This article explores the various benefits and advantages offered by dental implants as a solution to single and multiple missing teeth.

Anyone with one or more missing teeth can easily understand how tooth loss can make you feel self-conscious about eating or smiling in public. You tend to avoid such social embarrassments by hiding your smile or not smiling at all. In some extreme cases, people shy away from social situations entirely. This is just not a sustainable solution and it can have a tremendous impact upon your normal daily life.

Low self-esteem is just one of many problems caused by missing teeth: poor bite function, diet compromise, bad nutrition and an increased risk of infection and further tooth loss. But did you know that, apart from these serious concerns, tooth loss might also lead to bone loss? This is why it’s so important for Chicago residents to replace missing teeth with Chicago dental implants.

Chicago Dental Implants: Advancements in Implant Dentistry

Whether you are missing a single tooth or every single one of your original adult teeth, innovations in dental implantology and fixed oral rehabilitation can give you new teeth again, thus restoring your appearance, proper nutrition, articulation in speech, overall oral health, comfort and self-confidence. The benefits of opting for a sophisticated teeth replacement solution extend far beyond the immediately evident, but have long-term ramifications for your oral health and overall quality of life.

With the development of innovative dental implant techniques, medical technology and hardware; Chicago patients are able to enjoy more aesthetic and functional benefits from their new teeth. Moreover, these can be achieved in an unprecedented time of as little as a single day, with a single procedure. So, not only is the science behind dental implantology getting more sophisticated, it’s getting cheaper too!

Comparing a Patient’s Teeth Replacement Options:

Leaving missing teeth without replacement

• Unattractive smile
• Inability to eat properly
• Inability to speak properly
• Faster jawbone loss

Traditional crown and dental bridge

• Requires two healthy teeth to be sacrificed
• Does not promote a healthy jawbone
• Higher risk of decay affecting the neighboring teeth
• Uncomfortable tooth replacement solution

Dental implants and crown

• Restores chewing ability
• Restores smile and self-confidence
• Does not damage neighboring teeth
• Promotes a healthy jawbone, preventing bone loss
• Looks and feels natural

Understanding Bone Loss…

When you lose a tooth, the jawbone under it starts to shrink, eventually becoming brittle due to lack of stimulation or “exercise”. Hence, losing a tooth not only restricts your diet and affects your smile; it also becomes the cause of change in the shape of your face, making a patient look prematurely aged. It is for this reason that experts in the placement of dental implants in Chicago always recommend this treatment over and above conventional approaches to teeth replacement. Dental implants stimulate the jawbone like natural teeth do, which keeps it alive and healthy.

Chicago Dental Implants: A Final Note

Dental implants are the closest thing modern Chicago implant dentists can offer patients who have lost one or more of their original adult teeth. They look, function and feel very similar to natural teeth. But, having said this, they cannot rival the strength and longevity of your own biological technology. For this reason, implant dentists always urge Chicago residents to look after their natural teeth. Remember, prevention is better than cure!

Learn some interesting facts about dental implants in this four-part article series, from their historical conception to their sophistication as a strong and durable tooth replacement technology.

Dental implants are widely considered to be the most sophisticated solution modern dental science has to offer patients who have lost one or more of their original adult teeth. Unlike other traditional teeth replacement techniques, dental implants are fixed in the mouth, cannot be removed, support a natural bite force and can last several decades without the need for restoration or replacement. There’s much to be learned about dental implants in Chicago, aside from their benefits and advantages. They are a feat in medical science and in this four-part article series we shall be exploring some of the many interesting facts surrounding this now indispensible technology.

Interesting Fact # 1: Dental Implants Date Back Thousands of Years

Modern dental implants, as we know them, were first developed in the 1950’s, but the concept behind teeth replacement with some form of implant has been around for thousands of years! At an excavation site in Honduras, Archaeologists discovered the skull of a Mayan woman, many of whose natural teeth had been replaced with artificial teeth carved from seashell. These teeth had been placed into the abandoned tooth sockets, apparently with enough success to last several hundreds of years underground!

