For a long time, people who lost teeth as a result of gum disease or trauma had only two replacement options: bridges and dentures. But today, dental implants are a very popular alternative because they’re permanent — once they’re in place, they look, feel, and act like real teeth.
Here at New Teeth Chicago Dental, Dr. Irfan Atcha has extensive experience with all parts of the dental implant process. He can help you decide whether dental implants are the right choice for you. Read on to learn more about dental implants and why you should consider them if you’re missing teeth.
What is a dental implant?
A dental implant is an artificial replacement tooth that’s permanently implanted into your mouth. The artificial tooth, known as a crown, is anchored to your jawbone via a surgically implanted titanium rod. New bone grows around the implanted rod, which acts as an artificial root that secures your new tooth in place.
Dental implants are growing in popularity. Some 3 million Americans have dental implants, with 500,000 more people getting dental implants each year, according to the American Academy of Implant Dentistry. They’re a safe, effective option for replacing missing teeth.
Why people love dental implants
If you’re considering implants to replace one or more missing teeth, you should know they provide several advantages — both in terms of aesthetics and dental health. Here are some of the top reasons people choose implants.
Natural look
Your artificial tooth (crown) is made of porcelain, a hard, tooth-colored material. It is custom-made to match your natural teeth, so it blends right in and looks completely natural.
Durability
An implanted tooth is as strong as your real teeth. You can eat all of the same foods with an implant that you could enjoy with your natural teeth.
Comfort
Compared with bridges and dentures, implants feel more comfortable because they’re a permanent part of your mouth. They also don’t click or slip when you talk, eat, laugh, or kiss the way dentures or bridges might.
Jaw health and attractiveness
When teeth go missing, you can lose some of your jaw’s supporting bone structure. However, dental implants help maintain healthy jawbone tissue. Not only is this good for your jaw, but it also helps prevent the unattractive puckering or distortion of your face that can occur as a result of having missing teeth.
Easy maintenance
Unlike dentures, which can be tricky to keep clean and require daily removal and soaking, you can clean dental implants as easily as your real teeth, with regular brushing and flossing. They require the same routine dental cleanings as your real teeth.
If you’re missing teeth, Dr. Atcha of New Teeth Chicago Dental can advise you on whether dental implants are the right tooth-replacement choice for you. His office is conveniently located in Chicago’s River North neighborhood. To schedule a consultation, call our office or send us a message via our website to set up an appointment.