Dr. Abraham Stein is a skilled dental implant dentist who offers several options for patients with missing or damaged teeth. It’s important to fill in gaps in your smile to improve your oral health. While the best treatment for you depends on different factors, dental implants are often the top choice. They work just like natural teeth and blend in perfectly with your smile.
An implant-secured restoration is better for your long-term oral health than traditional options like fixed bridges and removable dentures.
Dr. Stein and his experienced team welcome patients from Glenview, NJ, who want to replace missing teeth with dental implants. As a highly trained and experienced implant dentist, Dr. Stein handles all steps of the process in his Skokie dental office.
What are Dental Implants in Glenview?
A dental implant is a small, screw-like metal post that is placed into the jawbone through surgery. Implants come in different lengths and widths to fit specific areas of the jaw. After the implant is in place, it fuses with the surrounding bone in a process called osseointegration. This fusion allows the implant to act like a missing tooth root and helps prevent bone loss in the jaw.
Dental implants provide a solid foundation for various dental restorations, like crowns, bridges, and dentures. Because they mimic the natural tooth root, implants offer stability and support, making it easier to chew and speak. Unlike traditional dentures, which can slip or shift, implants stay securely in place, giving you confidence in your smile.
Some of the benefits include:
- Natural Appearance: Implants look and feel like real teeth. They are designed to match the color and shape of your existing teeth, so they blend seamlessly with your smile.
- Durability: With proper care, dental implants can last many years, often a lifetime. They are made from strong materials like titanium, which resist decay and damage.
- Improved Oral Health: Unlike bridges, which require altering nearby teeth, implants do not affect adjacent teeth. This helps maintain the overall health of your mouth.
- Enhanced Comfort: Since implants become part of your jawbone, they eliminate the discomfort often linked with removable dentures. You won’t have to worry about irritation or sore spots.
- Convenience: Implants eliminate the need for messy adhesives used with traditional dentures. You can care for them just like natural teeth, brushing and flossing daily.
- Boosted Confidence: Having a complete set of teeth can improve your self-esteem. Implants help restore your smile, making you feel more confident in social situations.
Who is Eligible for Dental Implants?
Most people are good candidates for dental implants. If you have one or more missing teeth, you will likely qualify. They are also suitable for people with severely broken or damaged teeth that need to be replaced.
Your jaw must have enough healthy bone to support the implant posts. If you have lost bone, it can be built back up with a procedure called bone grafting. It’s also important to be in good overall health. Let Dr. Stein know if you smoke or grind your teeth.
These issues won’t disqualify you from getting dental implants, but they may affect how well the implant fuses with the bone.
Dental Implant Procedure in Glenview
The implant process usually takes longer than other options and involves surgery. Dr. Stein will place one to eight implants per jaw during the surgery at his Glenview, IL dental office. The implants will need about three to six months to fully bond with the surrounding bone. After that, a small piece called an abutment is attached to the implants, connecting them to the restoration.
After a few more weeks of healing, the permanent restoration is attached. If you are missing one tooth, a dental crown will be placed on a single implant. If you are missing several consecutive teeth, a dental bridge will connect to two or more implants. For those missing multiple or all teeth, a customized denture will be attached to up to eight implants.
How Do I Know if I’m a Candidate?
Some factors that may affect your eligibility for dental implants include:
- Sufficient Bone Density: Dental implants need a strong and healthy jawbone to anchor securely. If you have lost bone, you may need a bone graft or other procedures to strengthen it before getting implants.
- Good Oral Health: Healthy gums and teeth are essential for supporting dental implants. If you have gum disease or tooth decay, these problems need to be treated first.
- Overall Health: Certain medical conditions, like uncontrolled diabetes or autoimmune diseases, may affect your ability to heal after surgery. Discuss your medical history with your dentist to determine if dental implants are safe for you.
- Lifestyle Factors: Smoking and heavy alcohol use can affect the success of dental implant surgery since these habits can slow healing and increase risks. Your dentist may suggest lifestyle changes before you consider implants.
The best way to find out if you are a candidate for dental implants is to schedule a consultation with a qualified dentist. They will assess your situation and give you personalized recommendations for your dental health.
Visit our Glenview, IL dental office for a dental implant consultation today. To get dental implants, call 847-750-3125 or request an appointment online.