Dental implants were used by many other civilizations, too. The ancient Egyptians, who were notoriously preoccupied with their appearance, would replace missing teeth with implants fashioned from all sorts of materials, the richness of which would depend upon their economic status. The wealthy could afford gold, silver or ivory implants, or even teeth fashioned from precious gemstones, while the poor would make use of bone and seashell. The ancient Romans were reputed to have used implants made from iron, which is certainly stronger than it is aesthetically pleasing!

The commonality to be found here is that, as a species, we have always been aware of the importance of our teeth. Losing them not only compromises our ability to eat and speak comfortably, but it also has a negative impact upon our appearance. While tooth loss certainly was more prevalent in ancient times than it is now, our efforts to alleviate the consequences have remained constant.

Interesting Fact # 2: Dental Implants are Spacecraft Strong!

Dental implants are strong… very strong. In fact, they are made out of the same material as space shuttles, professional sports equipment (golf clubs and tennis racquets) and military aircraft: titanium! This metal is exceptionally strong, stable, non-toxic and is resistant to corrosion. The strength of titanium enables dental implants, like the rest of your teeth, to endure a natural bite force, which is approximately 200 pounds per square inch.

To highlight this achievement, consider this fact: removable dentures or false teeth, which are the traditional approach to treating total tooth loss, can only facilitate a bite force of 50 pounds per square inch. This is an incredible 75% reduction in bite strength, which is why elderly denture wearers can’t manage many of the foods people with natural teeth can. The difference in diet caused by wearing dentures can even lead to malnutrition!

Stay Tuned for Part 2

We’ve barely begun and already we’ve learned two fascinating facts about tooth implants in Chicago! Stay tuned for part 2 of this series to read more about this breakthrough technology in modern dental science.

The result of dental implants is enhanced efficiency to eat your favorite foods, improved speech, enhanced confidence, no loss of bone and no alteration to adjacent teeth.

With dental implant insurance, you can reduce the cost you need to pay for replacing your missing teeth with a dental implant treatment.

Are you suffering from missing teeth? Do you have dental implant insurance coverage?

It is important to know that having dental insurance does not promise that you have coverage for getting a dental implant treatment. Several terms may be present in the dental insurance policies that do not include dental implants either directly or even indirectly. You might be sure that you have Dental Implants in Chicago treatment insurance coverage only if dental implants are clearly stated in the policy as a covered treatment. It is advisable that you must always look for your dental implant insurance coverage before planning for implant treatment; till you are financially ready to cover the dental implants treatment costs yourself.

What are the advantages of dental implants over bridges?

• There is no irritation after the treatment and your teeth look and function naturally.
• Generally, when a bridge retires, loss of one or more teeth can be observed while with dental implants, there is no further tooth loss.
• During the implant surgery, there is no requirement for modifying the adjacent and healthy teeth.
  

What are the benefits of dental implants over dentures?

• Prevents further bone loss
• No need for messy adhesives
• Freedom to eat your favorite foods
• Restored natural beauty
• Permanent solution to missing teeth
• Prevents shrinkage of jawbone making you look young
  

Who are not suitable for a dental implant treatment?

• Small children and pregnant women
• People with undeveloped jaw bones
• Chain smokers
• Individuals with serious illnesses
• Individuals consuming certain medications
• People who habitually grind their teeth
  

Taking care of teeth in a day in Chicago after a dental implant:

While implants are synthetic teeth, it is recommended to provide the same dental care to them as you give to your natural teeth. That means, do regular brushing and flossing and also attend your implant dentist twice in a month. All this would ensure that your dental implant treatment is a lasting success of having teeth in a day in Chicago.

Dental implants are long-lasting and easier to maintain than conventional dentures. It is typically not painful to have these implants placed. Once they’ve healed, they feel comfortable and natural and won’t hurt at all.”

Whether you are missing a single tooth or several teeth, dental implants ensure a long-lasting solution to individuals. Without causing harm to your adjacent teeth, implants once fixed to the jawbone do not drop out or cause any irritation while smiling or speaking. These implants look and function like your real teeth improving your overall confidence and self-esteem.

