Find out how dental implants work when it comes to replacing missing teeth. 

You’re wondering what the best approach might be to replacing one or more permanent teeth and in your research you’ve read about dental implants, a restoration that is as close to real teeth as you can get; however, you may not understand exactly how they work and how our Elk Grove Village, IL, dentists will place them.

What is a dental implant? 

A dental implant is a small metal post that is designed to replace a single missing tooth. In order to do this, we will need to surgically place the implant into the jawbone. The purpose behind this is so the implant can take the place of your missing tooth’s roots.

Why does an implant need to act like tooth roots? 

Even though you don’t see the roots of your teeth they still play an important role in your oral health. In fact, they stimulate the jawbone. Without this stimulation from the tooth roots the jawbone will deteriorate (this is a common complication of untreated tooth loss). The only way to prevent bone loss is by getting a dental implant.

I am missing multiple teeth. Can I still get implants? 

Absolutely. While a dental implant is designed to replace one tooth this doesn’t mean that our Elk Grove Village, IL, implant dentist can’t place multiple implants along the jawbone. When multiple implants are placed they can support even a full set of dentures to prevent them from moving or shifting around in your mouth.

Who is a good candidate for dental implants?

Dental implants are an ideal tooth replacement option for adults who are missing at least one permanent tooth. Implants are not right for children and young teens, as their jawbones are still growing.

We will take x-rays during your consultation to make sure that the jawbone is strong and healthy enough to support an implant. Patients with significant bone loss can often undergo bone grafting in order to become candidates for implants.

If you are ready to sit down with us and discuss your candidacy for dental implants then call Lakemoor Dental today. We offer three locations in Elk Grove Village, Hainesville and Lakemoor, IL, to make sure you always get the dental care you need.