You have missing teeth, low confidence, and difficulty chewing. Your remaining teeth are at risk due to shifting and general wear.
As a dentist in Springfield, IL, I understand how you feel and the uncertainty that can result when seeking tooth replacement.
Fortunately, my compassionate team and I can help restore your smile and its former beauty! In fact, we can help you realize the smile you’ve always wanted but didn’t think you could achieve.
Understanding Dental Implants
Dental implants are not like other tooth replacement options. They never rock or tilt. They never shift inside the mouth. You’ll never have to worry about embarrassing public mishaps or in-office relines.
Implants are like natural teeth—so similar that they require the same care and upkeep!
Unlike other tooth replacement options, dental implants are total anatomy replacements. You’ll have a new tooth and the necessary replacement root, two components necessary for superior function and longevity.
The Dental Implant Process
Your Dental Implant Consultation
Dental treatments like cosmetic dentistry and tooth replacement always start with a consultation in my dental office. This way, I can ensure the treatment is suitable and will give you superior results. I also want to hear about your smile goals and what you hope to achieve long term. We can discuss costs, and I’m happy to answer any questions you might have.
At this visit, you’ll also learn whether you’ll need pretreatments to help make implants a reality. These may include bone grafting or an extraction if a tooth is damaged beyond repair.
Your Dental Implant Surgery
I meticulously plan your dental implant placement using experience and image-guided technology. The implants are small titanium screws surgically placed in the jawbone under local anesthesia. These screws integrate into bone over a few months, which creates a solid foundation for new teeth or a prosthetic.
An implant-supported denture or bridge relies on six or fewer roots for secure placement and stability.
Artificial tooth color will always match the surrounding teeth. For complete implant-supported dentures in Springfield, IL, you choose the color!
Your Tooth or Prosthetic Placement
After integration, I place your new tooth (a custom dental crown) or prosthetic, which marks the end of your tooth replacement journey. Now you can smile confidently, enjoy all your favorite foods, and rest easy knowing implants offer oral health benefits.
Benefits of Dental Implants
Dental implants are like natural teeth, which means plenty of benefits for you.
- No Eating Restrictions — Bring complex and crunchy foods back to the diet.
- Confidence and an Easy Smile — You’ll never have to worry about prosthetic shifting or embarrassing slips with dental implants.
- Easy Oral Care—Dental implants require the same treatment as natural teeth—brush, floss, and continue to visit my dental office every six months for checkups.
- Reduced Wear and Tear — Missing teeth equals shifting teeth and undue wear and tear. Dental implants prevent tooth migration and reduce or eliminate wear and tear, securing your remaining teeth from loss or damage.
- Jawbone Support — Without tooth roots, your jawbone deteriorates. You’re left with a sunken or aged appearance in profile, especially around the chin. Dental implants are the only tooth replacement option that stimulates the jawbone, keeping it viable.
- Longevity — Dental implants, with proper care, can last decades or even a lifetime. This offsets the upfront costs because they simply last longer than other options.
Candidates for Dental Implants
Some patients are immediate candidates for dental implants. Others require pretreatments. Some are not candidates for dental implant treatment in any scenario.
Fortunately, dental implants are suitable for most patients, but the only way to be sure is to schedule a consultation at my dental office. If you’re not a candidate, I’ll explain why, and we can discuss alternative tooth replacement options.
Ideally, it would be best if diabetes is under control, gums are healthy, or I’m treating your gum issues, and you don’t smoke.
Success and Longevity of Dental Implants
Dental implant success rates are high—almost 98 percent. However, lifestyle plays a role. I strongly urge patients to give up tobacco, seek control of diabetes, continue with regular dental care, and contact my dental office immediately if they notice oral health changes.
With healthy habits, your new smile may last a lifetime!
Are You Considering Dental Implants in Springfield, IL?
If you want to learn more or are ready to schedule your tooth replacement consultation, my team and I look forward to hearing from you. Call today at (217) 787-0212.
I accept CareCredit financing!