In the past, if you had one or more missing teeth the best your dentist could do was fit you with a bridge or a denture. Today, your dentist has a third option; dental implants. Dental implants in Mount Prospect are artificial replacements for missing teeth; they look and feel no different from natural teeth. Dental implants are comfortable and stable, as they are imbedded directly into the jaw bone.
What are dental implants?
Dental implants are man-made tooth roots that are anchored into the jaw bone, they are made from titanium and look very much like a small screw or cylinder. Dental implants can be used for one or all lost teeth in both the upper and lower jaw.
The implant is an artificial tooth root, once it becomes one with the bone a crown is placed on top.
Implants are very different from traditional dentures inasmuch as they are fixed; they are not removed for cleaning nor are there any need for adhesives. Unlike a bridge, they are not anchored to adjacent teeth; each implant is a stand-alone dental appliance.
How are implants placed?
There are three specific stages in the process:
* The dentist prepares the site by drilling a hole directly into the jaw bone. The titanium implant is screwed into position, covered and left to heal. After a period of time, which may be up to six months, the implant and bone have become as one.
* Once the implant is stable, the dentist uncovers it and adds a post, after another few months the gum will have healed.
* The third and final stage is the actually placing of a replacement tooth which is fixed to the top of the post. Once this is done the process is complete.
Dental implants in Mount Prospect are very successful and once placed can last for a lifetime.
If you are missing one or more teeth, dental implants in Mount Prospect may be the ideal solution for you. You are invited to make an appointment with James Kakos, DDS.
