Joseph had always used dentures, but he getting tired of taking them in and out everyday—he came to our Elmhurst dentist office to get some more information about innovative dental implants. Because he had always used dentures, Joe didn’t know a lot about how dental implants were actually placed in the mouth. Here’s what we told him…
Dental implants are actually surgically implanted into the jawbone, so before we get started, we have to make sure that the mouth is healthy enough for surgery. What kind of health considerations do we take into account? First, your gum tissue has to be pretty healthy—if you have ongoing periodontal disease, we’ll treat it before we begin surgery. We’ll also evaluate jawbone density. Long-term tooth loss can cause your jawbone to break down. Patients with poor bone density may need bone grafts before surgery.
During the implantation surgery we will insert a titanium implant through your gum tissue and into the jawbone. You will then wear temporary restorations as we allow your bone and gum tissue to heal. Once your mouth has healed we’ll move on to the final stage in the dental implant process.
Your titanium implant roots are then attached—using an abutment—to a tooth-looking restoration. Implant restorations are shaped and colored to enhance your overall smile. Once your dental implants are complete, you’ll be able to eat, drink, and speak comfortably and naturally.
This is a rough overview of the dental implant treatment process—your particular treatment plan may vary to meet your needs. If you want to learn more you can schedule a consultation with our Elmhurst dental implant dentists. During your consultation we’ll talk about your dental goals—aesthetic and health-related—and consider whether you’re a good candidate for dental implant treatment. We look forward to working with you!