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Dental Implants

DENTAL IMPLANTS IN NORRIDGE, IL

Are you self-conscious because of missing teeth? If so, dental implants may be a good option for you. For people missing a tooth or several teeth, dental implants offer an excellent tooth replacement option, without having to deal with removable bridges and dentures. Once in place, they maintain normal function, and look and feel natural. You don’t have to hide your smile anymore!

 

What Are Dental Implants?

Dental implants offer a restorative and cosmetic solution to replace missing teeth. They are designed to blend in with surrounding teeth. Implants are titanium posts that act as artificial tooth roots, providing a permanent base for fixed replacement teeth. Dental implants are now becoming the standard for tooth replacement because they feel, fit, and function just like your natural teeth.

Dental implants typically come in three parts. The first part is the implant which is a titanium screw that acts as a root for the artificial tooth. It is permanently attached to your jaw. The second part is the abutment. It is a connector that supports a tooth or a set of teeth. The last part is the crown, also called a prosthetic tooth. It is the part that you can see above your gum line. Porcelain is usually the choice material because of its durability and the natural look it delivers.

 

Are Dental Implants Right for Me?

If you are missing a single tooth, multiple teeth, or a full upper or lower set of teeth, dental implants could be a good choice for you. Most people in good health, with healthy gums and adequate bone to support the implant, are perfect candidates.

What Are the Benefits of Dental Implants?

Dental implants are the best alternative to healthy, natural teeth. They are sturdy and stable, restoring a missing tooth to look, feel, fit, and function just like a natural tooth. Dental implants are durable, making them an excellent long-term solution. Traditional dental bridges last from five to seven years, and with care, may last up to 10 years. Dental implants, on the other hand, have the potential to last a lifetime with proper care.

Dental implants retain your natural facial structure and your smile. Without teeth, your face can sag and have a sunken appearance. Additionally, dental implants are the only restorations that preserve your healthy bone. Leaving empty spaces can lead to loss and deterioration of your jawbone. Options such as dentures and bridges can lead to bone loss and unlike implants, may interfere with eating, smiling, and speaking. Imagine eating anything you want once again!

What Are the Types of Dental Implants?

Dental implant surgery has been shown to be one of the safest procedures in dentistry, with The American Dental Association (ADA) considering endosteal and subperiosteal implants to be reliable options.

Endosteal implants: This is the most common type of procedure for implants. Endosteal implants are devices surgically implanted into the jawbone. After healing, an abutment is connected to the original implant. Finally, an artificial tooth or teeth are attached to the abutment.

Subperiosteal implants: These devices involve a metal plate fitted onto the jawbone, just below the gumline. Posts attached to the frame protrude through the gums, then prosthetic teeth are mounted to the posts. This type of implant works well for patients who lived with missing teeth for a long time, resulting in a significant amount of bone reabsorption, leaving the insufficient bone present to support endosteal implants.

The Implant Procedure Explained

First, we will surgically place the titanium implants into your jawbone. The bone around the implant will heal and fuse to the implant in a process called osseointegration, which may take several months. Next, we will place the abutment, which is an extension of the titanium post. After your soft tissue heals, we will make a mold of your teeth and jawbone, which will be used to construct your prosthetic teeth.

The last step is placing the tooth or teeth onto the abutment. If you are replacing a single tooth, we will customize a crown to blend seamlessly with your remaining teeth. If we are restoring multiple teeth, we will likely fit you with custom-made fixed bridges or dentures. The entire process will likely take several months to complete. Most of that time involves waiting for healing and the growth of new bone in your jaw. During the wait, we may fit you with a temporary crown, bridge, or denture so that you can function normally until your permanent restoration is ready.

How Do I Care for Dental Implants?

Caring for your dental implants is just like caring for your natural teeth. It is necessary that you brush and floss your teeth regularly, and rinse daily with an antibacterial mouthwash. Make sure to keep up with your routine dental checkups and cleanings as scheduled. During your visits, we will examine your implants and make sure that everything is working well.

You must be willing to commit to keeping your restorations healthy through meticulous oral hygiene to ensure their long-term success. With proper care, your new implants have the potential to last a lifetime.

Take Action Today!

Contact Dr. Salvatore Storniolo, DDS and his team to learn more about dental implants and how they can work for you. We will work to identify and treat any dental condition you may have. Our highly trained and qualified staff are here to answer all your questions and to offer you the best treatment options available. We are all about restoring your healthy, natural smile!