A Dental Implant is an artificial tooth root that is secured in the jaw bone with great precision that serves as a root for a replacement tooth. Implants are made of titanium, which is light weight, biocompatible (accepted by the body) and easily fuses with the bone resulting in osseointegration. They can be used to replace a single missing tooth or several missing teeth.

Dental Implant Procedure:

The Dental implant procedure is usually a two stage process that is usually carried out with local anesthesia or another form of Sedation Dentistry.

1. Preparing the site:

First of all, a local anesthesia is injected in to the jaw bone muscle and the surface of the gum is cut. In case of thick jaw bone, an appropriate sized hole is created in to the bone; whereas if the jaw bone is thin, extra bone grafting material is placed in the maxilla to strengthen the mandibular bone. This process is called Sinus Lift. Several types of bone grafts are made- either by taking bone from patient’s body or using other substances such as Calcium sulphate or bovine bone.

2. Placing the Implant:

Once the bone graft is made (if necessary), the next step involves fixing the dental implant in the drilled portion in the jawbone. The implants are made of titanium screws that can tolerate huge pressure during chewing. After placing the dental implant, a cover screw is placed on it and stitching of gum is done.

The patient is sent home once the surgery is done. Next follow up is after approximately two weeks to get the sutures removed.

3. Osseointegration Period:

This is the period when the wound is left to heal which usually takes around 3 to 6 months. During this natural process, the implant and the jaw fuse together.

4. Placing the Prosthetic tooth:

Before placing the final prosthetic tooth, a small collar is fitted on to the implant, which is known as abutment. The prosthetic tooth is then placed on to the abutment, resulting in a new tooth and your natural smile back.

Dr. VanderMolen has the expertise and experience in Dental Implants you need.  You can be sure that we will give you the best attention and care.  Let us answer all your questions. For more information on Dental Implants or to schedule a consultation, contact us at 217-546-3333 or info@smilespringfield.com

How do I care for my dental implants? Am I doing the right thing in regard to their care? These are common questions. Implants have changed dentistry in a big way in the reconstruction and restoration of patients missing from a few to all their teeth. Implants restore, stabilize or replace the smile of a patient together with their confidence.

 Most people will prefer implants to dentures and bridges due to their natural feel and appearance once they are put in. They also have advantages in that they don’t interfere with neighboring teeth. They are reliable and they impart confidence in a person since they are natural-looking.

 A dental implant is a tiny metal post made out of a metal, usually titanium which is coated with special material to allow implant attachment to bone. The presence of these foreign materials makes the dental implant care question a very serious one. The surgical nature of the process leads many to think that the implant needs very special attention. The simple answer is, not so! Brushing and flossing is a good place to start. Do these activities as you have always done.

 The most important rule in caring for your implants is: Keep them clean. Dental implants should be treated like your regular teeth with good oral hygiene, a through brushing 2 to 3 times per day and daily flossing.  Avoid traumatic activities just as you would with your natural teeth like opening bottle caps, chewing ice, or grinding. There are special-brushes used in cleaning below and also above artificial replacements. Just because they are artificial doesn’t mean that dental implants are impervious to the effects of extreme temperature objects in your mouth. This means ice cubes and hot substances and liquids stand to cause considerable damage to your natural teeth replacements.

 As with regular teeth, the how do I care for my dental implants question cannot be answered fully without putting a qualified dentist into the equation. As the person responsible for putting in your implant, your dentist is an important part of caring for your dental implants. Regular dental visits are vital to you to ensure infection or common dental ailments don’t affect you. They also provide an opportunity to consult on the medicines, foods, drinks and activities you should avoid until your teeth heal fully.

 Finally it’s worth noting that over 98-percent of lower implants are successful. It’s therefore clear that with the right care you are almost guaranteed a perfect smile at the end of your treatment. Also worth noting is that you may need follow-up x-rays to determine that everything is the way it should be. Most side effects are easy to combat like the soreness you may feel a bone starts to grow around your implant. Having an experience dentist with good after care who can answer all your questions is very important to the success of your dental implants.

 Dr. VanderMolen has the education and expertise to give you the best results in Dental Implants.  Call us for a consultation and let us answer all your questions. Contact us at 217-546-3333 or info@smilespringfield.com

Are Dental Implants a long-term solution? For those who have lost a tooth or a few teeth, this is a valid question. One of the biggest breakthroughs in the field of cosmetic dentistry is the dental implant. 95% of dental implants that are fitted prove to be successful. Nonetheless, when it comes to having dental implants, patients often wonder how long they can last and what can be the result of having them for such a long time.

