If you are looking for a more permanent replacement for missing teeth, dental implants may be the right restoration option for you. Call Southwest Dental Center at 708-425-4545 to schedule an appointment with our dentist, Dr. Ashok Jhanji, and learn more about dental implants in Hometown, Illinois, and how they can benefit you.
Dental implants are a popular and effective prosthetic tooth option for patients with missing teeth as they are durable, long-lasting and look just like a natural tooth. Used to replace a single tooth, multiple teeth or even a full dental arch, dental implants consist of two parts. The first part, the implant post, consists of a titanium screw that is surgically placed in the jawbone in place of the missing tooth, where it integrates with your natural bone structure and serves as an effective stand-in for your missing tooth roots. The post keeps your restoration securely in place while also encouraging positive bone growth.
Once the implant post has fully integrated and your surgical site has healed, our dentist will sit down with you to discuss the second part of your implant: the dental restoration which will cap your implant pose. This restoration could take many forms, from a single dental crown to a dental bridge that replaces multiple missing teeth, to a complete or partial denture. Once you have decided which restoration is right for your smile, our team will custom create it to fit comfortably in your mouth and beautify your smile.
Your dental implant should be treated the same as you would treat your natural teeth, and with a healthy dental hygiene routine, it can last for the rest of your life. If you are missing one or more teeth and are looking for an effective replacement option, talk to our team about whether dental implants are right for you. Call or visit our office today to schedule a consultation to our dentist and get started on your new smile today.
Dental Implants Q & A
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are a way to restore missing teeth in the mouth. It is a prosthetic post that is surgically implanted into the jawbone, allowing for a dental prosthesis, denture, or bridge to eventually be placed on top of it. Implants are a permanent fixture in your mouth, as they will be absorbed by the bone and act as a replacement tooth root.
The entire process of installing replacement teeth usually takes anywhere from six to 12 weeks from beginning to finish.
Who Qualifies for Dental Implants?
Typically, anyone who is missing one or more teeth can qualify for a dental implant. However, patients must show a commitment to good oral hygiene as the dental implants may fail or become infected without regular brushing. Additionally, people who smoke a lot or people who suffer from heart disease or diabetes may not qualify for dental implants due to underlying health risks.
What Are the Advantages of Dental Implants?
Dental implants are the most natural looking way to fill in the gaps from a missing tooth. Because they are permanent and last for many years, you might even forget that you have dentures. You simply care for them like you would normal teeth.
Additionally, they allow you to eat and speak normally once again. With dentures, your teeth might shift, causing a lisp or slur when you talk. Since dental implants are sturdier and non-removable, this does not happen.
Unlike bridges or crowns, dental implants do not require the removal of surrounding tooth surfaces. This means that you will have more of your original teeth left in your mouth.
How Successful Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants have a success rate of 90 to 95 percent in most patients. The better condition your mouth is in, the higher chance of overall success.