We will walk you through what dental implants are, how they work, and the factors that determine if they’re the right fit for your health, lifestyle, and goals.

Understanding Dental Implants

A dental implant is a small, biocompatible titanium post that acts like a replacement tooth root, bonding with your natural bone to create a strong, comfortable foundation for your new tooth. Once healed, a custom-made crown is securely attached, giving you a tooth that looks, feels, and works just like your natural tooth. And because dental implants are fixed in place, you can eat, smile, and speak with confidence – no slipping or shifting like with dentures.

Because implants fuse with the bone, they offer a secure and long-lasting solution that also preserves the amount and health of your jawbone over time.

Why People Choose Dental Implants

There are many reasons patients turn to implants, but the most common is the desire for something that feels natural. Dental implants blend seamlessly with surrounding teeth and restore full chewing ability. They’re also built to last, often for decades, if cared for properly. What really sets them apart is their ability to stop bone loss. When a tooth is missing, the bone in that area loses width and height. The longer it goes without a tooth in place, the more challenging it can be to replace later. Dental implants protect your bone quality and amount by keeping it strong and stimulated, just like a natural tooth would.

Should I Get Dental Implants?

Not everyone is a candidate for dental implants right away, but many people are. A good candidate for dental implants typically has healthy gums and enough quality bone to support the implant. General good health is also important, especially since healing and integration depend on your body’s ability to recover after surgery.

If you’re a non-smoker, or willing to quit smoking, and you’re committed to good oran hygiene, that’s even better. Age is generally not a barrier. In fact, many implant patients are in their 60s, 70s, or older.

We can evaluate your oral and overall health to help you decide if dental implants are a good match for you. Sometimes, additional treatments like bone grafting, sinus lift, or gum therapy may be recommended first.

Some patients are told they are candidates for dental implants. But in reality, it’s very rate for someone to be ineligible. Even if you aren’t ready right now, that doesn’t mean implants are off the table forever. In many cases, a few preparatory steps – such as treating gum disease, improving bone density, or making lifestyle changes like quitting smoking, can help you become a great candidate.

What to Expect from the Dental Implant Process

Getting a dental implant is a multi-step process that happens over several months. It begins with a comprehensive evaluation, including radiographs and a CBCT scan to examine your bone structure. If everything looks good, the implant can be placed during a simple surgical procedure, usually with local anesthesia, and sedation options are available for comfort. After that, your bone needs time to heal and integrate with the implant. This process usually takes three to six months. Once healed, the custom crown that looks and feels like your natural tooth will be placed by a family dentist. While the process takes a few steps and some healing time, the lasting benefits of a strong, natural tooth replacement are well worth it.

How to Decide if You Want Dental Implants

The best way to know if implants are right for you is to speak with a periodontist who can evaluate your unique situation. They’ll consider your oral health, overall health, lifestyle, and treatment goals to determine the best path forward.

Don’t be afraid to ask questions like:

• Will I need additional procedures?
• How long will treatment take?
• What are the long-term risks and benefits?
• What happens if I postpone a dental implant for years?

Our experienced team will always give you honest, personalized guidance – from your initial decision to have a dental implant through every step of the process – so you can feel confident and informed.

Dental implants can be life-changing. If you’re curious about whether implants are right for you, the first step is a conversation. Give us a call at (262) 327-6100 or contact us today. If you are ready to schedule an examination, you can schedule your appointment online.

The post Are Dental Implants Right For Me? appeared first on Meridian Endodontics.

At Meridian, our team strives to provide full financial transparency during your entire experience.  Our financial team is here to ensure your dental services are submitted quickly and diligently to ensure your full benefits are maximized.

Meridian accepts ALL dental benefit plans and will submit to ALL insurance carriers on your behalf.  In-Network carriers typically see the most optimal reimbursement and coverage for you.  However, often patients find that their plan’s out-of-network coverage is quite similar and their true out-of-pocket expenses consistent with In-Network scenarios.  Regardless of the situation, Meridian optimizes your benefits coverage in all cases.

