Dental Implants
A dental implant replaces a missing tooth with an artificial tooth, using a metal post to secure the structure. Also known as the closest you can get to the real thing, implants are typically eligible patients’ first course of action. If you’re interested in implants, understanding how the process works and its benefits is worth it.
How Do Dental Implants in Elk Grove Village, IL Work?
Dental implants create permanent roots within your jawbone and gums, much like your real teeth. After the metal post has time to fuse with the jawbone, the permanent artificial tooth will be more secure than other replacement forms. While you certainly can explore other options, such as bridges or partial dentures, implants are more efficient if you seek the best possible solution.
The implant procedure typically entails the following steps:
- Evaluation: Evaluation for implants is important, as not everyone will be eligible for the procedure. If your jaw and gums aren’t healthy enough, they won’t be able to support the post. Plus, it’s worth noting that a very small fraction of patients’ bodies reject the post, so it’s important to have a qualified dentist in Elk Grove Village, IL, perform a thorough exam.
- Customized plans: Once the dentist gives you the green light, they’ll devise a personalized plan for you. Whether you need one tooth replaced or the entire upper set, the goal is to give you options that work for your schedule and budget, implants are a time commitment, so you need to be prepared for each stage of the process.
- Placement: If you’re getting multiple or single-tooth implants, the post will be inserted into the bone socket. While the jaw heals, the process will secure the post to the bone. During this time, you’ll wear a temporary crown. Everyone’s body will take different times to heal, but it can take anywhere from 6 to 12 weeks (or even longer).
- Abutment: As soon as the implant is sufficiently attached, the dentist will use an abutment to connect the prosthetic tooth to the implant. From there, they’ll use your natural teeth as a guide to make the artificial tooth. From color to shape, artificial teeth are designed to blend naturally into the rest of your smile.
Why Get Dental Implants?
Simply put, dental implants tend to be stronger than other options. While you may still need to watch what you eat (e.g., popcorn, taffy, etc.), implants are typically the most resilient. Plus, they require less maintenance than other options, meaning they’ll last longer and are easier to care for.
Additional benefits of dental implants include the following:
- Comfort: A full set of teeth is simply more comfortable. When you have a missing space in your mouth, it can affect not just the way you eat but also the way you speak. Even replacing one missing tooth can make a huge difference in your quality of life.
- Confidence: A complete smile is nice to have for more than just photos. If you cover up your smile or avoid social situations, you owe it to yourself to put yourself back out there.
- Oral health: When your teeth are missing, your other teeth don’t necessarily stay put. They can easily shift over into the gap, which can throw off anything from your eating habits to your
Dental Implants in Elk Grove Village, IL
At Schumer Family Dental Care, we meet patients wherever they are. Whether you’ve had a missing tooth for a while or you need an extraction, we’re here to give you whatever treatment you need to get the smile you want.
