Are you missing teeth? If so, you are not alone.
Adults should have 32 teeth, with few exceptions. However, the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research reports that Americans between ages 20 and 64, on average, have only 25.5 teeth. Even more startling, 2.2% of adults in this age group have no natural teeth. As for the senior population, Americans 65 and older have an average of 20.7 natural teeth, and 17.3% have no natural teeth remaining. Fortunately, modern dentistry offers a solution that looks, feels, and functions like natural teeth: dental implants. In addition to replacing lost teeth, implants also preserve the integrity of the jawbone.
From his tech-savvy dental office in Naperville, Dr. Thomas F. Brown places and restores dental implants. As his patient, you can enjoy peace of mind that your general dentist can conduct your complete implant procedure, start to finish. You will not have to see a specialist for the minor, outpatient surgery. Instead, you’ll feel comfortable and well cared for in our office. Call today to schedule a dental implant consultation with Dr. Brown: (630) 369-3120.
About Dental Implants
Made of biocompatible titanium, dental implants are small, screwlike posts that fit into the socket where a tooth has been lost. Implants are secured into the jawbone, to replace a tooth root. Traditional prosthetics replace lost teeth but rely on natural structures for support.
A single implant can support one tooth; a few implants may secure a bridge or partial; and 4 to 6 implants can hold a denture in place. Patients love implant-supported dentures because they cannot move. No more embarrassing dinners, with dentures slipping out of place!
Why choose dental implants?
Partials and bridges are connected to healthy teeth, which can ultimately cause the supporting teeth to fail. Dentures rely on adhesion to the bony ridges of the jaw for support. Over time, friction causes the bony ridges to become smooth. This allows dentures, lower dentures specifically, to slip, slide, and even fall out of the mouth when the wearer eats and speaks.
In addition, years with no teeth roots causes jawbone tissue to weaken. Without the stimulation of teeth roots and connective tissues in the jaw, the brain thinks that teeth are lost, even if a patient wears a denture, partial, or bridge. As a result, potassium and calcium are sent elsewhere in the body to enrich bones. In the absence of these minerals, the jawbone begins to deteriorate. This causes a frail jaw, as well as a reduction in the length between the chin and ear, which creates an aged appearance.
Another reason to opt for implants is that they can last a lifetime. If you maintain good oral health and don’t sustain injury, your dental implants should last the rest of your life. The restorations, like all restorations, may wear down over time and require replacement.
Candidacy for Implants
Most healthy adults are eligible for dental implants. In some cases, a bone graft may be required to restore jawbone density prior to implant placement. Dr. Brown will review your health history, medications, and treatments prior to approving you for implants. He will also inquire about whether you smoke, because smoking can inhibit healing after implant surgery.
If you’re not in good health, are undergoing chemotherapy, or have uncontrolled diabetes, you will not be a candidate for implants right now. You might become eligible, though! Talk with Dr. Brown and your physician about how to become a candidate for dental implants.
Cost of Dental Implants
Your dental insurance may share some of the cost of dental implants. While we do our best to maintain affordable prices, the initial cost of dental implants is more than that of dentures, partials, and bridges. Because implants can last throughout your life, the lifetime cost compares to that of other prosthetics.
We offer financing options with CareCredit and LendingClub. These third-party banks can finance the full cost, or your deductible or copay, for qualified applicants. They offer low- and no-interest loans, as well as longer term loans for more affordable monthly payments.
Schedule Your Dental Implant Consultation Today!
Located in the Hawthorne Square Shopping Center close to Downtown Naperville, Thomas F. Brown, DDS, offers dental implants to patients from Naperville, Lisle, Woodridge, Bolingbook, Warrenville, and surrounding communities.
To accommodate your busy schedule, we make dental care convenient. Choose from appointments as early as 7:30 am or as late as 7:00 pm. In addition to feeling welcome, respected, and important in our office, you can enjoy amenities like neck rolls to keep you comfortable, headphones for your personal listening pleasure, and various levels of sedation dentistry to keep you comfortable during treatments.
We will be happy to file your dental insurance claim and accept your copay at the time of your visit. Call us today at (630) 296-9916 to schedule your dental implants consultation.