Barrington Dental Implants
Tooth replacement used to mean replacing missing natural teeth with artificial ones that were attached to adjacent teeth and added stress to those teeth. Today, the standard of care extends beyond this basic service. Using dental implants, Dr. Gavrilos gives patients back the look and the feel of natural teeth. This is because implants do something that a bridge or denture cannot—they replace the root system that is necessary for ultimate function.
What are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are stand-ins for tooth roots. Manufactured from biocompatible titanium, the same material that is used in medical implants, tiny root posts are inserted into the jawbone during a minor oral surgery procedure. These posts gradually become encased in the bone. When the applicable restoration is affixed to the implant or implants, patients enjoy the ability to eat, speak, laugh, and smile with confidence.
Implant treatment is appropriate if you have lost just one tooth, or if you are interested in replacing multiple teeth with a bridge alternative. Implants may also lend support to stabilize a full denture.
There are two primary components to dental implant treatment, the surgical and the restoration phase. After the surgical placement of the titanium post, a short time is needed for healing. Over several weeks’ time, bone tissue fuses to the new structures. This is called osseointegration. Full integration of implants into the bone is crucial to the long-term success of treatment because it dictates the degree of stability attained, and thus the ability of replacement teeth to properly manage chewing and biting function.
A Barrington Implant Dentist With the Right Credentials
Experience matters when it comes to dental implants. Many patients don’t realize that implant dentistry isn’t a recognized specialty area within dentistry. Typically, it is trusted that if a dentist offers a service, they are qualified to do it. But this assumption should never be made with dental implants. A dental degree and the slightest training in implant dentistry is all that is necessary for a dentist to offer this service.
Dr. Gavrilos has pursued continuing education courses at implant dentistry organizations including the Misch International Implant Institute, the Dawson Academy, the Kois Center, Spear, and the Pankey Institute. Also, his cosmetic dentistry training and credentials means that your implants will not only meet the highest standard of functionality, they will look beautiful, too.
Implant-Support Dentures
Dentures are often the first treatment that comes to mind when complete tooth replacement is needed. The top-of-the-gums form of conventional removable dentures does not meet the full needs you have for chewing, speaking, and smiling confidently. With a few implants inserted into strategic positions, it is possible to stabilize your full denture so you can eat what you like and interact without worry that your teeth may slip out of place. You can benefit from dental implants even if you are already wearing full dentures.
Dental Implants Support Facial Contours
A natural consequence of tooth loss is facial collapse. This process occurs over several years as bone degradation occurs in the jaw. As jaw structure shrinks, the chin and the nose move closer, creating an appearance of “sinking” around the lips and mouth. In addition to cosmetic issues, changes in the lower jaw, in particular, can make it difficult to keep the lower denture stable. As dentures slide and rub the gums, painful sores may develop.
The problems that are related to conventional dentures can be solved with dental implants. These small posts prevent bone loss, restore your ability to chew, and give you back a sense of confidence pertaining to your smile.
Dr. Gavrilos provides honest insight about the pros and cons of using dental implants in your situation. Call us or visit our request an appointment page to schedule a brief complimentary consultation to discuss your option for dental implants.