If you are missing teeth, you can choose from several restorative options. Bridges and dentures are among the most common options. However, if you are looking for more advanced care and highly lifelike restorations, consider dental implants. Drs. Libunao and Hawkins can place these small metal posts inside your jawbone, and they can uphold a custom-crafted restoration. Implants are permanent, and they can enhance your appearance and oral health. For these reasons, most dental experts consider implants to be the ideal option for patients with missing teeth. If you are considering this treatment, our dentists will evaluate your jawbone and health history to determine if implants are right for you. They can also help you select the most appropriate option from our various types of implants. To learn more about dental implant benefits, contact our Bolingbrook practice today.
WHAT ARE DENTAL IMPLANTS?
As stated above, implants are small titanium posts. By affixing them in your jawbone, Dr. Libunao or Dr. Hawkins will essentially replace your dental roots. During the healing process, your bone and gums will integrate with the posts, so that they become permanently anchored in your jaw. When you have completely healed, your dentist will attach a crown, partial denture, or full arch denture to the tops of the posts.
DENTAL IMPLANTS ARE DURABLE
With proper care, implants are permanent. In most cases, you will not have to worry about replacing your restorations. Over time, this could save you a significant amount of time and money. Nevertheless, proper dental care is vital to protect your implants. If bacteria accumulate in your gum tissue, you could develop gum disease. This will compromise your restorations, and, due to poor periodontal health, you may not be able to replace them. To maintain your implants, brush, floss, and use mouthwash daily. You should also schedule exams and cleanings with your general dentist at least twice a year.
IMPLANTS OFFER STABILITY AND CONVENIENCE
Like natural tooth roots, implants will not slip out of place. This means that you can speak, smile, and laugh without embarrassment. You can also eat a full range of foods. Even if you receive a full implant-supported denture, you can enjoy things like whole fruits, crusty baguettes, and even chewing gum. In the past, these foods were strictly off limits to patients who had suffered tooth loss.
A LIFELIKE APPEARANCE
Modern dental restorations look more natural than ever before. Advanced porcelain, zirconia, and similar materials are available in a range of natural colors. Your oral surgeon and our partner ceramists can select the shade that blends with your smile. These materials also have a natural interplay with light, so they will be virtually identical to dental enamel. However, even removable restorations offer these benefits. Implants have an added advantage because they will sit directly against your gums. You will not have to conceal a plastic base, denture adhesive, or attachment pieces.
PROTECT YOUR OVERALL ORAL HEALTH WITH IMPLANTS
Though less noticeable, one of the most important benefits of implants is that they can protect your jawbone health. Natural tooth roots give off signals to the surrounding bone, which will stimulate growth of new bone cells. This growth replaces naturally lost minerals to prevent jawbone recession and maintain your facial structure. Unfortunately, when you are missing teeth, your bone will recede quickly. In turn, this can lead to a compromised appearance and further tooth loss. Like dental roots, implants will stimulate bone growth, protecting your appearance, self-confidence, and remaining healthy teeth.
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE BENEFITS OF DENTAL IMPLANTS
Contact our office today for more information about dental implants and to find out if these restorations are right for you.