This four-part article series takes a closer look at the 11 toothbrushing mistakes people frequently and unwittingly make when caring for their pearly whites.

Welcome to this, the third installment of our four-part article series on the top 11 toothbrushing mistakes Chicago residents commonly make. So far, we’ve looked at the first five points. We’re halfway through, so without further ado, let’s look at habits # 6, 7 and 8.

Chicago Dental Health: Toothbrushing Mistake # 6

Not Brushing Correctly

“When it comes to preventing tooth decay and the various oral diseases that lead to tooth loss, your tooth brushing technique is more important than any other factor,” say dental implant specialists in Chicago. “Questions of toothbrush brand, bristles and manual versus electric are of secondary importance. If you use your toothbrush correctly, little else matters really.”

Here are some rules for correct toothbrush usage:

• Align your toothbrush at 45° to the gum line,
• Do short, circular strokes,
• Brush softly; not hard and vigorously,
• Brush both the outer and inner tooth surfaces,
• Brush your tongue, too!

Contrary to how most of us brush our teeth, you shouldn’t actually use horizontal strokes across the tooth crowns. According to Chicago dental hygienists, you should either brush up and down or use circular motions.

Chicago Dental Health: Toothbrushing Mistake # 7

Using the Same Starting Point Every Time

“People tend to brush certain quadrants in the mouth more thoroughly than they do others. The back teeth definitely don’t receive the same amount of attention the front teeth do and this explains why the molars tend to succumb to dental decay first,” explain dental implants experts in Chicago. “When you brush your teeth, start in a different place every time and make sure you dedicate the same amount of effort to keeping every tooth clean.”

The rationale behind starting in a different place every time is that you don’t rush any one particular quadrant of the mouth. People tend to become bored after a while and finish up quickly. If you always start in one place and finish in another, a section of your mouth is not going to receive as much attention as the others. To remedy this, begin brushing at a different point every time.

Chicago Dental Health: Toothbrushing Mistake # 8

Only Brushing the Front Tooth Surfaces

“It’s not only the front surfaces of the teeth that need a good scrubbing two to three times a day; it’s also the back surfaces! Every facet of every tooth in your mouth harbors bacteria, so every facet of every tooth in your mouth requires cleaning,” emphasize Chicago dental healthcare professionals. “Whether you can see it or feel it or not, plaque accumulates on every surface of your teeth and tongue, which is why you must be thorough in your brushing routine.”

Chicago Dental Health: Toothbrushing Mistake # 9

Not Rinsing Your Toothbrush Afterwards

If you don’t rinse your toothbrush after using it, bacteria and food debris remain trapped within its bristles. The next time you use it, you’re putting all that bacteria back in your mouth. Always rinse your toothbrush thoroughly after you’ve used it. This will help flush out bacteria, food debris and leftover toothpaste.

Stay Tuned for Part 4

To read about the final toothbrushing mistakes we have on our list and what dental implants Chicago specialists have to say about them, stay tuned for the final installment of our four-part article series.

This article explains how new dental implant protocols make it possible for patients to get a brand new set of teeth in as little as a single day.

If someone told you that it was possible to get a new set of teeth in a day, would you believe them? How about if that person was an expert in dental implants in Chicago? You might believe them then, but you’d definitely want to know what the catch is. The fact is, incredible advancements in dental implant hardware, surgical protocol and medical technology have made it possible for edentulous (toothless) and near-edentulous patients to get new teeth in Chicago. In a single day, no catch.

About All-on-4 Dental Implants in Chicago

The All-on-4 dental implant protocol was developed in the early 1990’s to provide a fixed and non-removable tooth replacement solution to patients who had been wearing dentures for so long that their jaw bone had suffered substantial shrinkage. Removable dentures, which rest on the gums but don’t actually stimulate the underlying jaw bone, do not promote the health of this hard tissue, which subsequently atrophies. As a result, many of the patients who most needed new teeth in Chicago were not considered candidates for dental implants.

