As a child, you expect to lose your primary teeth. But as an adult, the loss of a permanent tooth has many consequences. A consultation about the advantages of implant dentistry in Oak Brook can be informative and life changing in many ways.

Tooth loss due to decay, disease, or trauma is devastating. Especially if the tooth is in your “smile line.” This loss can mean diminished self-confidence and difficulty speaking and eating. In addition, a missing tooth can allow your remaining teeth to shift, resulting in a malocclusion or a misaligned bite. Over time, if the tooth is not replaced, the bone and gum tissue start to shrink.

Implant dentistry is dental technology at its best. Your implant dentist will assess your overall health, as well as your dental health to make sure you are a qualified candidate for a dental implant. Whether you have lost one or several teeth, dental implants are the next best thing to having your own teeth back.

A dental implant is a small device much like a screw that is made of plutonium or similar strong metal that is placed in the gum tissue where the tooth was lost. The implant is covered with a temporary restoration designed to protect the implant during the healing process. This can take anywhere from four to six months.

The healing process allows the implant to graft on to existing bone to give it strength and stability to act much like the root of your natural tooth. Once your implant dentist is assured the implant is successfully in place, he/she will develop a final restoration that will match the shape and shade of the surrounding teeth.

Once the implant and restoration are in place, the implant becomes part of your permanent dental anatomy. This means the care of your implant is critical both during the healing process and after you have received your final restoration. Daily flossing and brushing a minimum of twice per day are good oral hygiene habits and should be adopted to ensure healthy teeth and gums.

The leading cause of implant failure is tobacco use. If you are contemplating dental implants, it is critical to discontinue smoking and any use of tobacco products.

Having your tooth loss behind you with your new dental implant in place, you can again smile with confidence, speak without difficulty, and eat the foods you love. Call our dental team today to schedule your consultation.