Implants
Dental Implants and Corrective Cosmetic Dentistry
For many people who have lost teeth over time for a variety of reasons, dental implants can seem like a fresh start. Implants involve realistic false teeth being placed into the mouth in the spaces where you lost teeth in the past. This replaces your missing teeth and repairs your smile to what it once was.
Your smile is an important part of your identity, but sometimes you can’t control the way it changes. With the dental implants offered by Rockford Dental Care, you’ll have a new lease on your oral health!
Reasons for Tooth Loss
Missing one or more teeth is more common than you may realize. Even if it seems like you don’t have the potential to be in a situation where you’re considering dental implants to replace teeth, a minor accident can knock teeth out and force you to seek repairs. This and many other reasons are why dental implants have become such a large industry in recent years.
Other Common Causes of Missing Teeth
- Gum disease and tooth decay: When gums and/or the roots of teeth are rotting, they’re more likely to fall out. Gingivitis (gum disease) can cause teeth to decay, leading to the most common cause of tooth loss.
- Hereditary conditions: Some people are born with conditions that make them more likely to lose teeth over the course of their lives.
- TMJ issues: When a bone in the jaw becomes inflamed, it may cause strain placed on the teeth, leading to tooth loss.
Some of these issues are out of your control. Luckily, you have options, including the placement of dental implants to replace your missing teeth.
What Are Dental Implants, Exactly?
Dental implants involve metal posts implanted into the jaw bone, onto which false teeth are fitted. Implants have a reputation for being a very durable and semi-permanent solution to replace lost teeth.
There are two types of implants. Endosteal implants are posts that are drilled into the jaw bone. Subperiosteal implants involve brackets clamped onto the jaw bone without actually breaking the surface. Both are viewed as effective options to replace teeth.
You also have the option of having a bridge placed. There are multiple types of bridges, but the distinguishing feature of a dental bridge is that it doesn’t have to interact with the jawbone. Because of this, dental bridges are less invasive than standard implants. The most common type of dental bridge is false teeth that are placed in the spots where teeth are missing and held in by dental crowns that are connected to permanent teeth. Bridges are not as permanent as implants but are effective all the same.
The team at Rockford Dental Care is happy to examine and recommend the proper course of action to help you regain your confidence. Reach out to our office by calling 815-397-4280 at your earliest convenience!