The following are dental benefit plans Meridian is In-Network with:

• Endodontics:
  • Aetna
  • AlwaysCare
  • Cigna
  • Connection, GEHA
  • Delta
  • Guardian
  • Humana
  • Metlife
  • Principal
  • Sun Life
  • United Concordia (Tricare)
  • WDA Discount Plan
• Periodontics:
  • AlwaysCare
  • Careington
  • Delta
  • GEHA
  • Guardian
  • Humana
  • Network Health
  • United Health Care
  • United Concordia (Tricare)
  • WDA Discount Plan

We are here every step of the way to ensure you have the financial clarity you need to make optimal decisions for your dental health needs.  Call us at 262-327-6100, email us at office@meridianendo.com or schedule online at Schedule Appointment – Meridian Endodontics, Periodontics & Implant Dentistry where we can go through your specific scenario in more depth.

The post Maximizing your Dental Benefits appeared first on Meridian Endodontics.

Overcoming Dental Anxiety: Your Comfort is Our Priority at Meridian

If you’re feeling anxious about visiting the dentist, you’re not alone. Studies reveal that over 80% of Americans experience some level of dental anxiety or phobia. When this anxiety leads to delaying or avoiding dental care, it can create a cycle of pain, health issues, and more complex, costly treatments.

At Meridian, we understand that dental visits can be daunting. Our goal is to ensure every patient, regardless of their anxiety level, feels comfortable and leaves with a healthy, radiant smile. We understand reducing anxiety can lead to more comfortable treatment, faster healing, and better outcomes.  Here’s how we can help make your visit more pleasant and stress-free:

Understanding Dental Anxiety

Dental anxiety can show up in many forms, including:

• Heart palpitations
• Panic attacks
• Increased heart rate
• High blood pressure
• Sweating
• Crying
• Avoidance of place or situation

While we can’t completely remove your anxiety, we have a range of comfort perks designed to make your experience as smooth and positive as possible.

Comfort and Compassion at Meridian

• Sleep Dentistry: For those with severe anxiety, we offer sleep dentistry options such as oral sedation (a pill taken before a visit) or IV sedation.  We also have nitrous oxide (laughing gas) to help you feel relaxed during your visit. Talk to us about which customized option is best for you.
• Calm Environment: Our office is designed to be a peaceful space where you can feel at ease with a more tranquil, non-clinical atmosphere.  Think spa or coffee-shop vibe vs. a medical clinic.  Enjoy lavender scents, a soothing nature show with noise-canceling headphones and acoustically designed rooms to help you relax.
• Relaxation Techniques: Techniques like focused breathing and meditation can help manage anxiety. We encourage you to use these methods during your appointment if it would help.
• Personal Comfort: If fidgeting helps you feel more at ease, consider bringing a stress ball or other stress-relief items. If weighted blankets provide comfort, we use an x-ray shield along with a comfort blanket to mimic that soothing effect.
• Support from Loved Ones: If it helps, you’re welcome to bring a trusted family member or friend to your examination and care presentation appointment.
• Effective Communication: Share your concerns with us before your appointment. We’re here to listen and will work with you to ensure your personalized visit is as comfortable as possible. Feel free to ask questions about what to expect and let us know if you need to take a break during the visit.

Your Comfort is Our Priority

No matter how long it’s been since your last visit, we are here to support you without any judgment. Our focus is on helping you overcome anxiety and achieve a healthy, beautiful smile.

If you have any questions or want to discuss options for managing dental anxiety, please reach out to us. We’re committed to making your dental experience at Meridian as pleasant and stress-free as possible.

Schedule Your Appointment Today

Let us help you take the first step towards a more comfortable and confident smile. Click here to schedule an appointment with Meridian.

The Meridian Team

The post Overcoming Dental Anxiety appeared first on Meridian Endodontics.

(1) Click the “Request Appointment” button

(2) Select a Location

(3) Based on description, select a visit type

(4) Select your appointment time

(5) Enter your info., confirm booking and you will receive an email with all the details.  If the right time doesn’t exist, simply call our office at (262) 327 6100 to speak to someone to receive more time options

Book anytime, anywhere!

The post Easy Online Scheduling appeared first on Meridian Endodontics.

We are dental implant experts, and our team uses the latest techniques and technology to give you a smile you will want to share. Meridian’s team of specialists has delivered beautiful smiles for people who thought that the condition of their teeth was hopeless. Regardless of the condition of your teeth, our team of dental experts will work with you to develop a personalized care plan to give you the smile you are hoping for.

Dental implants provide a long-term solution to replacing a single missing tooth or multiple missing teeth, with the highest success rate of all tooth replacement options. Our experienced team designs your dental implants to be a perfect match for a natural-looking, lifelong smile.

Take a look at just a few of our smile transformations.

