La Crosse
3143 State Road Suite 100, La Crosse, WI 54601
Maybe it started with a cracked molar that couldn't be saved, or a front tooth lost in a fall on the ice, or a partial denture that never felt quite right. Many of the patients we see across Wisconsin's Coulee Region come to us with a gap they have learned to work around, chewing on one side or smiling with their lips closed. Dental implants are one of the ways we help them replace what is missing. At Rivertown Dental, we place and restore implants in-house, with care available close to home through our offices in La Crosse, Holmen, Arcadia and Viroqua and our dedicated Implant Clinic in Holmen.
A dental implant is a small post placed in the jawbone where a tooth root used to be. Over time, the bone heals around it, creating a stable foundation. Once that foundation is ready, we attach a connector and a custom tooth on top, so the replacement sits in your smile much like a natural tooth would. Because the implant is anchored in bone rather than resting on the gums or leaning on neighboring teeth, it can feel secure when you eat, talk and laugh.
Implants help a wide range of people. A single implant can replace one missing tooth. Several implants can support a fixed implant-supported bridge when a few teeth in a row are gone. For patients missing most or all of their teeth, our Implant Clinic in Holmen offers full arch dental implants, which can replace an entire upper or lower set of teeth. Because we have an on-site dental lab, the teeth we place on your implants are designed with your bite and appearance in mind.
Being a good candidate begins with an honest conversation and a thorough exam. Our dentists look at the health of your gums, the bone in the area where the tooth is missing, and your overall oral health. If gum disease is present, we can treat it first through gum disease treatment or scaling and root planing so your implant has a healthy place to settle. If a damaged tooth still needs to come out, we can handle the extraction as part of your plan.
As you think about whether implants make sense for you, a few things are helpful to keep in mind:
- Healthy gums and enough supporting bone matter, and we evaluate both before recommending treatment.
- Implants are a process that unfolds in stages over time, not a single visit.
- Comfort options are available, including nitrous oxide and IV sedation for adults.
- You do not need a referral to start; you can schedule a consultation with us directly.
We never judge how long it has been since your last visit. Our job is to explain your options clearly so you can make the choice that fits your life.
How do I care for my dental implants afterward?
You care for dental implants much like natural teeth, with daily brushing, flossing and regular professional visits. Even though the implant itself cannot get a cavity, the gums and bone around it still need attention to stay healthy, so good home care makes a real difference.
We provide implant maintenance as part of our ongoing care, and our dental hygienists know how to clean around implants and the teeth attached to them. For patients with a history of gum concerns, periodontal maintenance visits help us keep a close eye on the tissue that supports your implant. Because we offer everything from cleanings to implant restorations under one roof, the same team that helped plan your treatment can continue to look after it for years to come. Many of our patients appreciate seeing familiar faces at each visit.
How can I pay for dental implants?
We work with many dental insurance plans, and the best first step is to call your office so our team can help you understand your coverage. We also welcome self-pay patients and will walk you through the costs of your treatment plan before you begin.
For patients who would like to spread out payments, we offer third-party financing through Cherry, CareCredit and Proceed Finance, subject to qualification and approval by each lender. If you do not have dental insurance, our Rivertown Membership Plans, also called the VIP Program, are another option. The Classic, Deluxe and Kids plans include cleanings, exams, X-rays and fluoride, plus a discount on treatment. Membership plans cannot be combined with insurance, and our team is glad to help you compare which path fits best.
Every visit with us is part of The Ascent Experience: advanced care, genuine comfort, and a better experience from start to finish. That means warm towelettes, blankets, headphones and clear explanations at every step. If a missing tooth has been on your mind, we would love to talk with you about it. Call the Rivertown Dental office nearest you in La Crosse, Holmen, Arcadia or Viroqua to schedule your implant consultation. Dentistry, Done Differently.
Questions
Dental Implants FAQs
How much do dental implants cost, and does insurance help?
The cost of a dental implant depends on how many teeth you are replacing and whether you need any preparatory treatment, so we give you a clear estimate after your exam at our Coulee Region offices. We work with many dental insurance plans, so please call the office to confirm your coverage, and patients without insurance can ask about our Rivertown Membership Plans, which include a discount on treatment. We also offer third-party financing through Cherry, CareCredit and Proceed Finance for patients who qualify, subject to approval.
Does getting a dental implant hurt?
Most of our patients are surprised by how comfortable the visit feels, because we numb the area thoroughly and offer IV sedation for adults who want extra help relaxing. The Ascent Experience adds small comforts like a warm towelette, a blanket, a support pillow, headphones and essential oils. Some soreness afterward is normal, and we explain what to expect and how to manage it before you go home.
How long does the dental implant process take?
Getting a dental implant usually happens in stages over a few months, since the implant needs time to heal and bond with the jawbone before the final tooth is placed. Your timeline depends on your bone, your gums and whether a tooth needs to come out first. Because we place and restore implants in-house, and our on-site dental lab makes your new tooth, your care stays close to home in La Crosse and the Coulee Region.
How long do dental implants last?
With good daily care and regular checkups, dental implants are designed to last for many years. Brushing, flossing and keeping up with your cleanings help protect the gums and bone that support the implant. We also provide implant maintenance so we can keep an eye on your implant at every visit.
Am I a good candidate for dental implants, and what are the alternatives?
Many adults who are missing one or more teeth and have healthy gums and enough jawbone are good candidates for dental implants. We start with an exam and X-rays, and if gum disease needs attention first, we can treat it right here. If implants are not the right fit for you, we will walk you through other tooth replacement options such as bridges, with no judgment about how long it has been since your last visit.