Dental Implants in Springfield, IL

Digital diagram of dental implant in gums with dental crownAt Ruggless Dental, our goal is to save your teeth. However, severe damage, decay, or trauma can lead to dental extractions or periodic tooth loss, which is devastating.

Dr. Shane Ruggless, DMD understands how distressing tooth loss can be to your self-esteem. He knows that tooth loss interferes with your bite and the way you speak. Our dentist in Springfield, IL simply wants you to regain your oral health and feel free to smile again and to enjoy your favorite meals without worry.

Dental implants are the gold standard in tooth replacement, and we have seen many patients reclaim both their bite and livelihoods after dental implant placement. The “reveal” moment is probably our favorite part of the dental implant journey!

If you’re considering dental implants near Springfield, or would like to schedule an implant consultation with Dr. Shane Ruggless, contact our dental office today at (217) 787-0212. 

The Most Natural Option to Replace Missing Teeth

A dental implant restoration is the best replacement for a lost tooth on the planet. There is simply nothing available today that looks or functions more like a natural tooth than a dental implant restoration!

Dental implants do more than just give you a beautiful smile. Other benefits of dental implants include:

  • Improved bite and dietary selection
  • Prevention of existing teeth shifting toward an empty tooth socket
  • Prevention of bone loss in your jaw
  • Decreased wear and tear on existing teeth

Patients Near Springfield Who Can Benefit from Implants

Patient smiling at dentist near me Springfield ILMost healthy adults are good candidates for dental implants. However, Dr. Shane Ruggless will evaluate your oral and physical health to make sure you’re a good candidate for our dental implants.

In rare cases, bone loss in your jaw due to missing teeth could mean bone grafting to provide a solid foundation for your dental implant. We refer patients to a trusted surgeon for implant post-placement and possible bone grafting. 

Our Springfield implant dentist will ask you comprehensive medical questions during your evaluation to make sure that dental implant restoration is right for you.

During this initial evaluation, you can ask any questions or share any relevant medical concerns that you may have.

Dental Implants vs. Bridges

An implant is a threaded titanium post that is placed into the jaw where the bone will integrate around it. Once the implant heals, an abutment and crown are attached to this implant. This implant crown will look and function just like the rest of the teeth in your mouth.

The biggest positive in choosing an implant versus a bridge is that we do not have to drill on the adjacent tooth to accomplish our goal of tooth replacement. However, in most cases, the implant process will cost slightly more than a bridge, and it will take longer to complete compared with a dental bridge.

Before dental implants, bridges were the go-to for tooth replacement. Dental bridges still provide excellent results as well.

Dental bridges involve shaping down teeth on either side of the missing tooth. This allows a dental crown to fit between the two shaped teeth.

A bridge over an implant makes sense when there isn’t adequate bone for implant placement.

Procedure for Implants at Ruggless Dental

A dental implant is a thin but strong titanium post that our top dentist surgically implants in your jaw. This post fuses with your jawbone over several months. When this fusing is complete, you are ready for an abutment and your restoration tooth.

We refer you to a trusted surgeon for post-placement, but Dr. Shane Ruggless designs your restoration to look exactly like your existing teeth. Everything from the shape to the color allows the restoration to blend seamlessly with your smile.

In no time, you’ll be eating your favorite foods. You’ll notice bite improvement and a renewed self-confidence.

No one will even know your life-like dental restoration is an implant! Visit our smile gallery page to see results from dental implant placement at Ruggless Dental! 

Recovering From Dental Implant Surgery

When you have a surgical procedure—even a minor procedure like dental implant placement—you will have some discomfort, which might include mild swelling.

However, dental implant surgery is not especially painful, and our patients have suggested that the recovery is similar to what you would expect from most dental work. Generally, the swelling and discomfort only last a day or two.

During your implant placement, our dentist in Springfield, IL will make sure you’re relaxed and comfortable.

Smoking or certain medications may slow down your healing time. Make sure to share the names of your medications with your trusted surgeon or a member of his or her dental team.

Also, they will provide aftercare instructions to keep you comfortable at home! Dental implants couldn't get any easier. 

Diagram of implant-supported denture in Springfield ILImplant-Supported Dentures

Dental implant posts are extremely strong, which means a few well-placed dental implants can support a full arch of new teeth or a denture.

Implant-supported dentures are a great option for those who do not want to deal with denture slippage due to bone loss, adhesives, and realigns. Affixed dentures offer a more permanent solution to total tooth loss.

At Ruggless Dental, our dentures are made from high-quality materials and look just like natural teeth.

Caring For Your Implants

Another reason a dental implant is considered the gold standard in tooth replacement is that it requires no special care. No adhesives. No alignments. In other words, you care for a dental implant restoration the same way you care for a natural tooth. It’s that simple!

Our dental staff suggest that you follow guidelines put forward by the American Dental Association, which include:

  • Brushing and flossing at least twice per day or following meals
  • Visiting our Springfield, IL dental office twice per year for dental exams
  • Seeing our dental hygienist every six months

Dental implants—even full-mouth restorations—will not prevent dental emergencies brought by gum infection or the onset of periodontal disease. Either of these dental issues can cause your dental implant to fail.

At Ruggless Dental, we want your dental implant or implants to last. In addition to practical guidelines, our caring Springfield dental team will provide all aftercare instructions to help you maintain your dental implants for life.

The Lifespan of Dental Implants

Your dental implant post, which is made of titanium, should last a lifetime provided you take care of your gums and visit our top Springfield, IL dentist regularly. Remember, your dental implant is located below the gumline and not exposed to wear and tear, but the restoration tooth is located above the gumline to enhance your smile.

While your dental implant is meant to last forever, your restoration tooth may need replacing in the future due to wear or trauma.

The better you care for your restoration tooth, however, the longer it will last. Our dental team can provide tips to help you get more mileage out of your restoration.

Financing Options for Dental Implants

At Ruggless Dental, we want you to have a beautiful new smile without compromising your family’s budget, which is why we have teamed with CareCredit, a third-party financing company that helps people just like you get the care they want and deserve.

CareCredit provides full financing to qualified individuals, and they offer easy repayment options, too. Paying off your CareCredit balance on time also means a new smile with no interest!

You can also use your CareCredit card for other health-related procedures and treatments—cosmetic or otherwise!

Our Springfield dentist office also accepts most major credit cards.

Further, your dental insurance may cover the cost of extractions or offer a denture benefit to assist with the cost of implant-supported dentures. Our team can help you sort out insurance coverage and assist you in applying for CareCredit. CareCredit acceptance generally takes only a few minutes!

Contact Our Springfield, IL Dentist Office Today!

If you are near Springfield, IL, and are considering dental implants, Dr. Shane Ruggless and his dental team are committed to helping you achieve the smile of your dreams! Contact Ruggless Dental today at (217) 787-0212 to schedule a consultation with our dentist.