Anyone who has lost a tooth due to an accident or injury knows how difficult it can be to find a replacement treatment to correct the problem. While there are many different methods a dentist can use for this, such as a dental flipper or bridge, these are often uncomfortable or painful for the wearer. In such cases, it can be a good idea to see a Cosmetic Dentist in Chicago, IL to find out about using dental implants instead.
Dental implants can offer a patient a more stable and secure type of tooth replacement. Because the replacement tooth will not move or slip in the mouth, this can eliminate some of the issues other types of treatments could create. In addition, a dental implant will look and feel like a patient’s natural tooth did. This can be a great advantage for anyone who has this type of treatment.
When a Cosmetic Dentist in Chicago, IL sees a patient about dental implants, he or she will first need to check the condition of the patient’s jawbone. Dental implants require a metal rod to be surgically implanted into the bone. If there has been significant bone loss due to the missing teeth, this may not be possible. In such situations, the patient may need to undergo bone-grafting work first to improve the bone density of the jaw. Should the patient’s jaw be able to support the implant, the dentist can then place the rod in the jawbone.
The rod and the jawbone will need time to bond together to create a stable foundation for the replacement tooth. This process can take a period of months to complete. However, once it has been finished the rod and jaw will work together in a way similar to the way natural teeth grown into the mouth. This will make the replacement tooth secure and unmovable.
The dentist will then be able to attach a custom designed crown to the rod. This crown will look like the patient’s natural teeth and it will be permanently affixed to the implant. This will make it possible for the patient to eat, speak, laugh and smile without fear of the replacement tooth, slipping or sliding about. This can be a great advantage for most people and be a great way to replace a lost tooth.
