Dr. Laura Russell, Dr. AnnMarie Hoyme, Dr. Karla Schmidt, and Dr. Mark Crego provide comprehensive dental implant care at MidTown Dental Care. Our team can coordinate your treatment from advanced 3D imaging and bone grafting, when necessary, through implant placement to your final restoration. We also offer Yomi robot-assisted dental implant technology to support advanced digital planning and implant placement.
Have a question that is not answered here? Schedule a dental implant consultation with our Wauwatosa team to receive recommendations tailored to your smile and oral health.
Schedule a Dental Implant Consultation
Dental Implant Cost and Financing FAQs
How much do dental implants cost in Wauwatosa?
There is no single price for dental implants because the total cost depends on the treatment you need. Replacing one tooth with an implant and crown involves a very different treatment plan than replacing several teeth with an implant-supported bridge or restoring an entire arch with implant-supported dentures.
Factors that can affect dental implant cost include:
- Number of missing teeth
- Number of implants required
- Type of final restoration
- Need for tooth extraction.
- Amount of available jawbone
- Need for bone grafting.
- Complexity of implant placement
- Dental insurance benefits
- Individual oral health needs
After examining your mouth and reviewing the necessary imaging, MidTown Dental Care can provide a personalized treatment plan and cost estimate.
Does dental insurance cover dental implants?
Some dental insurance plans provide benefits toward portions of implant treatment, but coverage varies considerably.
Your plan may treat different parts of treatment differently. For example, benefits for an extraction, implant placement, bone graft, or final crown may not all be the same.
MidTown Dental Care accepts many traditional dental insurance plans and is a preferred provider for most PPO plans. Our team can help you review applicable benefits before treatment.
Does MidTown Dental Care offer financing for dental implants?
Yes. MidTown Dental Care offers several financing options that may help make dental implant treatment more manageable.
Available options include CareCredit, Cherry, and Sunbit, as well as in-house financing for certain procedures.
During the treatment-planning process, our team can explain your estimated costs, applicable insurance benefits, and available payment options.
Dental Implants vs. Dental Bridges
Is a dental implant better than a bridge?
A dental implant is not automatically better than a dental bridge. The best choice depends on your oral health, neighboring teeth, jawbone, treatment goals, timeline, and budget.
A single dental implant replaces a missing tooth independently. The implant is placed within the jawbone and supports a dental crown.
A traditional dental bridge replaces the missing tooth using neighboring teeth for support. Those teeth are generally prepared for crowns that anchor the replacement tooth between them.
If the neighboring teeth are healthy, an implant may be appealing because they generally do not need to be altered to support the replacement tooth.
If the neighboring teeth already need crowns, a traditional bridge may make more sense in some situations.
Your dentist can compare the advantages and considerations of both after evaluating your smile.
What is the difference between a dental implant and a traditional bridge?
A dental implant receives support from the jawbone, while a traditional bridge generally receives support from neighboring natural teeth.
An implant replaces the missing tooth root and supports the visible restoration. A traditional bridge fills the space left by the missing tooth without replacing the tooth root.
Another important difference is the treatment process. Dental implants involve surgery and a period of healing. A traditional bridge does not require implant surgery and may generally be completed more quickly.
Both can provide effective tooth replacement when appropriately planned.
Which lasts longer, a dental implant or a bridge?
Both dental implants and bridges can provide long-term tooth replacement, but their longevity depends on many factors.
Oral hygiene, gum health, bite forces, smoking, general health, restoration materials, tooth condition, and professional dental care can all influence how long treatment lasts.
An implant itself may remain functional for many years, although the crown or other restoration attached to it can eventually require maintenance or replacement.
A traditional bridge also experiences everyday wear, and its longevity depends in part on the health of the supporting teeth.
Implant-Supported Bridges vs. Traditional Bridges
What is an implant-supported bridge?
An implant-supported bridge replaces multiple missing teeth with dental implants rather than relying on neighboring natural teeth for support.
Strategically positioned implants are placed within the jawbone and used to support the bridge above them.
Depending on your needs, you may not need one implant for every missing tooth.
What is the difference between an implant-supported bridge and a traditional bridge?
The primary difference is the source of support. An implant-supported bridge is anchored by dental implants, while a traditional bridge generally uses natural teeth as anchors.
With a conventional bridge, the supporting natural teeth are prepared for crowns.
An implant-supported bridge does not need to rely on those neighboring teeth for support. This can be particularly attractive when the surrounding natural teeth are healthy.
However, implant-supported bridges require implant surgery and sufficient bone or the ability to prepare the jaw for implant placement.
Do I need one dental implant for every missing tooth?
No. You do not necessarily need one implant for every missing tooth.
For example, strategically positioned implants may sometimes support a bridge replacing several adjacent teeth.
The appropriate number of implants depends on the number and location of missing teeth, available bone, bite forces, restoration design, and other clinical factors.
Visit our Implant-Supported Bridges page to learn more about replacing several neighboring teeth.
Dental Implant Candidacy
Who is a good candidate for dental implants?
