Missing teeth can have a big impact on your health and lifestyle. Dental implants are a great option for replacing missing teeth because they look, feel, and function like natural teeth. With so many benefits, it’s no wonder this procedure continues to be a popular choice.
At Morris Dental Solutions, your oral health is our top priority. That is why we offer expert dental implant repairs and restorations in our practice. If you are searching for dental implants Buffalo Grove, IL, dental implants near me, or dental implants Arlington Heights, IL, we are here for you. To schedule an appointment, call (847) 215-1511 or complete the online booking form.
What Is a Dental Implant?
A dental implant is a titanium post surgically placed into the jawbone. It acts as an anchor to support a replacement tooth, bridge, or denture. Implants are strong and durable, making them an ideal choice for people who want to improve their smile with lasting results. An implant has three parts: the titanium post, the abutment (the piece that connects the implant to the crown), and a dental crown.
Benefits of Dental Implants
Dental implants have many advantages over other tooth replacement options, such as bridges and dentures.
- Look natural: Implants look, feel, and function like natural teeth. This makes them the most realistic way to replace missing teeth.
- Long-lasting: With proper care, dental implants can last a lifetime, making them a cost-effective investment in your oral health.
- Restore function: Implants help restore the normal function of teeth because they are securely attached to the jawbone. This can improve your ability to speak and eat normally.
- Prevent jawbone loss: Dental implants help preserve the jawbone and prevent it from deteriorating, maintaining your facial structure.
- Preserve your smile: Dental implants can help you maintain your natural smile by filling in gaps caused by missing teeth.
Common Types Of Implants
Endosteal: This type of implant is the most common form of implant. It is placed directly into the jaw bone and can be used to anchor a single tooth or several teeth.
Zygomatic: This type of implant replaces the entire upper arch of missing teeth. It is placed into the zygomatic bone in the cheek, allowing for maximum stability and strength. It is not a common type of implant and is usually only considered in cases where other types of dental implants will not work.
How the Implant Process Works
The dental implant process begins with a consultation. During the consultation, your dentist will evaluate your oral health to determine if you are a good candidate for implants. If you are cleared to get implants, we will discuss the best options for restoring your smile, including procedures like bone grafting if necessary.
Next, we will take X-rays and high-resolution dental images of your mouth to get a better understanding of your jawbone structure and determine the implant placement. Once we have a plan, your dentist will assist an oral surgeon or periodontist in surgically placing the implants into your jawbone.
Once the implant is placed, you will need to wait several months for it to heal and integrate with your jawbone. A temporary crown can be placed at this time if needed. In some cases, the temporary crown or bridge can be placed on the implants on the same day. Once your implant is fully healed, we will place a permanent crown or bridge to restore the look of your smile. During this time, our team of dentists and hygienists will help you take care of your implant and monitor your healing process.
Importance of Osseointegration
Osseointegration is an important concept in dental implants. It refers to the process of fusing the implant to your jawbone. This fusion creates a strong connection between the two, allowing for maximum stability and strength of your replacement tooth or bridge. If an implant does not fuse to the jawbone, it can become loose or even fall out. That’s why it’s important to choose a qualified implant specialist and follow their instructions for proper care before, during, and after your surgery.
What if I’m Missing All of My Teeth?
If you’re missing all of your teeth, dental implants can still provide a solution. Your dentist may recommend an implant-supported full bridge or denture. This prosthesis uses several implants placed in the jawbone to securely hold the replacement teeth. If you are missing multiple teeth, failure to replace them with implants can cause additional problems such as gum disease, shifting teeth, and bone loss.
Dental Implant Repair
With proper care and maintenance, most dental implants will last a lifetime. However, in some cases, a dental implant may need to be repaired or replaced due to injury or other factors.If your implant becomes loose, damaged, or infected, it is important to seek treatment as soon as possible. Our dentist will assess the implant and determine if it needs to be replaced or repaired. Depending on the extent of damage, the repair process may consist of replacing a single part or even replacing the entire implant.
Summary
- A dental implant is a titanium post surgically placed into the jawbone. It acts as an anchor to support a replacement tooth, bridge, or denture.
- An implant has three parts: the titanium post, the abutment (the piece that connects the implant to the crown), and a dental crown.
- Benefits:
- Look natural
- Long-lasting
- Restore function
- Prevent jaw bone loss
- Restore your smile
- 2 types of implants:
- Endosteal
- Zygomatic
- Procedure:
- Consult, including X-rays and high-resolution dental images
- Implant placement by oral surgeon
- Osseointegration & healing
- Permanent crown placed after healing stage
Restoring Healthy, Beautiful Smiles
Dental implants are a great solution to restore your smile and improve oral health. If you’re considering dental implants, contact our team at Morris Dental Solutions today to learn more about the procedure and to determine if you’re a good candidate.
If you are searching for dental implants Buffalo Grove, IL, dental implants near me, or dental implants Arlington Heights, IL, we are here for you. To schedule an appointment, call (847) 215-1511 or complete the online booking form. We look forward to helping you with your beautiful smile! We also proudly serve the communities of Barrington, Long Grove, and Highland Park.
Call UsDental Implant FAQ
With proper care and maintenance, implants can last for many years. Some studies have shown that they can last a lifetime. The crown, on the other hand, may need to be replaced after 10-15 years.
Dental implants are a more costly treatment option compared to other restorative solutions, such as dentures or dental bridges. However, they can also offer greater long-term value than other solutions since they do not require regular replacements.
If an implant is not properly cared for, dental implant failure can occur within a few months. Proper care and maintenance are key to making sure your implant lasts for many years. It’s important to follow your dentist’s instructions and regularly brush and floss your teeth to keep the area clean.
Peri-implantitis is the most common reason for implant failure. It is a bacterial infection that affects the tissue and bone around the implant, causing inflammation and weakening bonding between the implant and jawbone. If it’s not treated quickly, it can lead to implant loss. To prevent peri-implantitis, it’s important to keep your implant area clean, visit the dentist regularly, and practice good oral hygiene.
Most dental implant procedures are relatively pain-free because anesthesia is used throughout the procedure. Many patients experience mild discomfort during the procedure, but this can usually be managed with local anesthetic or sedation. Recovery times vary depending on your individual situation and the type of implants used.
The best way to determine if dental implants are right for you is to visit Morris Dental Solutions. We can evaluate your situation and determine if this is the best solution for you. We can also discuss other options that may be available.