Aesthetic Crown Lengthening

Before

After

Restored Gumline, Restored Health

Before

After

Full Arch Reconstruction

Before

After

Surgically Facilitated Orthodontic Therapy “SFOT”

Before

After

The post Transform your smile, your confidence, and your life! appeared first on Meridian Endodontics.

Breaking down the process

The gum lift might seem like a complex procedure, but it’s actually pretty straightforward. Though it can be done to just one tooth, in most cases the lengthening is applied to the
entire mouth. This process recontours the gum and supporting bone to create a wider, more natural looking smile, while repositioning your gum line. This helps to curb the “gumminess” you might see in your smile. Another benefit to this procedure is that it decreases your risk of periodontal disease by reducing the periodontal pockets between the teeth and gums.

The proceedure

Esthetic crown lengthening is a short, relatively simple procedure that can give you the wide, vibrant smile you’re looking for.

To start off, a local anesthetic is applied to help ease any discomfort you might feel during the procedure. Some patients also elect to take advantage of sedation options. The actual process only takes an hour to two hours, so your stay in the office will be short and easy! Your periodontist will create your optimal result by lifting the gums and contouring the underlying bone. After the procedure, microsutures (stitches) will be placed to optimize the result.

The follow up

You’ll be asked to come back two to four weeks after your crown lengthening to check in on your healing process and remove the sutures. Our aim is that you walk out of our office with a more confident beaming smile.

Ready to schedule an appointment? Give us a call at (262) 327-6100.

The post Esthetic Crown Lengthening (Gum Lift) appeared first on Meridian Endodontics.

Getting dental implants can mean a lot of appointments at different medical offices, many various fees, and demands on your schedule. We’ve cultivated a one-stop approach to dental implants: this means that everything you need for success is right here in our center. The benefit of this is a collaborative approach that ensures everyone on the team is in communication and 100% dedicated to your new smile: this creates a less stressful experience for you and keeps fees down. If you’ve chosen Meridian, you’ve made an excellent decision. We take pride in giving our patients comfort combined with state-of-the-art dental care.

What to Expect: Consultation

The first step is your consultation with our team. Open communication is essential to all medical care, and we want you to be informed and to feel confident in your decision, the consultation is a time for you to discuss specific concerns you may have such as anxiety and recovery time. Our team will discuss the procedure, the cost, results, and answer any questions you may have. You’ll also be able to see our facility, which combines state-of-the-art technology with our relaxed and comfortable atmosphere.

What to Expect: Diagnosis

At this visit, you’ll have a fast and state-of-the-art 3D full mouth scan taken right in our office. The scan will allow our surgeons to determine if you have current oral health issues that should be addressed prior to the implant procedure. If you have dental anxiety and need assistance in relaxing prior to the procedure, we have options and can discuss how we can help you to feel comfortable. You’ll then schedule the procedure and any work that needs to be done prior to getting your implants.

What to Expect: Procedure

As a result of your consultation and diagnosis, you’ll have a deep understanding of what to expect when it’s time for your procedure. There are multiple stages to a full arch implant restoration: some patients may be able to have implants completed in one day (this is determined on a case-by-case basis) and some may need to break the stages across appointments.

The first step of your procedure will be ensuring you are comfortable and relaxed. We will administer local anesthesia alongside any other sedation options we’ve determined, with you, that will be helpful. The next step is the extraction of any remaining teeth you have in the row that your full-arch implants will replace. You may need time to heal after the extraction, and this is determined on a case-by-case basis.
Next, it’s time to place your implants. Typically, we will place two implants near the front of your mouth and two towards the back, but it’s possible you’ll need additional implants.

The next step is to place your dental bridge. We’ll first clean your mouth to prepare and then attach your dental bridge which is comprised of replacement teeth that have been specifically designed by our team to resemble your natural teeth. Your dental bridge will securely anchor to the implants we placed in the previous step.

Once your implants and dental bridge have been placed, it’s time to recover. In our office, you’ll have time to recover prior to heading home. You’ll leave our office with detailed instructions, pain management options, and the entire team available should you have any questions or concerns. Finally, you’ll be able to enjoy your brand new smile’s beauty and function, designed to last a lifetime with proper care. Go out into the world and brighten someone’s day with your beautiful new smile!

The post What to Expect Before a Full-Arch Procedure appeared first on Meridian Endodontics.

Wondering if you may be a candidate for the increased stability, function, and restoration from full-arch implants?

