This four-part article series provides a comprehensive overview of the various technologies available for the replacement of missing and irreparably damaged or decayed teeth.

Tooth loss is a major problem that affects people of every culture, creed, color and age across the globe. But, as with most fields of medicine and science, modern advancements and constant development has evolved the technology necessary to keep up with this problem. The result is that there are a number of solutions available to those who require one or more of their natural teeth replaced. Which technology works the best? Which one lasts the longest? What are the benefits of dental implants? How do dental bridges fare in the long term? Are dentures worth considering? In this four-part article series, an experienced general, cosmetic and implant dentist in Chicago will be answering all of our questions about the different technologies used to replace missing teeth!

FAQ: What is the number one teeth replacement technology recommended by dentists and why?

Answer: “Without a doubt, dental implants are the number one recommendation of dental healthcare professionals around the world,” says the implant dentist in Chicago. “This is because implants offer benefits that are unparalleled by any other teeth replacement technology: they function better, they feel more natural and they last far longer. Dental implants also help to maintain good jawbone health, which prevents a great number of problems for patients in the long run.”

FAQ: What are dental implants and how do they work?

Answer: “Dental implants offer patients a fixed and non-removable solution to missing teeth”. “They are essentially artificial tooth roots made from titanium metal, which is exceptionally strong, durable, lightweight and non-corrodible. The implant is place in the jawbone at the site/s of the missing tooth or teeth, where it provides a stable foundation for an artificial tooth crown. This is usually custom-fabricated from ceramic materials. In the case of full arch reconstruction, an array of dental implants can be strategically placed to provide support for an acrylic dental bridge.”

FAQ: What alternatives are there to dental implants?

Answer: “Dental implants may be the most popular dental technology as far as dentists are concerned, but they aren’t the only one. Dental bridges, which consist of three connected ceramic crowns, can be used to provide Chicago residents with a replacement tooth.”(see image below for a diagrammatic representation of how bridges are placed).

“Then there are removable dentures for patients who have lost many teeth or even all of their teeth over the years. Dentures can be partials, in which case they make use of metal hooks and a patient’s remaining natural teeth to remain stabilized in the mouth, or they can be full removable dentures,” explains an implant dentist in Chicago. “These rely on their bulkiness, the underlying gums and products such as adhesive strips to prevent them from shifting about, although, full removable dentures will always move around to a degree. This is just something that denture-wearers will need to grow accustomed to.”

Stay Tuned for Part 2

To find out more information about the various teeth replacement technologies available today, stay tuned for the second installment of this four-part FAQ series, courtesy of “All-On-4” dentists in Chicago.