Bay

Understanding Dental Implants: What They Are and How They Work

Dental implants are replacement teeth that work differently from traditional dentures or bridges. An implant consists of three main parts: the fixture (a titanium screw placed into the jawbone), the abutment (a connector piece), and the crown (the visible tooth part that looks like a natural tooth). The fixture acts like an artificial tooth root, anchoring directly into the bone where your natural tooth used to be.

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When a natural tooth is lost, the jawbone underneath begins to shrink over time. This bone loss can change the shape of your face and make other teeth shift. Dental implants address this problem because the titanium fixture stimulates the jawbone, similar to how a natural tooth root does. This stimulation helps preserve bone structure and prevents further deterioration.

The process of getting an implant typically takes several months from start to finish. First, your dentist evaluates your mouth and takes X-rays or CT scans to assess bone density and placement options. If you need bone grafting to build up insufficient bone, that can add time to the process. Once the fixture is surgically placed, you wait three to six months for it to fuse with the bone—a process called osseointegration. Only after this healing period is complete can the abutment and crown be attached.

In Green Bay, dentists who place implants have access to modern imaging technology and surgical equipment that makes the procedure safer and more predictable. Many offices now use 3D scanning to plan implant placement with precision. The success rate for dental implants is approximately 95-98 percent, making them one of the most reliable tooth replacement options available.

Practical Takeaway: Dental implants are surgically placed artificial tooth roots made of titanium. Unlike other tooth replacements, they preserve jaw structure and function similarly to natural teeth. Understanding this basic structure helps you compare implants to other options.

Types of Dental Implants Available in Green Bay

Green Bay dental practices offer several implant options, each designed for different situations and patient needs. The most common type is the endosteal implant, which is placed directly into the jawbone. These come in different shapes—most are screw-shaped, but some are blade-shaped or cylindrical. Endosteal implants require adequate bone height and density, making them suitable for most patients with healthy jawbone structure.

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Another option is the subperiosteal implant, used when there isn't enough bone height for a traditional endosteal implant. This implant sits on top of the jawbone but under the gum. Rather than being screwed into bone, it's custom-made to fit the contours of your jaw and is held in place by posts that protrude through the gums. Subperiosteal implants are less common today because bone grafting techniques have improved, but they remain a valid choice for some patients.

Zygomatic implants are specialized fixtures that anchor into the cheekbone instead of the upper jaw. These are typically used when a patient has severe upper jaw bone loss and doesn't want to undergo extensive bone grafting. Because they're anchored into denser bone, they can support teeth sooner than traditional implants. However, this procedure requires specialized training and isn't offered at all dental practices.

Green Bay dentists also discuss immediate load implants with some patients. These implants may have a temporary crown placed on the same day as surgery, rather than waiting months for bone integration. This option reduces the total treatment time but requires excellent bone quality and strict aftercare. Not all patients are candidates for this approach.

Mini implants are narrower versions of standard implants, sometimes used to stabilize lower dentures or in areas where space is limited. They require less bone volume than traditional implants, which can be advantageous for patients with mild bone loss. However, they typically support lighter loads and may not be suitable for replacing back molars that experience significant chewing force.

Practical Takeaway: Different implant types serve different needs. Your dental professional will recommend the best option based on your bone structure, the teeth you're replacing, and your goals.

The Dental Implant Process: What to Expect Step by Step

The implant journey begins with a thorough consultation. During this appointment, your dentist examines your mouth, discusses your medical history, and explains what you can expect. They'll take X-rays or 3D scans to assess bone quality and quantity. They'll also discuss your expectations, timeline, and costs. This consultation is the time to ask questions about aftercare, potential complications, and how implants will affect your daily life.

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If you have severely damaged or decaying teeth that need removal, tooth extraction may happen at your first surgical appointment or as a separate procedure beforehand. After extraction, your dentist typically waits three to four months for the socket to heal before placing the implant, though sometimes they can place the implant immediately after extraction. The waiting period allows the bone to stabilize, though it does extend your total treatment timeline.

The implant placement surgery typically takes one to two hours, depending on how many implants you're receiving and the complexity of your case. Your dentist administers local anesthesia, sedation, or general anesthesia depending on your comfort level and the extent of the procedure. They carefully position the implant fixture in the bone, ensuring proper angle and depth. The gum is then sutured closed, and the implant begins the healing process.

After surgery, you'll experience some swelling, bruising, and discomfort—similar to a tooth extraction. Pain management involves over-the-counter or prescription medication prescribed by your dentist. Most people return to normal activities within a week, though strenuous exercise should be avoided for several weeks. During the healing period, you'll eat soft foods and follow specific oral hygiene instructions.

Once the implant has fused with the bone (typically three to six months), your dentist takes new impressions and attaches the abutment. A temporary crown may be placed, which is replaced with a permanent crown after the gums have settled into their final shape. Some patients describe this second phase as less intensive than the initial surgery, though another minor surgical procedure is sometimes needed to expose the implant.

Practical Takeaway: The implant process involves multiple appointments over several months. Plan for initial consultation, surgical placement, bone healing, and crown placement. Understanding each phase helps you prepare mentally and logistically.

Bone Grafting and Preparation: When You Might Need It

Not every patient has sufficient bone to place an implant immediately. Bone loss occurs naturally after tooth loss, from gum disease, from injury, or from wearing ill-fitting dentures for years. When bone volume is inadequate, your dentist may recommend bone grafting before implant placement. This procedure builds up bone in the area where the implant will go, making the foundation stronger and the implant more likely to succeed long-term.

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Bone grafting material comes from several sources. Autogenous bone is taken from your own body—often from another area of your jaw, your hip, or your shin. This type has the highest success rate because it contains your own living cells, but it requires a second surgical site. Allograft bone comes from a human donor source, processed and sterilized for safety. Xenograft bone comes from animal sources, typically bovine (cow). Synthetic bone substitutes are manufactured materials that encourage your body to fill in with new bone. Each material has different characteristics, and your dentist will recommend the most suitable option for your situation.

The bone grafting procedure is typically performed by an oral surgeon or an experienced implant dentist. The graft material is placed in the area of bone deficiency and secured with membranes or stitches. Over time—usually three to nine months—your body gradually incorporates the graft material and grows new bone. During this period, you follow specific dietary guidelines and oral care instructions to support healing.

In some cases, sinus lift surgery is needed for upper implants. The sinuses are air-filled cavities above your upper teeth. When back upper teeth are lost, the sinus can expand downward into that space, reducing bone height. A sinus lift involves gently lifting the sinus membrane and placing bone graft material underneath, creating more bone for implant placement. While this sounds complex, it's a routine procedure performed regularly in Green Bay dental practices.

Socket preservation is another bone management technique. When a tooth is extracted, your dentist may place graft material into the empty socket immediately