Chicago dentist, Dentist in Chicago, IL

Benefits of the oral rehabilitation with dental implant:

In the past, dentists would try to keep or replace teeth with treatments such as root canals, bridges, and fixed or removable dentures. Unfortunately, a small number of root canal treated teeth fail, bridges require that healthy adjacent teeth be cut down and removable dentures can often be unstable and require the use of sticky adhesives. Dental implants are a solution to these problems, and many of the concerns associated with natural teeth are eliminated, including dental decay. Although there are many ways to restore a tooth, a dental implant is the only way to replace a root and prevent bone loss associated with the loss of a tooth. The amount of bone loss after the first year of extractions is 10-20% and continues after that.

Other benefits of Dental Implants are:

• They act and feel like natural teeth.
• They improve the appearance and help improve confidence.
• Replacement teeth, bridges and crowns are kept stable.

What is a dental implant?

The dental implant serves as the replacement for the root portion of a missing natural tooth. It is machined from surgical-grade titanium alloy to exacting specifications. A dentist places the implant into either the upper or lower jawbone. After a period of time, the implant integrates with the bone and becomes a secure anchor for a replacement tooth, a fixed bridge, a removable partial, or a complete denture.

RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH NO TREATMENT:

Just as we try to explain both the advantages and risks of the implants, it is also important to explain what can happen if there is no implant procedure. Without treatment, the following may occur:

· Progressive resorbtion of the jawbone structure.

· Increased difficulty wearing conventional dentures increased loss of bony support of the face, lips and cheeks increased difficulty in chewing.

· Drifting or tilting of the remaining teeth.

· Inflammation, ulcerations, abnormal tissue growth associated with ill-fitting dentures or bridge.

Other Benefits:

· The implant will osseointegrate (bond) with the existing bone.

· The new implant will support your teeth firmly and safely.

· Your new implants are aesthetically pleasing.

· You will no longer have pain during talking or eating.

· The dental implant will prevent progressive bone atrophy.

· Implants have a proven scientific basis.

Procedure

The tooth structure has two main sections, the root and the crown. The root is the section of the tooth that is below the gumline. A dental implant acts as the restorative for this section of the tooth. The metal implant acts as an anchor in the jawbone. The first step of the procedure is surgical placement of the implant. Under regular dental anesthetic, the gum tissue is opened and the dentist places the implant into the jawbone. When this is achieved, the tissue is then sutured closed. There is not often significant discomfort with this procedure. This process can take from 1-3 hours depending on the number of implants being placed.

Dr. Cruz has extensive training and experience in oral rehabilitation with Dental implants.