Dental Implant FAQ
Brookfield, IL
 Dental implants are one of the most exciting and versatile innovations in modern dentistry. There can be a lot to know about them, so here at Brookfield Oral Surgery we prepared a helpful FAQ to answer your most burning questions.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are very small screws or posts made of titanium that we use for patients who are missing one or more teeth. Designed to replace the root of the missing tooth, the implant is actually placed within the living jawbone. Over time, it fuses with the bone, eventually becoming a part of your body. This fusion is what makes implants such a powerful option over traditional alternatives like dental bridges and dentures.
Who Can Get Dental Implants?
Most people are viable candidates for dental implants, even if you are over a hundred! Even if you are not currently missing any teeth, if you have teeth that are sufficiently diseased, damaged, decayed, or otherwise unhealthy, then dental implants can replace them. Some people may not have sufficient bone mass in their jaws to support implants, but even they can likely be made into viable candidates with a bone graft to help them regrow the lost bone.
What Are the Pros and Cons of Dental Implants?
There are too many advantages to dental implants to mention all of them here, but to give you a quick taste of what you can expect: you can eat your favorite foods, you can smile fearlessly, they will never decay, they are permanent, and they support your long-term oral health. In fact, in most ways implants are not just as good as your natural teeth, they are often better.
Truthfully, there are few disadvantages to dental implants compared to their alternatives. While implants can cost more, in the long run implants are actually far cheaper than continually replacing dentures or bridges, because implants are designed to literally last the rest of your life.
What Are the Alternatives to Dental Implants?
Dental bridges and dentures are the most common alternatives, but both come with some severe drawbacks in comparison. Implants are the only option that actually stops bone loss, which can have a dramatic effect over time. As you lose bone, your facial features collapse in on themselves, physically changing your appearance and drastically aging you. Dentures can actually make this process occur faster. Because implants stimulate the bone just like a real tooth, it keeps your jawbone healthy and strong.
What Is the Procedure Like?
Having a dental implant placed is a pretty simple affair. Dr. Tyran Johnson will work with you to create a treatment plan that will guide us every step of the way. Our team will discuss the procedure and post-operative needs in detail to make sure you are comfortable throughout the process.
More Questions?
If you still have questions about dental implants, we would love to answer them! Give Brookfield Oral Surgery a call at 708-854-0808 and we will be more than happy to schedule a consultation to answer any questions you may have.We also provide a variety of dental services that include orthognathic surgery, bone grafting and tooth extractions. |
