Implants are one of the biggest success stories in the evolution of dental technology. My Peoria, IL patients are often full of questions about this topic.
For many years, if you had missing teeth, your only options were bridges, partials, or full dentures. Now you can replace missing teeth with dental implants, which are a way to approximate the functionality of real teeth.
Dental implants attach directly to your jaw by way of an anchor, a post, and an artificial tooth.
Teeth replacements are not going to perform as well as your natural teeth. They take some getting used to. But for many folks, they're far better than having unsightly and embarrassing gaps between teeth.
Also, because they require extensive surgery, dental implants are only for patients who are in good health, have healthy gums, and adequate bone in the jaw. Such issues as diabetes, heart problems, and immune system deficiencies may rule out implants as a solution for a person.
The American Dental Association provides this information about dental implants:
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First, the dentist surgically places the implant into the jawbone. Your dentist may recommend a diet of soft foods, cold foods and warm soup during the healing process.
Next, the bone around the implant heals in a process called osseointegration. What makes an implant so strong is that the bone actually grows around it and holds it in place. Osseointegration means “combines with the bone” and takes time.
Some patients might need to wait until the implant is completely integrated, up to several months, before replacement teeth can be attached to the implant. Other patients can have the implants and replacement teeth placed all in one visit.
Finally, it’s time for the placement of the artificial tooth/teeth.
For a single tooth implant, your dentist will customize a new tooth for you, called a dental crown. The crown will be based on size, shape, color and fit, and will be designed to blend in with your other teeth. If you are replacing more than a single tooth, custom-made bridges or dentures will be made to fit your mouth and your implants.
(Note: The replacement teeth usually take some time to make. In the meantime, your dentist may give you a temporary crown, bridge or denture to help you eat and speak normally until the permanent replacement is ready.)
If you are interested in dental implants, it's a good idea to discuss it carefully with your dentist first. If you are in good general health this treatment may be an option for you. In fact, your health is more of a factor than your age. You may be medically evaluated by a physician before any implant surgery is scheduled.
Chronic illnesses, such as diabetes or leukemia, may interfere with healing after surgery. Patients with these issues may not be good candidates for implants. Using tobacco can also slow healing.
If you are interested in dental implants, it's a good idea to discuss it carefully with your dentist first. If you are in good general health this treatment may be an option for you. In fact, your health is more of a factor than your age. You may be medically evaluated by a physician before any implant surgery is scheduled.
Chronic illnesses, such as diabetes or leukemia, may interfere with healing after surgery. Patients with these issues may not be good candidates for implants. Using tobacco can also slow healing.
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If you're interested in dental implants, please contact me. I'll be happy to explain them in greater detail.
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