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, we craft dental implant restorations and repair existing dental restorations. If you are searching for a dentist in Buffalo Grove, IL, who makes and repairs dental implant restorations, we can help! 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 your dentist. If we think you would benefit from dental implants, we will refer you to a surgeon.
During the consultation with the surgeon, they will evaluate your oral health to determine if you are a good candidate for implants. If you are cleared to get implants, they will discuss the best options for restoring your smile, including procedures like bone grafting if necessary.
After the implants are surgically placed into your jaw bone, you will have to wait several months for it to heal and integrate with your jawbone (osseointegration). This is a critical step in the implant process. If an implant does not fuse to the jawbone, it can become loose or even fall out.
It is possible to get a temporary abutment and crown put on the same day as surgery. In some cases, you can even get an entire arch of teeth on the same day! This procedure is called All-on-X or Teeth-in-a-Day.
Our Role in the Implant Process
As mentioned, we will not perform the dental implant surgery, but we will be there to guide you through the pre- and post-operative period.
Our role is to craft the dental implant restoration, the visible part of the implant. We work with the best laboratories in the world to produce high-quality dental crowns, implant-supported bridges and hybrid dentures (All-on-X or Teeth-in-a-day) and removable overdentures when indicated.
Once the implant is placed, we will provide the temporary abutment and restoration. We will come to the surgeons office to place these restorations on your dental implant (s). When your surgeon determines that your implant is fully healed and stable, we will place the permanent restoration.
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 surgeon 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 Restoration Repairs
With proper care and maintenance, dental implants can last a lifetime. However, the dental crown or bridge may need to be repaired or replaced. Just like natural teeth, a dental crown can crack, chip or break. If this happens, we can repair or replace the restoration in our office.
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 placed by a surgeon
- Osseointegration & healing
- Permanent restoration placed after osseintegration
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 a dentist in Buffalo Grove, IL, who makes and repairs dental implant restorations, we can help! To schedule an appointment, call (847) 215-1511 or complete the online booking form.
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.
