Can anyone get dental implants?
Most people qualify for dental implants but must meet certain criteria. Since getting implants involves surgical procedures, you must be in good overall health and have enough bone to support the implants. If you suffer from dental issues such as gum disease or tooth decay, we must treat those issues first. The implant posts must have a healthy environment in which to heal. To see if you qualify, schedule a dental exam with Dr. Brent Engelberg at his Arlington Heights, IL dentist office.
How are dental implants better for your oral health?
Dental implant-retained restorations are fixed in the mouth, allowing the patient’s biting, chewing, and speaking ability to return to almost normal. This means you can enjoy a larger variety of healthy foods that will support an overall healthy lifestyle. Teeth implants will also prevent surrounding teeth from shifting, which could possibly lead to bite issues. Teeth implants will also stimulate the jaw bone, preventing gradual bone loss.
How many dental implants will I need?
This will depend on how many teeth are missing and their location. A single dental implant supports a dental crown for patients who only have one tooth. If you are missing more than one tooth, two or more implants will be used to support a dental bridge, partial denture, or full denture. At your implant consultation, Dr. Engelberg will examine your teeth to determine how many dental implants will anchor the restoration that best supports your oral health needs.
In what way are dental implants better than dental bridges?
Dental bridges require reducing the adjacent anchor teeth on both sides of the gap. In essence, you are damaging two healthy natural teeth to replace one or two teeth. We place dental implants in the void where the missing teeth were located and do not harm any natural teeth.
Instead, we replace one missing tooth with an implant-supported crown and multiple consecutive teeth with an implant-supported dental bridge. The bridge anchors to two implants surgically placed on both sides of the gap. A dental bridge will not replace the missing teeth roots, whereas a dental implant restoration will prevent bone loss.
How are dental implants better than traditional, removable dentures?
Removable, traditional dentures have a bad reputation for being uncomfortable and difficult to get used to. They also slip around in the mouth, causing slurred speech and issues with chewing food. You must avoid certain foods because you lose biting force when wearing dentures.
Dental implant-retained dentures, on the other hand, are more secure and durable. They are like natural teeth, making them the most comfortable full-arch replacement option. They will not slip around in your mouth, and you can enjoy various foods because they are surgically secured in place. Implant dentures will also prevent bone loss, leading to a sunken-in look on the face.
How do I take care of my dental implants and dental restoration?
Caring for your implant-supported restoration is similar to caring for your natural teeth. You must brush your teeth multiple times daily and floss at least once daily. If your restoration requires specific cleaning instructions, Dr. Engelberg will show you how to care for it. If cared for properly, your dental implant restoration should last a lifetime.
How do I learn more about my dental implant options?
To keep researching your options for dental implants, visit the links below.