A Closer Look at Dental Implants
Thanks to vastly improved dental care, tooth replacement has become less prominent, but it remains a problem for a significant number of people. Fortunately, due to advancements in modern dental technology, replacing lost teeth is both effective and convenient through the use of dental implants.
As one of the best dentists in Mundelein, we often recommend dental implants to our patients to help rebuild and preserve their beautiful smile after tooth loss. In this article, we will explain how dental implants work and how you might benefit from them.
What is a Dental Implant?
From bottom to top, a dental implant is made up of three main parts: the dental post, the abutment anchor and the dental restoration or prosthetic.
- The dental implant post – This is the “root” of your new tooth restoration. The post is similar to a small screw and is made of biocompatible, dental-grade titanium. Once implanted, the post will fuse with the jaw bone, stabilizing the bite as well as the structure of the jaw.
- The abutment anchor – The anchor is a small metal piece that acts as an anchor to secure the dental restoration to the dental post. Once the dental implant post has thoroughly fused with the jawbone, the anchor is attached to the post and will protrude slightly above the gum line. The final dental restoration will be attached to the anchor for a stable and functional result.
- The dental restoration – This is the part of the implant that mimics the crown of the missing tooth. The most modern, high-quality dental materials are used to create these dental restorations. All dental restorations are meticulously color matched and shaped to blend seamlessly with your natural teeth.
The Advantages of Dental Implants
- They mimic healthy natural teeth. Modern dental crowns, bridges and dentures are designed to mimic the appearance of your lost teeth. However, they lack the roots that support your healthy, natural teeth. Instead they rely on adhesives, clasps, and/or nearby healthy teeth for support.
In contrast, the dental implant-supported prosthesis more closely mimics the entire structure of your natural teeth, including the roots, to give the replacement teeth a more lifelike feel. The structure of the implant also stabilizes the prosthesis, preventing it from shifting or moving as you bite and chew.
- They provide a vital benefit to your jawbone. One of the most important benefits that implants provide, is the preservation of your jawbone and your overall oral health. For example, after the loss of one or more teeth, the absence of their roots means your jawbone is receiving fewer nutrients. That, in turn, can lead to shrinkage of the jawbone as it loses mass and density over the years.
Dental implant posts help stop this degradation by reestablishing stimulation each time you bite and chew. And restored stimulation means the restoration of your jawbone’s nutrient supply, which is vital to its long-term health and integrity.
- Daily maintenance is easier than it is with dentures. When replacement teeth are anchored with implants, things like clasps and adhesives are not needed; this means you can simply brush and floss as you would your natural teeth. However, it’s essential to remember that even with implants, maintaining good oral health requires a consistent, daily oral hygiene routine – as well as regular professional dental checkups and cleanings.
Best Implant Dentists in Mundelein
From this summary, we hope you have a better understanding of the many benefits dental implants have to offer. To learn more, we invite you to contact North Suburban Dental to schedule your initial dental implant consultation.