All on 4 dental implants changed that. The protocol consists of the placement of four dental implants in the jaw: two in the anterior (front) portion of the jaw where there exists a greater volume of atrophy-resistant bone tissue, and two longer angulated implants in the posterior (back) portion of the jaw. This angulation ensures that the dental implants are rigidly stabilized even if there isn’t a great amount of bone volume available. It also ensures that damage to vital oral structures, such as the sinus cavity in the upper jaw and the nerve canal in the lower jaw, is avoided.

This is where the name “All on 4” comes in… the specialist in dental implants in Chicago will then attach a fully customized, prosthetic dental bridge to the abutments of the dental implants, screwing it firmly in place. And there you have it! Patients are able to get beautiful, fixed new teeth in Chicago! But, this doesn’t explain how this feat can be achieved in only one day.

Same Day Dental Implants and New Teeth in Chicago

By using only four dental implants instead of six, eight or even 10, as was custom with traditional dental implants techniques, and through the careful placement and angulation of these four implants, oral surgeons are able to (1) provide sufficient support for a dental bridge even if patients have worn dentures for many years, (2) typically without the need for bone grafting surgery.

This saves patients from multiple implant surgeries and bone grafting, which requires many months of healing before the jaw bone is even ready to accept implants. With only four dental implants to place, the entire All-on-4 procedure can almost always be carried out in a single surgery, making it really possible for patients to get new, non-removable teeth in as little as a day!

All-on-4 dental implants in Chicago save patients time and money without compromising on the quality of the solutions provided.

This article explains exactly why sugar is bad for your teeth by examining the relationship between sugar and oral bacterial activity.

“If there’s one creature that loves sugary candy more than your four year old, it’s oral bacteria,” say All on 4 dental implants specialists. Sugar is pure energy, as you’ve probably noticed by your kid’s nitrous-fuelled behavior the day after Halloween. And this is precisely why bacteria love sugar; it’s pure energy for them. Bacteria don’t have particularly discerning taste-buds like your children do, which could smell a carefully concealed vegetable in their Shepherd’s pie a mile away. But, “bacteria are concerned with only two things: survival and reproduction,” explains a specialist in the placement of All on 4 dental implants in Chicago. “Unfortunately for you and for your children’s teeth, sugar is the gold upon which bacterial civilizations are built!”

All on 4 Dental Implants Specialist: Understanding Oral Bacteria

The ominous cautioning against candies, sweets, chocolates, toffee and other delicious things has been something most of us have grown up with. As you used to depart from your dentist’s office, ironically, with a sucker clutched dearly in your sticky fists, he or she would wag a finger at you: don’t eat too much candy now! Sugar is bad for your teeth!

As a child, you put it down to dentists just being kill-joys. Especially around Halloween! But there is much truth to this warning! “Sugar IS bad for your teeth,” stress specialists in All on 4 implants in Chicago. And we should know: it’s our job to replace decayed teeth!”

As the All on 4 dental implants specialist explained, bacteria love sugar. It is a potent source of energy for them and it fuels their growth, reproduction and other micro-biological processes. “The more you eat – the higher in sugar your diet is – the better off the legions of oral bacteria that populate your mouth will be,” says the All on 4 dental implants specialist. “The faster they will reproduce and the more numerous they will be.”

According to specialists in All on 4 dental implants in Chicago, this means two things for you:

1. You will have to be more rigorous about keeping your teeth and gums clean by flossing every day and brushing more frequently and for longer. A good ADA-approved anti-bacterial mouthwash will also do a world of good.

2. With greater numbers of bacteria in your mouth – and bacteria are terrible about cleaning up after themselves – you’ll also have greater productions of you-know-what going on in your mouth. Bacteria eat sugar and go potty on your teeth and gums. “The wastes they produce are rich in sulfurous compounds, which is precisely what makes your breath smelly after a long day without brushing,” explains the All on 4 dental implants specialist.

