Modern technology has transformed the way that dentists replace missing teeth. While previous generations had to rely on unstable and unrealistic false teeth, today’s patients can enjoy the many benefits of dental implants. Implants can be used to replace one, several, or even all of your teeth. And they offer important advantages for your oral health and quality of life.
Thomas F. Brown, DDS, is proud to offer these state-of-the-art dental restorations at his Naperville, IL, practice. Having undergone advanced training, he and his team can both place and restore dental implants, making us your convenient, one-stop destination for restorative care.
To learn more about dental implants or to find out if you are a candidate for treatment, contact our office today.
1. Long-Term Protection for Your Oral Health
If you know someone who has worn dentures for many years, you may have noticed that their lower face has a slightly shrunken look. This is because tooth loss can also lead to jaw bone recession. When the dental roots are gone, they can no longer emit the regenerative signals that trigger new bone growth. As the jaw shrinks, additional tooth loss can follow.
By replacing tooth roots, dental implants also protect your jawbone health. Like dental roots, implants stimulate new tissue growth to prevent bone and tooth loss.
2. A Remarkably Realistic Appearance
Modern dental crowns and bridges are very realistic. But removable dentures can sometimes be detectable, even the most carefully designed and crafted. For one thing, they require a plastic base to stay in place. For another, partial dentures use metal clasps to connect to the nearby teeth.
Implant-supported dentures sit right against the gums. So no one will be able to tell that they are not your natural teeth.
3. A Long Lifespan
One large-scale study shows that implants have a cumulative survival rate of 94% after 15 years. However, with proper care, many implants last for decades.
Furthermore, unlike traditional dentures, implant-supported restorations do not need to be replaced periodically. Nor do they require adjustments to accommodate a changing jaw shape since implants prevent bone loss in the first place!
4. Stability
If you have considered dentures or a removable bridge, you likely know that you will have some dietary restrictions. Hard-to-chew foods, like whole fruits, tougher cuts of meat, and caramels, are often off-limits. In contrast, dental implants and implant-supported restorations are firmly fixed in the mouth. You will be able to enjoy your favorite foods once you have healed from implant surgery.
Additionally, you won’t have to worry about your restoration slipping out of place when you are speaking or laughing.
5. Hassle-Free Maintenance
Implants and implant-supported restorations are very easy to maintain. In fact, caring for them is almost exactly like caring for natural teeth! Brushing and flossing are key, as are routine visits to the dentist.
If you have an implant-supported denture, flossing will look a bit different. You will need to floss underneath the restoration to keep bacteria and food particles from accumulating. A floss threader or water flosser can make this process simple.
Learn More about Dental Implants
Find out if you are a candidate for dental implants and begin planning your treatment.
Schedule your appointment online or call us at (630) 369-3120.