Dental Implants
Dental Implants provided by Dr. Gregory M. Neu, DDS
in East Dundee, IL at Neu Family Dental
 Tooth loss, even losing just one, has a serious impact on every aspect of your life. One of the most obvious effects of tooth loss is the effect it has on your smile. Gaps in your teeth diminish the quality of your smile and can lead to self-consciousness. Tooth loss affects your ability to bite and chew food. Your speech suffers. Tooth loss also impacts the health of your jaw, causing it to grow weak and change shape. This affects the alignment of your teeth and the appearance of your face. There are several options available for replacing missing teeth. At Neu Family Dental, we are proud to offer dental implants.
Dental Implant Components
Dental implants are a treatment for missing teeth that involve the implantation of small titanium rods directly into your jawbone to support replacement teeth. They consist of three components:
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The implant. The actual implant is the titanium rod that is placed in the jaw. The bone fuses to the biocompatible material, in a process called osseointegration. Once the implant has fully integrated into the jaw, it becomes a strong, stable root that supports your new teeth.
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The abutment. An abutment is a connector that is placed on the exposed end of the dental implant. It holds the replacement tooth steady and secure.
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The crown. The crown is the part of the implant that replaces the visible portion of your missing tooth, restoring the functions of that tooth. Crowns are typically made from ceramic, which both perfectly mimics the color and shine of your natural teeth. |
Types of Dental Implants
Dental implants are a versatile treatment that can be customized to meet a variety of different needs. There are several different types of implants including:
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Single tooth implants. A single tooth implant replaces any single missing tooth in your mouth. One post supports one crown.
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Multiple tooth implants. Also called an implant supported bridge, this restoration replaces two or more consecutive missing teeth. One or more implants are used to support your new teeth.
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Implant supported dentures. This type of implant uses 6 to 8 implants to replace an entire arch of missing teeth, whether it is the top, bottom, or even both.
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All-on-4® treatment Concept. If your jaw is too weak for 6 to 8 implants to replace an entire arch of teeth, the All-on-4® Treatment Concept can provide you with a full arch restoration without a bone graft. This treatment uses only four implants, but these implants are strategically placed in the jaw to take advantage of your existing bone mass. |
Why Get Dental Implants?
There are several advantages to dental implants.
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They restore your ability to bite and chew. Chewing is the first stage of digestion. It is necessary for thoroughly breaking down your food so the body can absorb essential nutrients. Tooth loss affects your ability to chew, which can lead to poor digestion. Implants restore your chewing, improving your nutrition.
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Your speech is restored. Implants fill in the gaps, allowing air to be controlled properly when you speak.
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Your smile is improved. Implants both look and feel completely natural, giving you back your smile, and your confidence.
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Implants are more comfortable. Dentures rest directly on the gums, which were never meant to support the teeth and the stresses placed upon them. With implants, the posts, and your jawbone support your new teeth.
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Implants are easy to care for. They can be brushed and flossed just like natural teeth.
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Your natural teeth are unaffected. In placing a bridge, the adjacent teeth need to be altered to fit the restoration properly. Implants do not rely on surrounding teeth for support, and these teeth remain untouched.
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Implants stimulate your jawbone, just like the roots of your natural teeth, helping to maintain the health and integrity of your jawbone.
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Implants are designed as a permanent solution to tooth loss. Unlike other options, they fully integrate with the jawbone and should not require replacement. |
Are There Any Drawbacks to Dental Implants?
While implants are a highly beneficial treatment for tooth loss, there are a few drawbacks.
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A surgical procedure, with a lengthy recovery period, is required.
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They can be expensive.
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If your jawbone is not strong enough for implants, other options may need to be explored. This does not always mean dentures or bridges. This could often mean a bone graft to restore missing bone mass, or an alternative treatment such as All-on-4® Treatment Concept. |
Replacing your missing teeth is essential for restoring and maintaining your quality of life. For more information, and to find out if dental implants are the right solution for you, call Neu Family Dental to schedule your consultation today at (847) 230-9143. |
