Taking Care of Dental Problems From the Root Up
How are dental implants fitted? First, our oral surgeons will place a strong synthetic material into the tooth socket, allowing it to take the place of the root. Once that anchor is in place, it serves as the foundation to hold a new artificial tooth or dental bridge. Dental implants are incredibly natural-looking. They essentially replace the tooth’s structure from the bottom up, allowing ideal candidates to have a new artificial tooth root to fill in the gap.
What are Dental Implants
What Are the Advantages of Implants?
There are many advantages to receiving this surgical procedure, including:
- Improved appearance – Dental implants look and feel just like your natural teeth. And because they are designed to fuse with your jawbone, they become a permanent dental solution.
- Improved speech – Poorly fitted Dentures can slip around in the mouth, causing you to mumble or slur your words. Teeth implants allow you to speak clearly without the fear of them slipping out of place.
- Improved dental health – Dental implant placement doesn’t require reducing nearby teeth, as a tooth-supported bridge does. Because nearby teeth are not altered to support the implant, more of your natural teeth are left intact, improving long-term oral health. Individual implants also allow easier access between teeth, improving oral hygiene.
- Higher durability and success rate – The success rate of dental implant surgery can vary depending on where the implants are inserted in the jaw. Still, in general, dental implants have a success rate of up to 98%. And can last a lifetime with proper care.
What Type of Dental Implant Is Right for You?
Your prosthodontists will choose from the various coating, connectors, and size options available for each type of dental implant. While there are various ways to place implants, the type of implants usually falls into one of three groups: endosteal implants, subperiosteal implants, and zygomatic implants.
Common types of dental implant placement methods include:
- Full upper replacement: your dental surgeon will use implants to replace all upper teeth with new, synthetic teeth completely. All missing tooth roots will be replaced with implants.
- Full lower replacement: Big Smile Dental will replace all of your lower teeth, using essentially the same procedure as a full upper replacement to anchor all missing teeth.
- Anterior replacement: this procedure refers to replacing easily accessible and visible front teeth with implants. Dental specialists at Big Smile Dental will fill in the root area and then attach replacement teeth. This replacement can be performed for a single tooth or several missing teeth. Your oral surgeon will evaluate your particular needs and design a treatment plan accordingly.
- Posterior replacement: this type of replacement is as customizable as an anterior replacement but refers to the larger teeth in the back of the mouth. Here again, your dentist will evaluate your condition, determining whether one tooth needs to be replaced or a larger row needs implants.
How Long Is the Healing Process?
On average, dental implant surgery takes roughly four to six months of healing time. This healing phase permits the patient to recuperate before the dental crown is set.
Can Anyone Get Dental Implants?
Anyone who is healthy enough to have a standard tooth extraction or oral surgery can be considered for a dental implant in most circumstances. Patients must have healthy gums free of periodontal disease and sufficient bone to support the implant. They must also be committed to maintaining good oral hygiene and visiting the dentist regularly. Heavy smokers, those with uncontrolled chronic diseases like diabetes or heart disease, and patients who have had head/neck radiation therapy should all be reviewed individually. If you are considering dental implant surgery, consult our dentists at Big Smile Dental to see if they are right for you.
Chicago residents, especially in the Avondale and Logan Square areas, can request an appointment with Big Smile Dental for a consultation to determine their candidacy for this procedure. We’ll conduct a thorough examination of your mouth to determine if you’d do well with dental implants. Chicago residents benefit from more than just an experienced dental team in their neighborhood. With our special web offer, new patients can receive a complete examination and full set of x-rays for just $1!
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Implants
Is It Better to Get Dentures or Implants?
Because dental implants are easier to maintain than dentures, they require fewer visits to the dentist. You’ll never have to worry about your implants slipping out when speaking or laughing in public. They’re also more comfortable and natural-looking than dentures.
Do Tooth Implants Hurt?
Most patients experience pain once the anesthetic wears off and the surgery is completed. However, implant pain can be addressed by using an over-the-counter pain reliever like ibuprofen.
What Is the Failure Rate of Dental Implants?
Although implants have a high success rate, some individuals may experience implant failures. Tooth implants are projected to fail 5 to 10 percent of the time, either immediately after the treatment or months or years afterward.
How Do You Care for Dental Implants?
They require the same daily brushing and flossing as natural teeth, regular dental examinations, and professional cleanings. Even though implanted teeth never decay, the gum tissue around them can become inflamed or infected if oral care is neglected. Implants that are properly cared for should last a lifetime.
