Sandwich dentist, Dentist in Sandwich, IL

What are dental implants?

People often refer to a dental implant as a replacement tooth, but it is actually a metal post or appliance that replaces the patient's tooth root or roots. Once the implant is placed, a crown restoration is anchored firmly to the bone by the implant. The patient's new implant is comfortable, and looks and functions just like natural teeth. There are several types of dental implants suited to various dental conditions.

Do I have to go to more than one doctor to get dental implants?

There are very few dentists who can both place the implants and fabricate and attach the crown restoration to the implants. We will refer you to a trusted dental specialist to iniatilly place the implant. After a healing time of approximately 3-6 months we will follow-up with you to place the final crown restoration.

What are the benefits of implants?

Dental implants are an alternative for:

• The patient who cannot function comfortably with conventional dentures.
• The patient who has lost teeth and wants to avoid removable partial dentures.
• The patient who needs a crown or fixed bridge but doesn't want to damage his or her adjacent healthy teeth.
• The person who wants to have the dental solution that is the closest to what Mother Nature created.

Who is a candidate for dental implants?

Because of recent advances in implant technology, more and more people are implant candidates than ever before. The only way to know for certain is to be evaluated by a dental specialist who has received advanced training in implant dentistry. Typically, if a patient is healthy enough to undergo fixed bridgework procedures or routine extractions, he or she can also undergo dental implant procedures.

What does the dental implant procedure involve?

Most implants can be placed by a dental specialist in one or two office visits. Further visits will also be needed to fit the crown restoration, which attaches to the implants. Most implants can be performed under the same local anesthesia used for routine fillings. Temporarycrowns may be placed until permanent replacement crown restorations are made so that patients can lead normal lives during the interim.

How long does an implant last?

Implants have remained in patients' mouths for 30 years or longer. We recommend a preventive maintenance program to help insure the long-term success of your implants and teeth.

How much does an implant cost as compared to other forms of dentistry?

The cost of implant dentistry is comparable to that of fixed bridgework or other advanced dental procedures in most cases.

Do implants require any special care?

Dental implants and accompanying replacement teeth should be cared for in the same way as natural teeth. Although they cannot get decay, they are still subject to gum disease in the same way natural teeth are.

Is there any chance of rejection of the dental implant?

The body doesn't reject a dental implant as it might a soft tissue implant such as a lung, heart or kidney. Dental implants are made of titanium, which is compatible with the body.

What will happen without treatment?

When you lose your teeth, you gradually lose the bone that supports the teeth. As this bone shrinks, problems with a lack of support lead to increased discomfort, mobility, improperly fitting dentures, and sharp, painful ridges, movable gums and sore spots. The tongue also relaxes to fill the space. With tooth loss, a decrease in function occurs which may effect your diet and nutrition. Prolonged missing teeth leads to bone loss and could lessen your candidacy for a successful implant treatment.

Do all patients who want cosmetic makeovers get the same kind of teeth?

Absolutely not! Each person has a look they want for themselves and they have facial structure and skin tones that guide us in making individual selections that vary in size, shape, and color for each person.

Can the spaces between my teeth be corrected?

Today with beautiful, natural looking porcelain veneers, or composite resorations we can easily make dramatic cosmetic changes to remove spaces, fix cracked teeth, do minor tooth straightening, and change the color of your teeth. In many instances, little or no tooth structure needs to be removed to create the smile of your dreams.

Is tooth whitening safe?

Whitening procedures are safe and approved by the American Dental Association. Whitening does not damage or weaken any tooth structure or effect the integrity of the tooth.

Is gum surgery essential if I have periodontal (gum) disease?

We have found, many times, surgery is not necessary following a conservative course of periodontal treatment. This type of care typically includes a series of nonsurgical gum treatments. Even when surgery is required, it often is needed only in a few areas of the mouth and results can be greatly enhanced by nonsurgical preparation.

If periodontal disease is such a problem, why doesn't it hurt?

Periodontal problems can become quite serious and extremely advanced without any pain whatsoever. This is why it is so important to be attentive to the warning signs - bleeding gums when brushing and flossing, swollen gums, receded gums, teeth changing position, pus or swelling around gums - to name a few.

Gum disease can be a silent situation similar to increasing blood pressure with patients being unaware until major problems arise, like a stroke.