People often don’t realize that tooth loss leads to a weaker jaw. When the jaw no longer has a tooth to hold, it loses density. Eventually, it becomes so small that it affects the appearance of a person’s face. In addition to affecting the way a person looks, it can also affect the health of the remaining teeth. As the jaw bone develops a weak spot, they shift and may become loose themselves. If a dentist uses a traditional bridge to replace the teeth, the cosmetic impact of tooth loss is addressed, but the other issues remain. Dental Implants in Skokie can address both of these issues.
A dental implant is a small titanium cylinder that is placed into the jaw. Some people now refer to dental implants as a third set of teeth, because they closely mimic the role of natural teeth. It takes about eight weeks for the jaw to fully incorporate the dental implant. After that, the bond between the implant and the jaw is as strong as a natural tooth. Because the jaw now has a function, it remains strong. Dental Implants in Skokie should be inserted as soon after the tooth loss as possible. If the person waits too long, the jaw may not be strong enough to support a dental implant. In that case, an oral surgeon will have to perform a bone graft to fortify it.
After the implant is completely wedded to the jaw, a dental crown is placed on top of it. The result is a natural looking tooth that functions like the one it replaced. It is cared for just like a natural tooth. If people have lost several teeth in a row, all of them can be replaced with dental implants. However, some patients may not have the bone mass to support this. In that case the dentist can fit the patient with a partial denture. If the patient has a strong spot in the jaw, he will insert an implant to anchor it. This will prevent it from slipping when the patient eats or speaks.
Chicago Dental Arts is one of the Skokie dental practices that is skilled in the use of dental implants. People can set up an appointment to see if they are right for them.