Osseointegration helps to stimulate bone growth and prevent further loss

You may be an excellent candidate if:

You’d like to replace multiple missing or decaying teeth:

If you are missing multiple teeth in a single arch (upper or lower low), or have multiple teeth in
need of significant work/extraction, full-arch implants may be right for you.

You want to stop, and prevent, bone loss:

Bone loss caused by tooth loss in your jaw may change your appearance, make dentures difficult to fit, and could lead to sinus deficiencies. Unfortunately, traditional dentures don’t apply enough pressure to stop the bone loss associated with missing teeth. Through the process of osseointegration, however, full-arch implants help to stimulate the growth of bone and prevent further loss.

You’d like a permanent smile:

As modern dentistry has evolved, so have your options for teeth replacement. Though dentures are an option for many, full-arch implants remove the hassle, upkeep, and discomfort associated with traditional dentures.

You currently wear dentures and would like a better alternative:

If you currently wear dentures, full-arch implants may be a game changer. Replace the discomfort and work of traditional dentures and boost your quality-of-life with full-arch implants. Though dentures have advanced greatly in recent years, full-arch implants help to restore your smile in crucial ways which traditional dentures simply can’t.

You want to enjoy better digestion:

When you are missing multiple teeth, chewing — essential to digestion — is more difficult: your body may absorb fewer vital nutrients as a result. Though dentures do help, their instability can lead to chewing issues that also impact digestion. The stability of full-arch implants help restore the function of your teeth, which leads to easier chewing and better digestion. While full-arch implants do require a certain threshold of bone density and generally healthy gums, you may still be a candidate with proper preparation (such as bone graft ahead of time).

If you are interested in restoring the natural beauty and function of your smile and enhancing your overall quality-of-life, Meridian can help. Take the first step in smiling bigger: contact us today. Email: office@MeridianEndo.com or Phone: (262) 327-6100

The post Are Full Arch Implants Right For You? appeared first on Meridian Endodontics.

As our practice has personally witnessed, evidenced by the beaming smiles of so many of our patients over the years, full-arch dental implants can truly work wonders to restore the natural beauty and function of your smile. In today’s blog, we’ll discuss what full arch implants are and who may be a candidate for them.

What, exactly, are ‘full arch’ dental implants?

Full arch dental implants are a type of implant dentistry available to patients with missing teeth who’d like to restore their smile (and its function). Instead of requiring several individual implants to restore a smile over time, full arch implants rely on just a few implants to support a row of porcelain replacement teeth.

These types of implants are an excellent choice for our patients in need of multiple tooth replacements in a row, or a full arch, replaced. Full arch implants combine the powerful technology of implants with the natural aesthetic look of porcelain replacement teeth to give our patients back the smiles they deserve. To do so, our doctors leverage advanced 3D technology to ensure our full-arch implant work is natural and stable (which is, of course, always critical to successful implant dentistry).

This implant choice benefits patients in three key ways: full arch implants can help stop and prevent tissue loss, they restore oral functioning, and they restore smiles. Because they can, generally, be done faster than with restoring a row of missing teeth individually, in many cases they are able to help patients who, for myriad reasons, may not be candidates for other types of implant restoration.

Full Arch Implants have 3 benefits:
– Stop & prevent tissue loss
– Restore oral functioning
– Restore smiles

Who is a candidate for full arch dental implants?

Thanks to advances in dental technology over the past few decades, patients who need to replace several teeth have more options than ever before. While individual dental implants work wonderfully for patients in need of single tooth replacements, multiple implants can be expensive and require a great deal of time. Further, bone loss over time may impact a patient’s ability to have multiple individual implants. Dentures, on the other hand, have long been a choice for patients with several missing teeth. They are comparatively inexpensive and less demanding on existing tissues in the mouth, unfortunately, however: they are also notoriously unstable and may impact a patient’s daily life in significant ways.

Patients with several missing teeth that would like to stop tissue loss, restore a beautiful smile, and enjoy better oral functioning may be excellent candidates for full arch implants. Here at Meridian, we love the work we do — and, the work we do restores smiles and oral health! In our next blog, we will discuss what to expect during and after the procedure. If you are interested in discovering more about how our doctors can help you, or to learn more about the full arch dental implants we offer, please don’t hesitate to contact us. Email: office@MeridianEndo.com or Phone: (262) 327-6100

The post Teeth in a Day With Full Arch Implants appeared first on Meridian Endodontics.