Many adults with one or more missing teeth may be candidates for dental implants, but candidacy must be determined on an individual basis.
Your dentist will evaluate factors such as:
- Jawbone volume and quality
- Gum health
- Overall oral health
- Medical history
- Medications
- Oral hygiene
- Smoking or tobacco use
- Location of missing teeth
- Treatment goals
Advanced imaging can also help determine whether sufficient bone is available and where an implant may be positioned.
Am I too old for dental implants?
There is no single upper age limit for dental implants. Overall health and oral conditions are generally more important than chronological age.
Healthy older adults may still be candidates for implant treatment.
Your dentist will consider your health, medications, healing ability, jawbone, gum health, and other factors before recommending surgery.
Can I get dental implants if I have bone loss?
Bone loss does not automatically mean you cannot receive dental implants.
Dental implants require appropriate bone support. If there is insufficient bone at the planned implant site, bone grafting may be recommended.
MidTown Dental Care provides bone grafting when necessary as part of comprehensive dental implant treatment.
Detailed imaging allows our doctors to evaluate the available bone and determine whether additional preparation is needed.
Can I get dental implants if my teeth have been missing for years?
Yes, some patients can receive dental implants even when their teeth have been missing for many years.
However, the jawbone can change after tooth loss. The longer a tooth has been absent, the greater the possibility that bone volume in that area has changed.
This does not automatically rule out implant treatment. Advanced imaging can determine how much bone remains and whether bone grafting or another modification to the treatment plan may be appropriate.
Can smokers get dental implants?
Smokers may still be candidates for dental implants, but smoking can increase the risk of healing problems and implant complications.
Tobacco use can affect blood flow and healing tissues. Your dentist will discuss smoking along with your overall health and other risk factors when evaluating your candidacy.
Being open about tobacco use is important so your treatment can be planned appropriately.
Dental Implant Procedure and Recovery
Is getting a dental implant painful?
The treatment area is numbed during dental implant placement to help keep you comfortable.
After surgery, some soreness, swelling, tenderness, or bruising can occur. The amount of discomfort varies depending on the procedure, number of implants, whether bone grafting or extractions were performed, and individual healing.
Our team will provide instructions to help you manage your recovery after treatment.
How long does dental implant surgery take?
The length of dental implant surgery depends on the number of implants being placed and the complexity of your treatment.
Placing a single implant generally requires a separate appointment from placing multiple implants for a larger restoration. Bone grafting, extractions, and other procedures can also affect treatment time.
Your dentist can provide a more accurate estimate once your treatment plan is complete.
How long does the entire dental implant process take?
Dental implant treatment often takes several months from initial treatment through the final restoration, but the timeline varies significantly.
Your treatment may include:
- Consultation and imaging
- Tooth extraction when necessary
- Bone grafting, when necessary
- Implant placement
- Healing and integration
- Final restoration
Some stages may be combined in appropriate cases, while other patients need additional healing between procedures.
We will explain your expected sequence and timeline before treatment begins.
How long does it take to recover from dental implant surgery?
Initial recovery after implant placement is generally much shorter than the complete implant-healing process.
Soreness and swelling typically occur during the early healing period, while integration between the implant and surrounding bone continues for much longer.
Your individual recovery depends on the extent of treatment and your health. Follow the post-operative instructions provided by your dental team and contact the office if you experience unexpected symptoms or have concerns.
What can I eat after dental implant surgery?
Patients are generally advised to choose softer foods during the early healing period and to avoid applying unnecessary pressure to the surgical area.
Your exact instructions will depend on where the implant was placed and whether you had any additional procedures, such as an extraction or bone grafting.
MidTown Dental Care will provide personalized post-treatment instructions.
Bone Grafting and Dental Implants
Why would I need a bone graft before an implant?
A bone graft may be recommended when there is not enough healthy bone to appropriately support an implant in the planned location.
Bone can decrease after tooth loss and may also be affected by periodontal disease, infection, trauma, or other conditions.
The purpose of grafting is to create or improve the foundation needed for implant treatment when appropriate.
Does everyone need bone grafting before dental implants?
No. Many dental implant patients do not need bone grafting.
The need for grafting depends on the amount and quality of available bone and where the implant needs to be placed.
CBCT imaging allows our doctors to evaluate the jaw in three dimensions before recommending treatment.
Yomi Robot-Assisted Dental Implant FAQs
What is Yomi robot-assisted dental implant surgery?
Yomi is a robotic system that assists dentists with dental implant planning and placement.
The technology combines digital treatment planning with real-time navigational guidance during surgery.
MidTown Dental Care offers Yomi as part of our advanced implant services in Wauwatosa.
Does the Yomi robot perform my surgery?
No. Your dentist performs and controls your dental implant surgery.
Yomi provides robotic guidance based on the treatment plan. It can provide physical, visual, and auditory feedback to help your dentist follow the planned implant position.
The technology supports your dentist rather than replacing your dentist.
Can Yomi be used for a single dental implant?
Yes. Yomi can be used for qualifying patients receiving a single dental implant.
It can also assist with qualifying cases involving multiple implants and larger implant-supported restorations.
