Dental implants are often considered the gold standard for replacing missing teeth. They come with many perks and benefits that you don’t get with other forms of tooth replacement. But are they the right choice for you? The dedicated doctors at Best Dental Spa offer dental implants in the South Barrington, IL area.
What are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are made up of three separate parts. The first part is a titanium post that’s implanted into the jawbone. A piece called an abutment is attached to this post so that it can be connected to the final restoration. While the final restoration is usually a dental crown, implants can also support a fixed bridge or denture.
The Most Stable Restoration
There are many reasons why dental implants are considered the best choice to replace missing teeth. For starters, it’s the only solution that replaces the tooth root as well as the tooth crown. This gives implants stability that you don’t get with other options.
When you lose a tooth, the jawbone in the area starts to deteriorate. This is because you lose the tooth root. Dental implants stop the deterioration of the jawbone and can even reverse some of the deterioration that’s already occurred. Placing an implant post in the jawbone spurs regeneration as the jawbone fuses with the implant post.
Because this restoration is fused with the jawbone, it’s the most stable form of restoration. You don’t have to worry about adhesive or diet changes like you would have to with traditional dentures and other options. There are no diet restrictions and you should be able to eat any food you’d like.
Looking And Feeling Like Natural Teeth
Dental implants are also the restoration that looks and feels the most like your natural teeth. You don’t really have a learning curve to get used to using them, because they just feel like normal. Being able to have a normal diet is something that contributes to this.
The final restoration that’s placed is designed to blend in perfectly with your smile as well. No matter if it’s a dental crown or a full denture, they’re customized to your smile. The dental ceramic they’re made out of can be color-matched to the rest of your teeth, or to whatever shade of white you’d like for your restoration.
With dental implants, you don’t have any extra maintenance with your new restoration. Because it mimics natural teeth so well, you just have to make sure you brush, floss, and visit your dentist every six months as you would normally.
When you smile, no one is going to be able to tell that your teeth are implants. They would have to be extremely close to you and specifically looking for something that’s out of the ordinary. You can smile freely and avoid the self-consciousness that can come when you have to smile or laugh with missing teeth.
Frequently Asked Questions
We have answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about tooth implants.
How long will a tooth implant last?
A tooth implant can last 20 years or more with proper care. The titanium post of the implant is designed to be a permanent solution. However, the crown on top may need replacement after 10 to 15 years. Good oral hygiene and regular exams are important to extending the lifespan of the implant and the crown.
Are dental implants removable like dentures?
Dental implants are not removable like dentures. Tooth implants are permanently fixed in the jawbone and function like natural teeth. They stay in place and do not need to be removed for cleaning or maintenance. In contrast, dentures are removable and require daily cleaning. Implants provide a more stable and long-lasting solution compared to removable dentures.
Can I get a dental implant while I am pregnant?
It’s best to avoid getting a dental implant while pregnant. The procedure involves anesthesia and potential X-rays, which are typically not recommended during pregnancy. It’s safer to wait until after the baby is born. However, if you have urgent dental needs, discuss alternatives with your dentist and obstetrician. If you need urgent dental care while pregnant, your dentist can discuss safer temporary options.
How many teeth can you replace with tooth implants?
You can replace a single tooth, multiple teeth, or even a full arch with dental implants. A single implant replaces one tooth, while multiple implants can support bridges for several missing teeth. For a full arch, All-on-4 or All-on-6 implants can replace all upper or lower teeth using just four to six implants. We will recommend the best solution based on the number of teeth missing and the condition of your jawbone.
How do I know if I have enough bone for a dental implant?
We’ll perform a thorough dental evaluation to know if you have enough bone for a dental implant. This includes X-rays or a CT scan to assess bone density and volume in the jaw. These images help evaluate bone density and volume in the area where the implant will be placed. If you don’t have sufficient bone, we’ll use options like bone grafting to help build up the area to support the implant.
Can you do a tooth extraction and implant at the same time?
Yes, in many cases, we can perform a tooth extraction and place an implant at the same time. Dentists and oral surgeons call this approach immediate implant placement. It can save time and reduce the number of procedures. However, it depends on factors like the condition of the extraction site and overall oral health.
Getting Dental Implants in the South Barrington, IL Area
Do you think dental implants might be the solution to your dental struggles? Call us or schedule an appointment online to see if dental implants are the best choice for you!
