Tooth loss is a problem that affects millions of people. It’s often caused by poor oral hygiene habits, though it can also result from physical trauma. Previously, dental patients chose between dentures or bridges to replace their missing teeth. These days, dentists are increasingly recommending dental implants as a superior solution to tooth loss. Here’s a look at some of the benefits of choosing dental implants :

Permanent Solution
Dentures are removable oral appliances that can sometimes become loose in your mouth. In contrast, dental implants are not removable; they look just like your natural teeth. While dentures are prone to breaking if you drop them and cause discomfort due to additional bone loss over time, dental implants are extremely durable and feel and function just like your regular teeth. With the proper oral care, they can last for the rest of your life: a third set of teeth!

Natural Function
Those with dentures sometimes have trouble eating certain foods and articulating certain sounds. Dentures can feel unnatural—especially when they slip inside your mouth. Because dental implants are permanent, they do not slip or cause any problems with eating or speaking. Implants offer a more comfortable solution for those who have struggled with ill-fitting dentures.

Enhanced Oral Health
Dental implants effectively  preserve the underlying structure of the jawbone . When the implant is inserted, the bone grows around the implant and anchors it. Preserving the bone mass is critical for both appearance and oral health. Dental implants have the added bonus of maintaining the health of the adjacent teeth. Partial dentures are latched onto the adjacent teeth where they can exert considerable pressure and fracture the compromised teeth. Implants do not have this drawback. Dentists also recommend dental implants because they offer the opportunity for improved oral hygiene; it is typically easier to keep dental implants clean than it is to keep dentures clean.

Consult a dentist about having dental implants today. Call University Associates in Dentistry of Chicago at (312) 704-5511 to schedule your appointment. You could also visit our website to  learn more  about our cosmetic dentistry services.

The dentists of University Associates in Dentistry strive to provide the very best in patient care and cutting-edge dental techniques. Call our Chicago practice today to schedule your appointment. Reach us at (312) 704-5511 or visit our website to learn more about our services . You could also visit the links below to read about the benefits of dental implants.

• Learn more about the All-on-4 dental implant system with this link to  Nobel Biocare .
• Zirconium  dental implants  offer numerous benefits. Learn all about them in this article by NewDentalImplants.org.
• WebMD offers  an overview  of dental implants, including the benefits and candidacy requirements.
• Get the facts on the anatomy of dental implants and a comparison of implants with dentures at the  American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons .
• There are  many possible causes of tooth loss , including gum disease. Read all about them at the Academy of Osseointegration. 

Thanks to new innovations in dentistry, patients facing tooth loss have more options now than ever. If you have multiple missing teeth, your cosmetic dentist might recommend the All-on-4 procedure. All-on-4 dental implants provide a permanent, fixed solution to tooth loss – no more fussing with ill-fitting dentures or waiting months for your dental implant procedure to be finished. Talk to your dentist about whether you’re a good candidate for this revolutionary dental technique. Keep reading to learn about candidacy requirements, the benefits, and the techniques your dentist will use for the procedure.

Candidates
If you’ve lost some or all of your teeth, you could be a great candidate for the All-on-4 dental implant system. Many people who are told that they cannot have traditional implants are eligible for this technique. This system can be used for those with periodontal disease and decay that is beyond treatment, and those with bone loss in the jaw. It’s also an ideal procedure for those who have failing bridgework or dentures that are uncomfortable or ill-fitting.

Benefits
There are many benefits of the All-on-4 dental implant system. Primarily, this system allows you to enjoy your smile again. The procedure boasts a high success rate with a lower overall cost.  Many people prefer this treatment technique  because traditional dental implants require patients to wait several months for the bone to fuse to the implant. With the All-on-4 system, you can have a beautiful smile in just one day.

Techniques
During your consultation appointment, your dentist will take photos, impressions, and a three-dimensional CT scan, all of which are used to develop your customized treatment plan. During your next visit, your implants will be placed into the jawbone and your new teeth will be adjusted to fit you perfectly.

University Associates in Dentistry  proudly offers the All-on-4 dental implant procedure at our Chicago practice. In fact, two of our dentists helped to pioneer the technique with a pilot study in 1993. Call us today at (312) 704-5511 to set up your appointment for the All-on-4 dental implant procedure.

If you have missing teeth, you run the risk of serious oral health problems, including loss of bone mass in the jaw structures. This is why cosmetic dentists highly recommend dental implants. Dental implants are permanent posts that are inserted directly into the jawbone. Once the bone adheres to the post, your cosmetic dentist covers it with a completely natural-looking crown. In the past, dentists had limited options when it came to choosing material for the implants. Advances in dental technology now allow dentists to use zirconium. Here’s a look at this material and its benefits for your oral health:

Zirconium Basics
Zirconia dental implants are made of zirconium oxide (ZrO2), a special type of ceramic. Zirconium is an inert, grayish-whitish transition metal that is commonly used as an alloy material thanks to its resistance to corrosion. Zirconium closely resembles titanium, another commonly used material for dental implants.

Benefits of Zirconium
Zirconium offers a metal-free alternative  to titanium for patients. This type of dental implant closely resembles your natural teeth; no one will be able to tell the difference. Dentists also recommend zirconium implants because they are very hygienic. It’s easier to keep them clean because they typically retain plaque and tartar less readily than titanium. Also, the material is highly durable and resistant to fractures.

Biocompatibility of the Implant
Zirconium offers a viable solution for those who are allergic to metals like titanium. Zirconium offers a high degree of biocompatibility, which means that patients are much less likely to experience an allergic reaction.

Osseointegration of the Implant
One of the key factors that determines the success of a dental implant is the adherence of the bone to the post. This is a process known as osseointegration. Dentists often recommend zirconium implants because they have demonstrated great success with bone fusion.

At University Associates in Dentistry, we pride ourselves on offering the very best in the latest dental technology.  Schedule an appointment  with our Chicago practice to discuss zirconium dental implants. Contact us at (312) 704-5511 or visit our website if you have any questions.