“Bacterial waste is also very acidic,” say specialists in All on 4 dental implants in Chicago. “This acid corrodes away your dental enamel, forming cavities which offer opportunistic bacteria excellent shelter against your best oral hygiene endeavors.”

The result is that cavities, which may take awhile to form, are quick to widen and grow deeper as the bacteria are allowed to proliferate and excrete their acidic sulfurous wastes inside your tooth.

All on 4 Dental Implants in Chicago: The Take Home Message

Perhaps the biggest reason people end up needing All on 4 dental implants is because of rampant tooth decay and gum disease. “But even the most horrific oral ailment has humble beginnings; a single cavity or a mild infection of the gums,” says the All on 4 dental implants specialist. “What all of these conditions have in common is that the growth of oral bacteria has been left unchecked, which comes down to a diet high in sugar and other unhealthy foods, poor oral hygiene and other bad habits, such as smoking.”

The moral of the story? Let your children enjoy Halloween. But remember to instruct them to put extra elbow grease into brushing and flossing afterwards!

This article explains what dental implants are, how they work and why they are considered to be the best and most sophisticated tooth replacement technology today.

Dental implants in Chicago: we all know what they are… right? Well, sort of… they are used to replace teeth, aren’t they?

Yes! Dental implants in Chicago are the sophisticated 21st century tooth replacement solution for patients who have lost one, several, most or even all of their natural pearly whites! But what exactly are they and how do they work?

The Anatomy of Dental Implants in Chicago

Dental implants consist of three separate components:

(1) A tiny medical-grade titanium screw. This is placed in the jaw at the site/s of the missing tooth or teeth.

(2) An abutment or ‘collar’, which is attached to the screw and used to hold the third component firmly in place.

(3) A high quality ceramic dental crown (for single tooth replacement) or a customized prosthetic dental bridge (for full arch replacement).

The choice of titanium in the construction of dental implants in Chicago is a very interesting one. Titanium metal is incredibly strong, lightweight non-toxic, stable and non-corrosive, so it won’t rust. In fact, titanium is so strong and lightweight that it’s also used in the manufacturing of professional tennis racquets and space shuttles!

But there’s one other very interesting thing titanium is known for and it’s what has essentially made the entire field of dental implantology possible: ‘osseointegration.’

Dental Implants in Chicago and Osseointegration

There are few materials on Earth our body’s tissues will naturally accept. Most of the time, it will reject foreign matter, which is your body’s way of protecting you. For many decades, dentists desperately tried to develop a tooth replacement technology that could remain permanently rooted in the jaw bone. But every material they tried would fail and was rejected by the jaw bone.

This was until the discovery of titanium’s rare ability to osseointegrate by Swedish orthopedic surgeon Per-Ingvar Brånemark. Titanium is the only suitable metal that is totally bio-compatible. A look under the microscope reveals that jaw bone tissue will physically bond with the titanium surface of dental implants in Chicago (see image below). Once the jaw has healed successfully, dental implants in Chicago remain permanently rooted in the bone, just like natural teeth.

It’s this phenomenon that enables dental implants in Chicago to function like real teeth and to facilitate a strong bite force.

The Benefits of Dental Implants in Chicago

Dental implants in Chicago are the closest thing modern dental science has to offer patients who have lost one or more of their natural teeth. They’re strong, they’re fabricated to be virtually indistinguishable from real teeth and they feel comfortable in the mouth, unlike bridges, which tend to feel foreign. Dental implants in Chicago also promote the health of the underlying jaw bone by transmitting all the forces associated with eating to this hard tissue. This keeps the bone alive and healthy, preventing atrophy and the development of serious oral problems further down the line. Other benefits include:

• Dental implants in Chicago are cleaned just like natural teeth

• They’re non-removable

• They enable patients to eat all the foods they love

• They look natural

• They feel comfortable

• They don’t damage the neighboring healthy teeth

• They can last decades without the need for restoration or replacement

For all these reasons and more, dental healthcare professionals always recommend dental implants in Chicago as the preferred tooth replacement technology.