Dental Implant Chicago

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Dental implants are used for replacing teeth by providing a root replacement that functions as the foundation of a replacement tooth. By choosing dental implants over dentures or bridges, patients can eat easier, avoid the discomforts that often go along with dentures, speak better and have the appearance and feel of real teeth. Dental implants are also durable and can last throughout a lifetime when well cared for.

Good Candidates For Dental Implants

Because dental implants are connected to the jawbone, patients must have enough bone to attach the implant. The jawbone must also be strong enough to hold the implant and gums should be healthy so they can recover properly from the surgery. If there is not enough bone to hold the implant, a bone graft can be done. Patients who have unhealthy gums can have treatments to correct these problems so dental implants can be used. Patients should also have good habits regarding oral hygiene as proper brushing and flossing is required to keep implants healthy. Individuals who suffer from certain chronic disorders such as diabetes should discuss their health condition with ...
... the dentist before having implants, as risks can be greater. Those who smoke heavily may not be good candidates for dental implants as smoking can impair healing.

The Dental Implant Procedure

The implant procedure requires placing a titanium post into the missing tooth's bone socket. The post implant acts as the root for the tooth that will be connected to it. Once the post has been implanted, the jawbone must heal and grow around the post. This anchors it into the jaw securely. Healing usually takes between 6 to 12 weeks. After the post has fused to the jawbone, an abutment or connector post is attached to the implanted titanium post. This will hold the new tooth securely in place. The new tooth is created from an impression in which a model of the patient's bite is created. The new tooth is then attached to the connector post providing the patient with the feel, look and function of a natural tooth. Dental implants can be done with local anesthesia as most patients experience less discomfort than having a tooth extracted. Following the implant procedure, patients may have some mild soreness, which can normally be relieved with an over-the-counter pain medication.

Dental Implants As An Alternative To Bridges, Partials And Full Dentures

Dental implants can be used to replace a single missing tooth as an alternative to using a bridge that requires altering the adjacent teeth for connecting the bridge. Implant-supported bridges can be used as an alternative to partial dentures or fixed bridges when several teeth need replacing. Partial dentures and fixed bridges require adjacent teeth for support, whereas implant-supported bridges can be installed without adjacent teeth.

Implant-supported full dentures or full bridges can be used as an alternative to regular dentures or bridges. Choosing implant-supported full dentures or full bridges over conventional dentures offers the advantages of functioning like natural teeth for better chewing and biting as well as stability.

The Advantages of Dental Implants

Not only are dental implants more natural feeling and looking compared to bridges, partial and full dentures, they replace natural teeth and some of the lost roots. This helps to keep gums and bone healthier whereas when regular dentures are used, the bone can deteriorate and gums can recede, causing an unattractive smile.

With all the advantages that dental implants offer, they have become the best option for replacing missing teeth. For more information on dental implants, call and discuss if dental implants may be your best solution for tooth replacement.