It’s such an exciting experience to lose a tooth as a child. We make our parents happy, we get a visit from the tooth fairy, and we feel a sense of pride that we are getting older. Losing a tooth at this age only has its benefits.
However, losing a tooth after our permanent teeth have grown in has the opposite effect. For most people, it is, quite literally, a nightmare. Whether it’s due to an accident or tooth decay, losing a tooth in adulthood is a serious health concern that can cause major problems and reduce your quality of life.
Fortunately, the team at First Class Smiles has the perfect solution for you! Dental implants are a game-changer for modern orthodontics. With the ability to improve your quality of life considerably, this procedure may be the best choice for you. If you’re itching to learn more, we’ve got everything you need to know about dental implants, so keep reading!
What Are Dental Implants?
Many people choose dental implants at First Class Smiles because they provide a high-quality, lasting solution to missing teeth. You’ll achieve a beautiful, top-of-the-line result and care-free function that can last for the rest of your life!
A dental implant is a device made up of three parts: the body, the abutment, and the crown.
Body – The body of the implant is like the root of a natural tooth — it anchors the implant to your jaw for a firm and permanent hold.
Abutment – The abutment is a connective piece that connects the body to the crown.
Crown – The crown is the top section that looks and functions like a natural tooth.
There are multiple uses for dental implants, including replacing a single missing tooth, replacing multiple missing teeth with a bridge, or replacing all teeth using bridges or dentures.
Bridge – A bridge is a crown that replaces a tooth by connecting to the surrounding implants rather than to your jawbone with a new root.
Dentures – Dentures are removable prosthetics that can replace an entire set of adult teeth.
Are Dental Implants the Right Choice for You?
Dental implants are an excellent orthodontic treatment for patients with one of several different orthodontic issues. If you have a broken, cracked, or decaying tooth, you may benefit from implants. If you’re struggling with crowns that just won’t stay in place, or if you already have partial or full dentures, you may also benefit from implants. If you fit in any of these categories, Dr. Grandinetti and Dr. Morrison are here to help you get the beautiful smile you deserve.
Just like any treatment, not every patient in Des Plaines is a good candidate for dental implants. If the bones in your jaw are too thin to support an implant, you may need to opt for another treatment method or have a bone graft procedure to make the implant possible.
Before we move forward with treatment, however, we’ll conduct a thorough smile evaluation to determine if implants are right for you. These evaluations may include X-rays and CT scans to check bone density and to look at oral hygiene, tissues, personal habits, and your commitment to care for your oral health after treatment.
Dental Implant Procedure
A dental implant is a “root” device, usually made of titanium, that our team at First Class Smiles surgically inserts into the jawbone where the root of your original tooth would have been.
Once the surgery is complete, we’ll wait for the implant to fuse with your jawbone. This is an automatic process that will make your new tooth feel just like the old one — or even better! After the implant is fused, it’s time for us to attach the crown, bridge, or denture to the new root.
Post-Op Care
Following your dental implant surgery, you’ll have to follow our step-by-step instructions to make sure your new smile stands the test of time. Soft foods will be your best friend in the weeks following your procedure. Be sure to eat even if you aren’t hungry so that your body has the fuel to heal.
How to Care For Your Implants
Find the Right Dentist – Having the right dentist help you through the dental implant process is essential. Dr. Grandinetti and Dr. Morrison are the experts for you!
Maintain Good Oral Hygiene – Keeping up with a healthy routine of brushing twice a day and flossing daily can help clean around your implant. Try interdental brushes to clean between teeth.
Quit Smoking – Smoking can weaken your bone structure which can loosen your dental implant.
Attend Dental Check-Ups – Teeth cleanings and exams are important. Visiting your dentist regularly will ensure your implants stay in good condition.
Avoid Tough or Chewy Foods – Chewing on food items like ice or hard candy is detrimental to artificial teeth, and can cause breakage.
Check-In With First Class Smiles
Whether you’re looking to get your first dental checkup or you want to find out if implants are right for you, our team at First Class Smiles is here to help. With years of training and experience, Dr. Grandinetti and Dr. Morrison are your experts in Des Plaines.