When considering options for replacing missing teeth, dental implants stand out as a premier choice for many patients. They not only offer a durable solution but also come with the benefit of looking and feeling like your natural teeth. At Jackson Family Dentistry in Downers Grove, we believe in providing our patients with comprehensive care and detailed information to make informed decisions about their dental health. Dr. Eric Jackson, our skilled and compassionate dentist, is here to guide you through the journey of getting dental implants, ensuring your experience is as smooth and comfortable as possible.
Understanding Dental Implants
Simply put, implants are artificial tooth roots made from titanium, a material well-accepted by the body and known for its ability to integrate with bone. These implants provide a sturdy foundation for either fixed (permanent) or removable replacement teeth, which are made to match your natural teeth in color, shape, and function.
The Benefits of Choosing Dental Implants
Dental implants provide several advantages that other tooth replacement options do not:
- – Durability: Implants are very strong and can last many years, with proper care. In many cases, they last a lifetime.
- – Improved Oral Health: Unlike a tooth-supported bridge, dental implants don’t require reducing other teeth. They leave more of your own teeth intact, which improves long-term oral health. Using individual implants also allows easier access between teeth, making it easier to maintain excellent oral hygiene.
- – Convenience and Comfort: Because the implant becomes part of you, it eliminates the discomfort of removable dentures and the need for messy adhesives to keep them in place.
- – Enhanced Appearance and Self-Esteem: Dental implants look and feel like your own natural teeth. Because they are designed to fuse with the jaw bone, they become permanent, improving your smile and boosting your self-esteem.
The Process of Getting Dental Implants
There are several steps to getting a dental implant, and the total time can vary depending on your dental health, the number of teeth involved, and whether any teeth need to be extracted before implant placement.
- 1. Initial Consultation: Your journey begins with a consultation at Jackson Family Dentistry, where Dr. Eric Jackson will assess your oral health, discuss your needs, and develop a personalized treatment plan.
- 2. Preparation and Bone Grafting (If Necessary): If your jawbone isn’t thick enough or is too soft, you might need bone grafting. This process creates a more solid base for the implant.
- 3. Implant Placement: During this procedure, the dental implant cylinder is placed in the jawbone. Following the placement, a period of healing (osseointegration) begins, allowing the implant to integrate with the bone. This process can take several months.
- 4. Abutment Placement: After the implant has bonded with the jawbone, we attach a small abutment or connector post to the implant to securely hold the new tooth.
- 5. Artificial Tooth Attachment: After your gums heal, more impressions of your mouth and remaining teeth are made. The new tooth or teeth are then made based on this model. A replacement tooth, which is called a crown, is then attached to the abutment. It can sometimes be the anchor for full or partial implant-retained dentures.
Aftercare and Maintenance
The success of dental implants depends significantly on how well you take care of them post-surgery. Here are some tips to ensure your implants last a lifetime:
- – Practice good oral hygiene habits, such as brushing twice a day and flossing daily. Using interdental brushes that slide between teeth can help clean the hard-to-reach areas around your implant.
- – Quit smoking as it can weaken bone structure and contribute to implant failure.
- – Visit Jackson Family Dentistry regularly for cleanings and exams. Dr. Jackson will make sure your implants are holding up well and provide professional cleanings.
- – Avoid chewing on hard items like ice or hard candy, which can damage your crown and your natural teeth.
Why Choose Jackson Family Dentistry for Your Dental Implants?
At Jackson Family Dentistry in Downers Grove, we understand the importance of a healthy, beautiful smile. Dr. Eric Jackson combines years of experience with a gentle approach to dentistry, ensuring your procedure will be as comfortable and free of stress as possible. We use the latest technology and techniques to provide results that not only look natural but also last a lifetime.
Choosing dental implants is a significant decision, and we’re here to support you every step of the way. If you’re considering dental implants or would like more information about this life-changing procedure, contact us today. Let us help you restore your smile and confidence with dental implants at Jackson Family Dentistry, where your dental health is our top priority.
