(217) 546-3333Avoiding Dental Implant Failure
March 18, 2013
Steps to Take for an Ideal Implant Procedure
Dental implants are designed to replace teeth that are missing, broken, or damaged beyond repair. Years of damage can contribute to tooth decay and other serious problems that can cause the teeth to fall out or suffer from severe damage. The idea behind this form of cosmetic dentistry is to improve the smile and allow the patient to feel comfortable when they speak, laugh, and smile once again. However, dental implants can also be considered a form of preventative dentistry because the procedure is used to place fake teeth and tooth roots in the mouth to protect the gum from being exposed. When teeth are missing and the gums are exposed, gum disease and bone loss may occur.
Dental implants are designed to function just as a normal tooth. Aside from function, the implants look and feel natural as well. No one would ever be able to tell the difference as to whether or not someone was wearing dental implants. Dr. VanderMolen places the artificial roots of the teeth into the gums so that he can secure the dental crown. In over 90% of instances, this procedure is very successful. Even though it is considered a highly successful and common dental procedure, there are times when dental implants can fail.
The success of your dental implants depends upon commitment of good oral hygiene for the life of your teeth. In some instances, dental implants may fail due to the lack of experience from the dentist, which is why patients are always advised to see a professional dentist with years of experience under his or her belt. Dr. VanderMolen has the experience you are looking for in an implant dentist. He has a high success rate of helping patients with dental implants, improving their smile and avoiding future discomfort.
For a consultation with Dr. VanderMolen of Advanced Dental Care of Springfield, call 217-546-3333. We have the knowledge and expertise to give you the best possible result and a beautiful smile! Click here for more information on the services available at Advanced Dental Care.
Dental Implants: Some Frequently Asked Questions
February 23, 2013
Dental Implants: Some Frequently Asked Questions
A common complaint of dental patients is the edentulous state or tooth loss. Patients come with one or more missing teeth and want a replacement which can last for a lifetime. In the past there was no such treatment available. Fillings, crowns & bridges were available but with a limited life span. Dental implants are the only restorations documented to have such a life. Following are some of the most common questions patients ask about the dental implants.
Q.1: What is a Dental Implant?
A. Dental implant refers to a structural and functional identical alternative to the human tooth root, usually made of titanium, implanted into the jawbone. It provides a strong base to the overlying prosthesis just like a tooth root acts for the crown of natural tooth.
Q.2: How can I know if I am a candidate for dental implant treatment?
A. The decision to have a tooth replacement with dental implants can be carried out after a complete clinical examination by experienced implant dentist, Dr. VanderMolen. He can further carry out a radiographic examination for checking the bone status if necessary. The most important factor regarding placement is the amount and location of the bone present. Good oral hygiene is also an essential prerequisite.
Q.3: Will my implant be successful?
A. Yes. According to the American Dental Association, success rates of dental implants vary, depending on where in the jaw the implants are placed but, in general, dental implants have a success rate of up to 98%. And with proper care, implants can last a lifetime.
Q.4: What is the life expectancy of my dental implant?
A. Dental implants should last for the lifetime of an individual. However, in the case of compromised treatment and/or poor oral hygiene on account of the patient, life expectancy of a dental implant can be affected. Dental implants make a connection with surrounding healthy bone just like a human tooth root and require the same care to ensure their longevity.
Q.5: Is the implant placement procedure painful?
A. Dr. VanderMolen will give local anesthesia before undergoing surgical procedure and the procedure will be painless. In case of patients having dental phobia or wishing to be more relaxed, we also offer sedation. With sedation dentistry, you will be completely relaxed and may not even remember the procedure.
Q.6: How much time will the Dental Implant placement take?
A. The whole procedure can take from 30 minutes to an hour.
Q.7: How long will the healing process take?
A. After the implant is placed, it is left to heal and osseointegrate for 3-6 months. In the last stage, the prosthesis, or crown, is placed over the abutment.
Q.8: Is it safe for human body?
A. Dental implants are manufactured from titanium and they are considered completely safe for your body. These materials are biocompatible.
Q.9: Can a dental implant be placed immediately after tooth extraction?
A. Implants can be placed soon after removal of the tooth. It depends upon the presence and location of healthy bone and the presence or absence of infection in the tooth socket or surrounding bone. In favorable conditions, a fresh tooth socket is considered ideal area for placement of the dental implant. Dr. VanderMolen will determine the procedure that is best in each individual case.
If you have missing teeth and are thinking of dental implant placement, call at (217) 546-3333 for an appointment with Dr VanderMolen at Advanced Dental care of Springfield. Dr. VanderMolen and his staff are available to answer all your questions and to get you on the path to the beautiful smile you have been waiting for.
Replace Missing Teeth and Support Bone Structure with Dental Implants
January 15, 2013
How can dental implants support facial bone structure?
Teeth loss has become a more common occurrence as the average age of our population increases. Unfortunately, losing teeth affects our facial bone structure, as bone around a missing tooth tends to deteriorate. It is always best to keep our natural teeth for as long as possible but regrettably, teeth do get lost, and it does affect our appearance. Dental implants can make all the difference.
