Patient Knowledge Resource
Dental Implants
Dental implants have been in successful use since the 1970’s, and have been increasing in predictability ever since. They are certainly one of the most predictable procedures in dentistry, approaching nearly 100% success! One of the keys to success is choosing a qualified surgeon that has been through proper training, including a specialty residency program focusing on the placement of dental implants. Chapko and Associates, located in Belvidere, Illinois, is one of the most most-well-respected practices in the country.
Dental Implants are a natural choice to replace missing teeth.
Single Tooth Implants
When you have one tooth missing, a single dental implant is inserted into the bone to replace the root part of that tooth; a crown then goes on top to simulate an actual tooth.
Replace Multiple Teeth
When you have more than one tooth missing, dental implants provide an ideal replacement mechanism. You don’t even need one implant for every missing tooth.
Implant Supported Dentures
Dental Implants can even make removable dentures more comfortable, effective and healthier to wear.
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How do dental implants work?
During a minor surgical procedure, your dental implant is placed under the gum in the space vacated by the missing tooth. It will then be left to heal for a period of months before the final crown is attached. During this healing period, the implant actually fuses to the bone surrounding it. There are certain situations where the implant or implants can have a tooth or teeth placed at the same time that the implant placement surgery is performed.
Modern dental implants mimic the root of a tooth, thereby providing the support needed for chewing. Not only do implants provide for replacement of missing teeth, they also prevent bone loss. When you lose teeth, you typically lose the bone that has been holding a tooth in place because your body isn’t using that bone anymore. When you choose to replace a missing tooth with a dental implant, that bone is maintained over time, allowing you to keep a fuller smile and better chewing ability. Without the aid of dental implants, missing teeth can lead to a collapsed appearance of the face, lost lip support and increased wrinkles. They are also very strong, being made of pure Titanium, and can withstand the immense forces of chewing.
Dental implants placed in the front of the mouth, or the “Esthetic Zone” require a high amount of expertise in order to achieve proper esthetics and architecture of the gum tissues. That’s why it’s important to have a doctor that is experienced with implant placement and all associated procedures, to make sure it’s done right the first time. At Chapko and Associates, we have completed over 15,000 implants, and are very experienced in all types of implant placement.
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Why Should You Replace Missing Teeth?
Having empty spaces between your teeth can be uncomfortable, make you feel self-conscious about your smile, and lead to unhealthy dental conditions. You should promptly replace missing teeth because:
- Gaps in your mouth can be difficult to clean and allow bacteria to collect, causing periodontal disease, sores, or other oral health issues.
- Your surrounding teeth often shift in place to accommodate the space left by a missing tooth, creating orthodontic issues such as malocclusion.
- Having fewer teeth can make chewing and speaking uncomfortable, interfering with your daily life.
- Missing teeth can make you feel embarrassed about your smile.
- Without tooth roots to stimulate your jawbone tissue, it may begin to deteriorate, changing your overall facial structure. This can give your face a hollow, narrow appearance and disrupt the function of your mouth.
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Benefits of Dental Implants
Dental implants and implant-supported restorations offer many advantages over traditional prostheses and procedures. The benefits of dental implants include:
- Easier, more comfortable eating, talking, and smiling
- A more attractive, natural looking smile with artificial teeth that do not move during use.
- Improved jawbone health, since the stimulation of the dental implants prevents bone deterioration.
- Better durability than traditional restorations
Testimonials
What Patients Say About Us
Dr. Chapko is the best of the best! I had an extraction of a tooth and then a bone graft. Absolutely, no pain at all. I saw him recently for my implant - state of the art everything!