What are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are permanent tooth replacement restorations. They are metal posts that are inserted into the jaw bone that act as tooth roots for abutments and dental crowns. An abutment and crown will be placed after an implant has successfully bonded with the jaw bone.
Dental implants can withstand the same wear and tear normal teeth encounter every day. This means they’re incredibly durable and designed to last a lifetime.
If you’re ready to restore your smile and think dental implants might be right for you, reach out to Oak Lawn Smiles Family Dentistry to schedule an appointment.
What Do Dental Implants Treat?
Dental implants can be used to replace a single missing tooth, multiple missing teeth, or severely damaged teeth that require extraction. Dental implants restore both beauty and functionality to patient smiles. Once missing or damaged teeth are replaced, patients can chew their favorite foods again, speak more eloquently, and smile without reserve.
Dental implants also help prevent various oral health issues that can occur as a result of missing teeth. Some of these problems include the following:
- Tooth Shifting
- Jaw Bone Deterioration
- Gum Disease
- Bite Alignment Problems
- Trouble Speaking
- Trouble Chewing
- Uneven Tooth Wear
- Facial Sagging
The issues listed above will not occur overnight. However, if you have one or more missing teeth, your dental health and hygiene will be impacted over time. For example, in just one year after losing a tooth, the jaw bone can deteriorate by 25% in that area.
Dental Implant Surgery – The Process
Patients usually come in for at least three separate appointments when they’re undergoing a dental implant procedure.
The first appointment is the consultation. Your dentist will perform an exam to assess your dental health. Dental x-rays will likely be taken, as well. If you’re a good candidate for dental implants, a following appointment will be scheduled for your oral surgery.
The Surgical Procedure
Before surgery begins, your dentist will fully numb the treatment area. You will also get the chance to discuss other anesthesia options with your dentist prior to the procedure.
Your dentist will begin by extracting any remaining tooth fragments. Then, they will remove a section of gum tissue in order to reach the jaw bone. Using a small drill, they will create a channel within the jaw bone where the implant will be placed.
Once the implant is inserted, your dentist will close the surgical site. You will need to wait three to four weeks for the area to completely heal. It then takes a total of three to six months for the implant to fully bond with the jaw bone.
After the healing process is complete, an abutment will be placed on top of the implant. The abutment acts as the connection point between the implant and dental crown. Once the crown is placed, your implant procedure is complete.
Sometimes, the abutment will be placed before the implant has fully bonded with the jaw bone. This allows the gum tissue to heal around the implant and abutment, providing easy access when it’s time to attach the crown.
When are Implants Placed?
Dental implants will be placed after you receive an initial consultation. If you require tooth extraction, your dentist may perform the extraction a few weeks prior to your implant procedure. However, some extractions are performed at the same time as implant surgery.
If you lost a tooth due to infection, you’ll have to wait until the area heals before receiving a dental implant.
If you require bone grafting, you will have to wait several months for the jaw to heal after the bone graft surgery before receiving an implant. Significant jaw bone loss can occur in as little as three months after losing a tooth. Bone grafting may be required for individuals who have been dealing with missing teeth or severely decayed teeth for some time.
Knowing How Many Implants You Need
Whether you need a single tooth or multiple teeth replaced, the team at Oak Lawn Smiles Family Dentistry can help. We have extensive experience in performing full smile restorations, from implant dentistry and other tooth replacement solutions, to fillings and crowns.
Why Choose Us
At Oak Lawn Smiles Family Dentistry, we use advanced, state-of-the-art dental technology and equipment to perform a variety of cosmetic and restorative procedures. We opt for conservative treatment methods whenever possible. We also have experience working with patients of all ages with varying dental health conditions.
Contact Oak Lawn Smiles – Your Family Dentist Near Palos Heights, IL
If you’re searching for a trusted family dentist in Palos Heights, IL for cosmetic dental care, contact Oak Lawn Smiles Family Dentistry. Our team of professionals are highly skilled at addressing all types of cosmetic dental flaws, including missing teeth and severe tooth damage. We offer tooth replacement solutions that permanently restore function and beauty to patient smiles.
No matter what dental health concerns you may have, our team can help. Contact our cosmetic dentist in Palos Heights, IL today by calling (708) 424-2150.
