When thinking about replacing your missing teeth, you might have wondered if dental implants are the right option. Dental implants are artificial tooth roots that serve as a permanent base for replacement teeth. As compared to dentures, bridges, and crowns, dental implants are a popular and effective long-term solution, particularly for people who suffer from missing teeth, failing teeth, or chronic dental problems. Dental implants are quickly becoming a standard in tooth replacement. They’re similar to natural teeth in terms of appearance and function.
Dental implants can replace missing teeth, helping to maintain and stimulate the bone in the jaw. They’re also highly durable and can improve the appearance of your smile and your speech.
Placed into the jaw bone, they act as a supporting framework for a permanent bridge or an artificial tooth. It is also possible to attach dentures to dental implants. Dental implants consist of biocompatible materials, such as ceramic or stainless steel.
The benefits of dental implants are many. They:
- restore the ability to chew.
- restore the appearance of your smile
- help keep adjacent teeth stable
- keep the jawbone from shrinking due to bone loss
- maintain the health of the surrounding bone and gums
- keep the adjacent teeth stable
What are Dental Implants?
What makes dental implants so comfortable and secure? Doctors use an implant fixture made out of titanium that, over time, fuses to the living bones of the jaw. This union forms a solid and durable anchor for the new teeth, preventing slippage or other movement (which can sometimes happen with dentures). You don’t have to worry about chewing with dental implants, no longer having to fix them regularly, no longer worrying about smiling freely and openly.
Dental implants typically have three parts:
- The implant: A screw serves as a root for your new tooth, which is what permanently attaches to your jaw.
- The abutment: A permanent connector that secures the tooth or set of teeth.
- The crown: This is the part of the tooth you can see, made of zirconium or porcelain for durability and optimal appearance.
Dental implants can replace one or more missing teeth or even a full set of teeth. If you need to repair a full arch, you might be a good candidate for the full mouth procedure, also known as All-On-Four.
Our Dental Implant Process
We will perform an exam to see if you’re a good candidate for dental implants. To prevent rejection, patients will need enough bone to hold the implant, healthy gums, and a normal immune system. Just as with natural teeth, best outcomes result from committing to a daily routine of brushing and flossing after receiving your implants. To ensure your implants last for a lifetime, you’ll want care for them properly.
Because Implants are metal posts that are inserted into your jaw bone surgically, expect to receive anesthesia prior to your procedure. After your jaw has healed and the implant has fused (osseo-integrated) to the bone, your final replacement teeth are fitted. To prevent infection, you may be given antibiotics following your procedure.
If you have a broken tooth or teeth, schedule an appointment with our dentist in Deerfield, IL, today to learn how you can improve your smile by having dental implants placed.
