Dental Implants
Dental implants have become a desirable alternative to replacing missing teeth because they look, feel and function like natural teeth.
Structurally, a dental implant is a medical grade titanium post that replaces the missing tooth’s root. Eventually a crown is placed over the implant. Implants can also be used to support full or partial dentures, dramatically improving denture retention and stability. Most patients with adequate bone mass can have implants, although it varies among individuals. Typically a cone beam scan is taken
at the dental office to determine if you have enough bone to place the implant, as well as to verify the size of implant that will be used. If there isn’t sufficient bone to support the implant, a bone graft will be done. Bone deficiency can be due to aging, gum disease, injury or other causes.
Implants offer numerous advantages:
1. Improve Esthetics:
Since implants are placed in the gum similar to the way a natural tooth is supported, they offer a more realistic and natural look compared to other alternatives.
2. Prevent bone resorption:
When a tooth is lost, the supporting bone structure gradually recedes and jaw bone becomes thin. Research shows that 60% of the bone width is lost within the first year post tooth extraction. Grafting socket post tooth extraction will insure adequate jaw bone width present to accept placing an implant.
3. Denture Retention and Stability
Patients who have experienced removable full or partial dentures know that keeping their dentures in place is always a challenge. Dental implants offer a great improvement to denture retention for all patients. In some cases the denture can be secured to a group of implants with special screws that stabilize the denture completely.
4. Preserving natural tooth structure:
Replacing missing teeth with a fixed bridge requires prepping adjacent teeth ultimately connecting 3 or more teeth. Today the standard of care is to replace missing teeth with an implant to avoid shaving down adjacent teeth.
Looking for an exceptional implant dentist in Chicago? For more information please call our office to schedule your consultation.