A Missing Tooth Affects the Facial Bone
When a tooth falls out on its own accord, or is removed because trauma or health reasons, the underlying bone does not need to give support to the pressure that comes from chewing. This pressure offers healthy stimulation that keeps the bone strong and healthy. Going ahead with a dental implant installation means it will provide the jaw bone with the stimulation it needs and will also help to maintain the bone that is still there.
A Dental Implant Mimics a Real Tooth
A dental implant acts in a similar way to a real tooth. Every tooth in the mouth has a specific role and the loss of only one tooth can have a great effect on your bite and your ability to chew. When a missing tooth is replaced it helps to keep the dental arch structure in place and provides better assistance when chewing. Once teeth have been removed, the bone that supports these teeth starts to erode.
The bone and teeth help to keep some of the parts of our face in the right place. When teeth are lost, the face alters because of the movement that is taking place beneath the skin. A set of dental implants can assist in slowing down this process and keep our face and jaw healthy and looking young.
Dental implants take on the role of pushing on the bone in a way that is quite similar to how natural teeth act. Even though they are not true teeth, they are the closest you can get to natural teeth when compared to all other sorts of dental reconstructions. A dental implant provides the stimulation that the bone requires to stay intact.
Dr. VanderMolen is the dental implant specialist you can trust for all your replacement needs. For more information about this and all our other services, contact our office at (217) 546-3333. We look forward to working for you! Click here for more information on all the services available at Advanced Dental Care.
Dental Implants: Full Arch Replacement Solution
January 8, 2013
Full arch replacement is a lifetime dental solution
Dentistry has become so advanced in the 21st century that losing teeth is not as disabling as it used to be. There is no need to have the mouth measured for a full set of dentures as there are options available that can transform your mouth and fill it with a full set of permanently fixed teeth. This is referred to as full arch tooth replacement and offers the additional advantage of keeping the shape of the face intact as well as allowing full use of the teeth.
A fixed bridge is secured permanently into the mouth on dental implants. This allows the person to
- Eat as if the teeth were real
- Have a life long stable solution to teeth loss
- Keep the shape of their face intact
- Maintain bone density
- Have natural looking teeth.
There are a number of stages involved for installing a full arch tooth replacement and each plan and procedure involved is specific to the individual’s situation. It is therefore necessary to be examined by a dentist so that an individual plan for treatment can be organized.
The first stage involves installing dental implants, which replace the tooth roots that have been removed. Five dental implants are put in place and temporary teeth are attached which allow the patient to eat normally while the permanent fixed bridge is being prepared for installation.
The second stage proceeds when the dental implants have healed completely and fused with the jawbone. This then allows the fixed bridge to be installed securely. This type of full jaw replacement normally requires 2-3 visits to the dentist to have the fixed bridge attached.
Once the fixed bridge has been installed and secured by the dental implants, the new teeth will look almost the same as normal teeth.
There are numerous advantages over the traditional removable dentures, particularly when it comes to premature aging when bone is lost around the face and lips. Additionally, the comfort level of the full arch tooth replacement is far superior to removable dentures.
If you have an interest in discussing this life changing procedure, contact Advanced Dental Care and Dr. VanderMolen.
Call (217) 546-3333 today. Click here for more information on the services available from Dr. VanderMolen.
Cosmetic Dentistry for Seniors
November 20, 2012
Cosmetic Dentistry is for Seniors, too
It’s no secret that a glowing smile at any age is universally pleasing and with regular trips to your family dentistry office you can keep your teeth at optimum health. But, there are many more options out there for seniors to maintain and even improve their smile to a radiance of yesteryear.
Cosmetic dentistry is most commonly performed on those in their 20s-50s, but this age range is not indicative of who can have this type of dental work done. As long as you’re a healthy senior just about any cosmetic dental procedure is within your reach.
There are four popular options available to seniors:
1. Dental Veneers – These are an innovation used to bring back the color and shape of teeth. They can also help to fill unsightly gaps and cracks in teeth. The porcelain that is used in this cosmetic dentistry procedure is wafer thin, quick and easy to install and last considerably longer than any traditional teeth whitening procedure. In fact, well looked after veneers could last for 15 years.
2. Dental Implants – These are more permanent replacement teeth that look and function very naturally. They aren’t for everyone but as long as the senior is in reasonable health then this may be an option. There is oral surgery involved when the titanium implant is attached to the jawbone. Dental Implants have many benefits such as better chewing and eating and a natural-looking smile.
3. Teeth Whitening – This is a great choice for improving appearance of stained or discolored teeth. Whitening chemicals are used by the dentist to restore teeth to the more preferred white that make us appear younger.
4. Custom Dentures – If you are looking for a solution to chewing, crunching and general eating issues then asking your dentist to measure your mouth and get dentures manufactured for you is relatively easy to do. Dentures aren’t what they used to be, constantly falling out or looking so unnatural. Dentistry has come a long way since those days. Custom dentures are made to match the individual in fit, color, size and style.
If you would like to explore the full range of options open to you in Cosmetic Dentistry, whatever your age, then do not hesitate to contact the dental offices of Dr. VanderMolen at (217) 546-3333. We would love to work with you to get the beautiful smile you deserve. Click here for more information on the services available from Advanced Dental Care.