The importance and value of replacing missing teeth at the specialist’s office
Replacing missing teeth is a staple of dental practices near us in Mount Prospect, Bartlett, Elk Grove Village, Chicago, and much farther beyond. However, by partnering with our Board-certified specialists in oral and maxillofacial surgery, you benefit from our advanced and focused training and expertise in the anatomy and function of the mouth, jaws, and face. Our offices also support state-of-the-art technologies and capabilities. We offer many services for tooth replacement at Associates for Oral, Maxillofacial & Implant Surgery that cannot be found at other dental offices. Rest assured, new teeth designed and placed at our office will look, feel, and function no differently than healthy and natural teeth.
What do you offer for tooth replacement?
We provide many services related to dental implants. The implant is what makes this form of tooth replacement so different. It is just one part of the artificial tooth. Once inserted into the jawbone where a tooth used to be, the implant grows with the surrounding tissue. It effectively becomes a part of the jaw and functions as a root to hold the restoration in place once connected to the tooth.
How do you insert dental implants?
The process of placing the implant can be performed with either local anesthesia or sedation. It is a very well-tolerated dental procedure. As specialists, you can trust that our surgeons will position your implants precisely. This is important because proper positioning supports the long-term success of your implant-supported teeth. We will go over everything we expect with you afterward as well. But, generally, many of our patients have been able to return to work or other activities the next day.
Can implants be used to replace all of my teeth?
Yes! While natural teeth each have their root systems, you do not need an implant placed to support every prosthetic tooth. This would create many surgical sites in the mouth for those individuals who are missing all of the teeth in their upper and/or lower dental arch(es). Plus, since the implant is the most costly component of such tooth replacement, this approach of one implant per tooth would be beyond the financial reach of many individuals. Our surgeons can strategically place minimal implants to support a maximum number of artificial teeth.
Am I a good candidate for dental implants?
Associates for Oral, Maxillofacial & Implant Surgery offers many services that allow patients who would not be good candidates for implants to benefit from this standard-setting form of tooth replacement. These services include bone grafting. Bone grafting may be necessary for those who have been missing teeth long enough to experience significant bone loss. This process occurs with tooth loss because the jawbone does not get the stimulation it needs to stay strong and dense without teeth. The bone, in turn, deteriorates. We can build up that bone with grafting procedures so that you have a strong foundation for your implant(s).
This process also underscores the importance of promptly replacing your teeth! Tooth replacement is about more than filling in gaps that affect the appearance of your smile. It is also essential to prevent or stop the deleterious health and functional effects of bone loss/resorption. To request your consultation, contact one of our four Chicagoland locations – in Mount Prospect, IL (847) 255-7080, Bartlett (630) 289-5002, Elk Grove Village (847) 593-0535, and Chicago (773) 736-3300.
