Dental implants are an effective and modern way to go about replacing missing teeth. If you are missing a tooth, you are not alone in your predicament; most people lose one or more of their permanent teeth over the course of their lives. People lose teeth due to trauma to the face, aging, or oral issues like periodontal disease. For many of these people, dental implants can provide a virtually indistinguishable solution from a natural tooth.
Living without some of your teeth creates a few challenges. First, not having a full set of teeth can restrict the foods you can consume, which can lead to nutritional imbalances. Also, having one or more missing teeth can make a person self-conscious about their appearance, lowering their confidence. Lastly, teeth play an important role when it comes to speech, so missing some teeth can lead to difficulty pronouncing words.
Implants provide a solution for missing teeth that functions and feels natural. Implants serve as an anchor for restorations that are used to replace the patient's missing teeth. The implant replaces teeth roots that fall out when teeth are lost.
When used to replace a single tooth, an implant is fitted with a customized crown designed to look natural in the patient's mouth. The crown is attached to an abutment connected to the implant's external-facing end.
Implants are typically made from titanium — one of the strongest metals. It is durable enough to withstand bite forces experienced when chewing and is resistant to acids created by oral bacteria. Implants can last a lifetime when maintained with good oral hygiene. Though the crown portion will eventually need replacing, it can last over 10 years with proper care.
Implants are rod or screw-shaped restorations surgically inserted directly into the patient's jawbone. The implant is pushed into a hole made in the jaw and fuses with the bone tissues around it through a process called osseointegration.
Implants help to preserve a patient's jawbone tissues by transferring bite forces to the jaw when chewing. This gives bone tissues in the jaw all the stimulation they need in order to remain healthy.
Let us take a closer look at some of the reasons why implants are so popular with those looking to replace missing teeth:
Are you thinking about replacing missing teeth with implants? Let us go over some commonly asked questions:
Dental implants look and feel just like natural teeth, making them a popular missing teeth replacement option. Unlike other oral prosthetics like dentures which require specialized maintenance, brushing and flossing daily is the only maintenance required for implants.
Implants are just as stable as real teeth in the mouth, and they prevent the bone tissue breakdown that occurs when teeth fall out. Bite forces are transferred through the implant into the jawbone, keeping bone tissues adequately stimulated.
No. Many people confuse implants with the crown that is placed on them. An implant is simply a metal rod or screw – usually made out of titanium – inserted into a patient's jawbone. It directly replaces the lost tooth's root, not the tooth itself.
Implants fuse with bone tissues around them, making them virtually as stable as natural teeth. A crown is then attached to the implant to replace the visible part of the lost tooth.
It varies for each patient based on factors like how quickly the patient heals after implants are installed and the type of implants used. Same-day implants are covered with crowns the same day implants are placed, while dentists often wait for conventional implants to fuse with the jawbone before attaching a crown. Implants can take up to six months to fuse with surrounding bone tissues.
Ready for a better smile? Call our Tinley Park clinic for a consultation with our dentist and learn more about your options.
Please request an appointment here: https://tinleyparksmiles.com or call Tinley Park Smiles & Implant Dentistry at (708) 675-7427 for an appointment in our Tinley Park office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Dental Implants in Tinley Park, IL.
Scheduling an appointment with a general dentist is a strong step toward maintaining long-term oral health. If you have never visited a general dentist before or are looking for one in a new area, knowing what to expect can help reduce anxiety and facilitate a more positive overall experience. A general dentist can provide comprehensive…
A general dentist offers a wide range of dental services designed to maintain and improve oral health. From routine check-ups to more specialized treatments, a general dentist is equipped to address the diverse needs of patients. These services not only focus on treating dental issues but also emphasize the importance of prevention and overall wellness.…
Finding a new general dentist can take time, especially without a clear idea of what to look for in a provider. The right dentist offers high-quality services suited to patients of all ages, but several factors can influence the decision. Exploring the qualities other patients prioritize when choosing a general dentist may help you in…
A general dentist focuses on both treating and preventing common oral health concerns such as tooth decay and gum disease. Maintaining healthy gums and teeth plays a key role in overall wellness and can help prevent more serious dental problems over time. Following consistent oral hygiene habits and receiving routine care from a general dentist…