How long dental implants might last is reliant on factors like the aftercare that the patient receives and the experience of the implant dentist. Proper dental care is necessary once dental implants have been fitted since the gums surrounding the implants can suffer from bacterial disease due much like natural teeth. Regular dental checkups are necessary even after dental implants have been properly fitted.

The responsibility of the patient is another factor in the health of dental implants and how long these implants might last. Smoking is something people are advised to avoid for a month or two once they have had dental implants placed in their teeth since harmful bacteria in mouth can increase because of smoking. 3% of dental implant failures occur because people did not avoid smoking once they got the dental implants fitted in their teeth. Dental implants are not an inexpensive tooth replacement option. Therefore, people should make sure that quality implants are being placed in their mouth and proper implant procedure is being carried out so that the implants can last a long time.

In cases where a bone graft (missing bone replacement) is required for fitting the implant and the grafting does not end up well, this is another reason that dental implants are rejected. While cases like these are rare, this should definitely be kept in mind. If a tooth has been extracted then the density of the bone in the jaw begins decreasing and if an implant is not placed soon enough then getting a bone graft becomes necessary before an implant can be placed. Thus, when it comes to preserving the wholeness of the jawbone, the sooner a dental implant is fitted the better.  This is only one example of why it is extremely important to find a qualified and experienced dentist to perform the dental implantation.  This dentist will be able to find the best solution for the patient to ensure that the implants last for a very long time.  The patient should follow all the instructions given by the qualified dentist for pre-implantation and after care.

The final question remains is how long dental implants can be expected to last. The fact of the matter is that as long as dental implants are considered as real teeth and people take care of them as they care for their actual teeth, these implants can last as long as they want them to. As long as these factors are kept in mind and the implants are cared for, they can indeed prove to be a long-term tooth replacement solution.

Experience, qualifications and quality, Dr. VanderMolen has it all.  Come see us for a Dental Implant consultation and get all your questions answered. Contact Advanced Dental Care of Springfield at 217-546-3333 or info@smilespringfield.com

Taking care of your teeth is not only important for your self-confidence, but also your overall well-being.  Keeping teeth and gums healthy can help you to avoid more serious medical problems.  If you have missing teeth, a good dentist can evaluate your problems and come up with the best solution for you.  For years, dentures or bridges were the only options, but now Dental Implants may be the wisest decision you will ever make.

Missing teeth can cause issues with proper digestion, surrounding teeth and efficient jaw function, as well as teeth shifting and jaw bone deterioration.  Advantages of dental implants include improved appearance, speech, comfort, self-esteem, improved oral health and easier eating. You will have the ability to eat normally without the complications usually associated with dentures or bridges.

Dental implants are substitutes for the roots of missing teeth. They provide a strong foundation for a tooth crown which is placed upon it. Implants are a great choice for anyone of any age if missing one tooth or more teeth due to injury, disease or decay. Implants are durable and if cared for properly they will last a life time.

The tooth root implant is made of titanium and placed in the bone socket of the missing tooth. The healing process is anywhere from 6 to 10 weeks. A dressing is placed around the area in two week intervals assuring the healing. Once the healing is complete and the implant has bonded to the jaw a small connector called an abutment is attached and can now hold the new tooth. The dentist takes an impression of your teeth, bit, type and arrangement. Based on this model the replacement tooth is made and then attached to the abutment. The color of the new tooth will be matched to your own natural color. Because the replacement is secured to the jaw, the function, look and feel is like that of your natural teeth.

Very little discomfort is involved. A local anesthesia is usually used. If really in doubt you can elect to have sedation dentistry, usually administered in pill form. Many patients have reported that an implant is less painful than tooth extraction. Patients healthy enough for extraction or oral surgery can be candidates for dental implants. Dental implants have a success rate of 98% and with proper flossing, brushing, and regular dental checkups they can last a lifetime.

At Advanced Dental Care of Springfield, we are experienced and knowledgeable and can provide you with the treatments and care you need in a safe and comfortable atmosphere. For More information on Dental Implants or to schedule a consultation, contact us at 217-546-3333 or info@smilespringfield.com