|
Your teeth provide underlying support to facial muscles, allow you to consume a healthy diet, and give you an incredible smile. One missing tooth might not seem like a big deal, but if a missing tooth isn’t replaced, your risk for losing more teeth will increase. Furthermore, remaining teeth must take on more of the workload, and they will shift out of alignment. This can alter your bite, which may lead to jaw pain and bruxism (teeth grinding). With implant therapy, we can revitalize the health and appearance of your smile.
Understanding Dental Implants
The closest alternative to natural teeth, a dental implant is a metal post that forms an artificial tooth root. After placing the implant, a prosthetic crown or denture is secured on top of the post. Before treatment begins, our dentists will evaluate your mouth to make sure you have enough bone mass to support dental implants long-term. In some cases, preliminary procedures, like bone grafting or sinus lifts, are required.
Completing the Process
A skilled specialist will position the small implant posts into the sockets left by your missing teeth. One implant post can hold one crown, or a few posts can secure a bridge, partial, or denture. Over time, your mouth will heal and the bone will adhere to the implants to form a foundation for prosthetic teeth.
Implant-Retained Dentures
If your dentures slip out of place, feel loose, or you simply don’t like the cleaning routine, consider implant-retained dentures. Your current denture might be modified with snaps, or our dentists may recommend a new denture that will attach to your implants. In most cases, a denture will be secure on about four implant posts, spaced strategically on a jaw. With implant-retained dentures, you will never experience slippage or looseness. You also will not have to use denture cream.
To find out more about our general, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry services, call our Lemont and Downers Grove office today and schedule a consultation with Dr. Xhelo Shuaipaj or Dr. Mazar Shuaipaj. We look forward to helping you enjoy restored oral function and beauty.
|
