Dental implants from our Oakbrook, IL, practice have such a lifelike appearance that we list them among our cosmetic dentistry treatments. Whether you are missing one tooth or all of them, dental implants can restore your smile, your oral function, and your self-confidence. These state-of-the-art restorations offer numerous advantages over older types of dental prosthetics.
When you visit Gallery Dental of Oakbrook, Dr. Peter Noto can evaluate your candidacy for dental implants and explain their many benefits. Contact us today to learn more and to make an appointment with Dr. Noto.
What are dental implants?
If you are missing teeth, you are not alone. An estimated 2 in 3 American adults are missing one or more teeth. Dental implants allow patients to replace both their missing teeth and the underlying tooth roots.
Dental implants are small titanium posts that are inserted into your jawbone during a precise and conservative oral surgery. These posts actually integrate with the bone tissue so that they become permanent fixtures in your jaw. After a period of recovery, Dr. Noto can attach a beautifully crafted restoration. A single implant can support a crown to replace one missing tooth. Multiple implants can support larger bridges and dentures.
#1. Implants look remarkably lifelike.
In the past,tooth-supported bridges and removable dentures were the only restorative options for missing teeth, and they still remain viable options. Innovations in dental technology have made these prosthetics more realistic than ever before. Nonetheless, they often do not have the same lifelike appearance as implant-supported restorations.
Many removable bridges or partial dentures use clips to connect the prosthetic to the nearby teeth and keep them from moving around. Dentures also require a plastic base and adhesive to stay in place.
In contrast, implant-supported restorations rest directly against the gums, meaning they are essentially identical to natural teeth.
#2. Greater stability than other dental restorations.
Because implants are a permanent part of your jawbone, the attached restorations will never move in your mouth. You won’t have to worry about changing your diet to avoid damaging your dental prosthetic. There will be no more embarrassing slippages while you eat or speak. Plus, you can care for the permanent restoration just like you care for your biological teeth. When you practice proper hygiene, dental implants can last fifteen years or more.
#3. Implants do not affect your other teeth.
A fixed bridge consists of a new tooth or teeth, flanked by a crown on one or both ends. The crowns fit over the teeth flanking the gap in your dental arch. To place the bridge, your dentist would need to reshape these adjacent teeth. In comparison, dental implants will not compromise your healthy teeth.
#4. Implants protect your long-term oral health.
Perhaps the top advantage of dental implants is their impact on your overall dental wellness. When you lose even one tooth, your jawbone starts to recede – and quickly. Patients may lose up to 50% of their jawbone volume in the first six months following tooth loss.
Bone recession will certainly affect your appearance and the proportions of your face. It can also lead to additional tooth loss, as your jawbone starts to shrink away from your other tooth roots.
Dental implants prevent this cyclic problem because they perform the same regenerative role as natural tooth roots. When your teeth touch, whether you are chewing or talking, the implants send out a signal that stimulates new tissue growth. In this way, implants do not only restore your missing teeth. They can also ward off additional dental problems and the need for future restorative care.
Contact Us to Learn More about Dental Implants in Oakbrook, IL
If you are considering dental implants, we are happy to answer your questions and explain more about the benefits of these restorations. Contact Gallery Dental of Oakbrook today to speak to a team member or to book an in-person or video consultation. Reach us online or call the office at (630) 620-8300.