Tooth loss can be devastating, but no one in Matteson, Illinois, needs to live with missing teeth forever. At Progressive Dental & Associates, we offer the ideal option – dental implant placement.
The procedure is widely acknowledged as the gold standard in tooth replacement, and our expertise in the fields of implantology and sedation dentistry ensures a smooth, comfortable experience and exceptional results. Keep reading to learn more, and call our dentist office at (708) 980-0110 when you’re ready to take the next step.
What Are Dental Implants?
Over the last few decades, dental implant placement has become an increasingly popular solution for missing teeth. The reason? Unlike other tooth replacement options, implants provide a natural-looking, fully functional smile that feels completely real.
Bridges and dentures replace only the visible portion of missing teeth, but dental implants are designed to replicate the entire tooth structure. Each has three parts – a custom-made crown, a small, screw-like titanium post that acts as a replacement root, and an abutment, or connector piece. Together, the components form an incredibly lifelike reproduction of a tooth, and once anchored in place, implants are really no different from natural teeth.
At Progressive Dental & Associates, we perform dental implant procedures every day, both for people with one or more missing teeth and for those who already have bridges, partials and dentures. Our Matteson dentist office has options to meet any need:
- Individual implants to replace a single missing tooth
- Implant-supported bridges to restore two or more teeth
- Implant-retained dentures for a removable arch of teeth
- Implant-supported dentures for a permanently restored smile
Just about any adult who is living with tooth loss can benefit from implant placement, but the procedure requires careful planning and proper execution. Our professional team has what it takes, and our expert understanding of sedation dentistry means even those with dental anxiety can get a gap-free grin without concern.
The Dental Implant Procedure
Dental implants are often described as the best solution for missing teeth, and our patients seem to agree with that statement. Having said that, many people who visit our Matteson dentist office are in the dark about tooth replacement.
Bearing that in mind, a brief look at how we place implants could prove helpful. With us, the dental implant procedure is a multi-step process that may involve several months of recovery time. It all starts with a consultation – we need to conduct an examination and learn about your medical and dental history before we can move forward. Plus, to create customized crowns, we need digital images and dental impressions of the mouth.
Depending on the situation, preliminary procedures may be next. Any damaged teeth may need to be removed prior to tooth replacement. Also, implants need a stable foundation of bone for support, and after living with tooth loss, the jawbone may be lacking in density. In that event, our Matteson dentists can place a bone graft. That might sound a bit scary, we know, but bone grafting is a simple outpatient procedure.
After those concerns are addressed, the next step to the dental implant procedure is to put the titanium posts in place. At this point, temporary crowns may be attached. Once the area is healed and the new crowns are ready, the replacement teeth are securely attached. When that’s done, the smile is fully restored.
For those with little to no bone loss in the jaw, same-day tooth replacement may be an option. In this situation, the dental implant procedure is expedited, allowing someone with one or more missing teeth to walk out of our Matteson dentist office with a brand new smile in a shorter amount of time.
Benefits of Dental Implants
Dental implants are highly effective replacement teeth. As the only option that replicates the entire structure of a missing tooth, including the root, implants prevent future jawbone degeneration – which, left unaddressed, can lead to a sunken facial appearance and future tooth loss.
Bone health isn’t the only benefit of the dental implant procedure. People prefer this tooth replacement option because:
- Implants look, feel and function just like real teeth
- Implants never fall out or slide around in the mouth
- Implants can’t get cavities and rarely chip or break
- Implants are a permanent solution for tooth loss
What’s more, caring for implants is easy – regular brushing and flossing along with routine dental visits is all that’s required. And once fully healed, patients can eat anything they like. Neither of these is true for dental bridges or dentures.
Ready to Restore Your Smile with Dental Implants?
Millions of people across the country have implant success stories, and you can, too. At Progressive Dental & Associates, we have the knowledge and skill to fill the gaps in your grin. We offer sedation dentistry services as well, so if you’re among the many suffering from dental anxiety, you’ll be in good hands with our professional team.
We’d love to bring your smile back to life. If you have questions, or if you’re ready to start the dental implant procedure, contact our dentist office in Matteson, Illinois, today.