Your dentist will determine whether Yomi is appropriate for your individual treatment.
Learn more on our Yomi Robot-Assisted Dental Implants page.
Implant-Supported Denture FAQs
What are implant-supported dentures?
Implant-supported dentures use dental implants to provide additional support and stability for a restoration replacing multiple or all missing teeth.
Traditional dentures generally rely primarily on the gums and underlying tissues for support. Implant-supported dentures connect to strategically positioned implants within the jaw.
Are implant-supported dentures better than traditional dentures?
Implant-supported dentures generally provide greater stability, but traditional dentures remain an appropriate option for many patients.
Implant support may reduce movement while eating or speaking and can provide patients with greater confidence in their restoration.
Traditional dentures do not require implant surgery and generally involve a lower initial investment.
The best choice depends on your oral health, anatomy, expectations, budget, and preferences.
How many implants do you need for implant-supported dentures?
The number of implants varies based on your jaw, bone, restoration design, bite forces, and treatment goals.
There is no one number that is appropriate for every patient.
Our doctors use examination findings and advanced imaging to determine the implant configuration appropriate for the planned restoration.
Visit our Implant-Supported Dentures page for more information.
Dental Implant Longevity and Maintenance
How long do dental implants last?
Dental implants are designed to provide long-term tooth replacement and can remain functional for many years with appropriate care.
Longevity depends on factors such as oral hygiene, gum health, smoking, bite force, general health, professional maintenance, and other individual circumstances.
The implant and the restoration attached to it should also be considered separately. An implant may remain stable while its crown, bridge, or denture eventually requires maintenance or replacement because of normal wear.
Can dental implants get cavities?
The dental implant itself cannot develop a cavity because it is not a natural tooth.
However, the gum and bone around an implant can become inflamed or diseased.
That is why brushing, cleaning around the restoration, professional examinations, and regular dental care remain essential after implant treatment.
Do dental implants need to be cleaned like natural teeth?
Yes. Dental implants require consistent daily cleaning and professional maintenance.
The exact cleaning method depends on whether you have a single implant crown, an implant-supported bridge, or an implant-supported denture.
Your dental team may recommend floss, interdental brushes, floss threaders, a water flosser, or other tools to clean around your restoration effectively.
Can dental implants fail?
Yes. Although dental implants have a strong record of clinical success, no medical or dental procedure can be guaranteed.
Problems can occur because of healing complications, infection, inadequate bone integration, gum and bone disease around an implant, smoking, excessive forces, certain health conditions, or other factors.
Careful planning, appropriate treatment, good home care, and ongoing professional maintenance are important for long-term implant health.
Why Choose MidTown Dental Care for Dental Implants?
Dental implant treatment combines surgical planning, restorative dentistry, technology, and long-term maintenance. At MidTown Dental Care, those pieces can be coordinated by a single dental practice.
Our team includes Dr. Laura Russell, Dr. AnnMarie Hoyme, Dr. Karla Schmidt, and Dr. Mark Crego.
Dr. Russell brings more than 20 years of dental experience and has helped bring advanced dental technologies into the practice. Dr. Hoyme has more than 15 years of experience and completed a general practice residency following dental school. Dr. Schmidt is a graduate of Marquette University School of Dentistry and completed a general practice residency at Loyola University in Chicago. Dr. Crego has more than 40 years of experience and a particular interest in implant placement and crown-and-bridge dentistry.
MidTown Dental Care also offers advanced technologies, including CBCT 3D imaging and Yomi robot-assisted dental implant technology.
Most importantly, our team can coordinate the different phases of your treatment, including bone grafting when necessary, implant placement, and your final implant restoration.
Hear From a MidTown Dental Implant Patient
If you are nervous about choosing an office for dental implant treatment, hearing directly from another patient can provide valuable perspective.
After receiving a dental implant at MidTown Dental Care, Sharese Neal left a five-star Google review praising her dental surgeon, the MidTown team, the clean environment, and the fact that she was seen at her scheduled appointment time.
After her implant experience, she shared that she was finally able to “smile with confidence again.”
For our team, restoring missing teeth is about more than completing a procedure. It is about helping patients return to eating, speaking, and smiling with greater confidence.
Have More Questions About Dental Implants?
Online information can help you understand dental implants, but it cannot tell you whether an implant is right for your particular smile.
The best way to answer questions about candidacy, bone grafting, treatment options, timeline, and cost is through a personalized dental implant evaluation.
At MidTown Dental Care, Dr. Laura Russell, Dr. AnnMarie Hoyme, Dr. Karla Schmidt, and Dr. Mark Crego provide comprehensive dental implant care for patients in Wauwatosa and the greater Milwaukee area.
Whether you need to replace one tooth, several teeth, or an entire arch, we’ll evaluate your oral health, review your imaging, explain your options, and create a treatment plan based on your individual needs.
Schedule your dental implant consultation at MidTown Dental Care, 8726 W. North Ave., Wauwatosa, WI 53226.
Get Answers. Explore Your Options. Restore Your Smile.
