The Dental Implants Dentist in Chicago Answers All Your Questions About Teeth Replacement, PART 2

This four-part article series provides a comprehensive overview of the various technologies available for the replacement of missing and irreparably damaged or decayed teeth.

Welcome back to this four-part article series in which an experienced dental implants dentist in Chicago answers our questions about the various teeth replacement technologies available today and how they compare. In our previous article installment, it was explained that:

• Dental implants are the number one recommendation of dental healthcare practitioners around the world for the replacement of missing teeth.
• Dental implants are fixed (non-removable) titanium “tooth roots” used to support a ceramic dental crown (in the case of single tooth replacement) or a prosthetic dental bridge (in the case of full arch reconstruction).
• Alternatives to dental implants include traditional bridges and removable dentures (partials and full).

Let’s continue answering some more of those FAQ!

FAQ: If dental implants are regarded as the best teeth replacement technology, why might one consider these alternative technologies?

Answer: “Many patients opt for the alternative teeth replacement technologies because they initially cost less than dental implants,” explains the dental implants dentist in Chicago. “Unfortunately, cost is often the deciding factor in these kinds of choices, when in fact, a patient’s priority should be based upon what is best for their oral health and quality of life. The ironic thing is if you consider the cost of maintenance, restoration and replacement of these inferior technologies, dental implants end up being the more cost effective choice in the long run! This is because they can last several decades without the need for any restorative work.”

FAQ: Is it really possible to get new teeth in one day in Chicago?

Answer: The “All-On-4” is a relatively new dental implant protocol that does indeed make it possible for patients to get new teeth in a day in Chicago. This procedure is ideal for patients who suffer from a failing dentition as a result of age, general wear-and-tear and gum disease and/or who have lost most or all of their natural teeth. The “All-On-4” can also provide denture-wearers with a different teeth replacement solution and one that is far more comfortable, functional and aesthetically pleasing in appearance. Advances in dental implant products, surgical guides and supporting diagnostic technology make it possible for dental implants surgeons in Chicago to complete full arch reconstruction in an unprecedented period of time of just one day!

FAQ: How can dental implants be used to replace all of my teeth?

Answer: “When it comes to full arch replacement, only four dental implants are typically needed to provide support for a customized acrylic dental bridge, which is carefully fabricated to closely resemble a full set of natural teeth and gums,” explains the dental implants dentist in Chicago. “We don’t actually need to replace each and every tooth with a dental implant... that would work out to be far too laborious, complex and expensive a procedure to be viable! Through the strategic placement and even angulation of only four implants, sufficient support can typically be provided for a new set of teeth and this procedure can be completed in as little as one day!”

Stay Tuned for Part 3

To find out more information about the various teeth replacement technologies available today and how they compare, stay tuned for the third installment of this four-part FAQ series, courtesy of dental implants dentists in Chicago.

The Implant Dentist in Chicago Answers All Your Questions About Teeth Replacement, PART 1

This four-part article series provides a comprehensive overview of the various technologies available for the replacement of missing and irreparably damaged or decayed teeth.

Tooth loss is a major problem that affects people of every culture, creed, color and age across the globe. But, as with most fields of medicine and science, modern advancements and constant development has evolved the technology necessary to keep up with this problem. The result is that there are a number of solutions available to those who require one or more of their natural teeth replaced. Which technology works the best? Which one lasts the longest? What are the benefits of dental implants? How do dental bridges fare in the long term? Are dentures worth considering? In this four-part article series, an experienced general, cosmetic and implant dentist in Chicago will be answering all of our questions about the different technologies used to replace missing teeth!

FAQ: What is the number one teeth replacement technology recommended by dentists and why?

Answer: “Without a doubt, dental implants are the number one recommendation of dental healthcare professionals around the world,” says the implant dentist in Chicago. “This is because implants offer benefits that are unparalleled by any other teeth replacement technology: they function better, they feel more natural and they last far longer. Dental implants also help to maintain good jawbone health, which prevents a great number of problems for patients in the long run.”

FAQ: What are dental implants and how do they work?

Answer: “Dental implants offer patients a fixed and non-removable solution to missing teeth”. “They are essentially artificial tooth roots made from titanium metal, which is exceptionally strong, durable, lightweight and non-corrodible. The implant is place in the jawbone at the site/s of the missing tooth or teeth, where it provides a stable foundation for an artificial tooth crown. This is usually custom-fabricated from ceramic materials. In the case of full arch reconstruction, an array of dental implants can be strategically placed to provide support for an acrylic dental bridge.”

FAQ: What alternatives are there to dental implants?

Answer: “Dental implants may be the most popular dental technology as far as dentists are concerned, but they aren’t the only one. Dental bridges, which consist of three connected ceramic crowns, can be used to provide Chicago residents with a replacement tooth.”(see image below for a diagrammatic representation of how bridges are placed).

“Then there are removable dentures for patients who have lost many teeth or even all of their teeth over the years. Dentures can be partials, in which case they make use of metal hooks and a patient’s remaining natural teeth to remain stabilized in the mouth, or they can be full removable dentures,” explains an implant dentist in Chicago. “These rely on their bulkiness, the underlying gums and products such as adhesive strips to prevent them from shifting about, although, full removable dentures will always move around to a degree. This is just something that denture-wearers will need to grow accustomed to.”

Stay Tuned for Part 2

To find out more information about the various teeth replacement technologies available today, stay tuned for the second installment of this four-part FAQ series, courtesy of “All-On-4” dentists in Chicago.

How the All-On-4 Saves Patients Tens of Thousands of Dollars on Dental Implants Costs in Chicago

This article explains how the “All-On-4” procedure can save patients tens of thousands of dollars on implantation cost of fixed oral rehabilitation in Chicago.

Just as there are many different kinds of dental technologies for Chicago residents in need of new teeth, so are there different kinds of dental implant techniques. The newest and most sophisticated of these techniques is the “All-On-4”, which dental implants specialists in Chicago typically recommend to patients who have lost most or all of their teeth to periodontal (gum) disease. Traditionally, however, cost has been a primary concern of Chicago residents, especially when it comes to teeth replacement using dental implants. In this article, just such a specialist will explain to us how it is the “All-On-4” can save patients tens of thousands of dollars on the cost of fixed oral rehabilitation.

The “All-On-4” Needs Fewer Implants

The “All-On-4” only requires four dental implants, as the name of the procedure suggests, as opposed to six, eight or even more per arch. This is frequently the number of implants required by traditional dental implant protocols and is also why these older procedures would take up to a year and a half to provide patients with new implant teeth in Chicago.

The “All-On-4” Can Be Done in One Day

Because of the fewer implants required, the entire teeth replacement procedure can be completed in as little as a single day, with a single surgery. “Previously, getting a new set of teeth would require multiple implant procedures and up to 18 months in and out of the dentist’s chair, the costs of which would add up tremendously,” says the dental implants specialist in Chicago. “This is not even to mention the inconveniences involved and the time a patient would have to take off from work. With the “All-On-4” these concerns don’t typically come in the way of our patients receiving new teeth anymore.”

The “All-On-4” Cost: Bye Bye Bone Grafting!

One of the biggest obstacles in the path of edentulous (toothless) and near-edentulous patients getting new teeth placed with dental implants was a lack of sufficient bone volume in the jaw. Since being toothless causes the bone to atrophy, those who stood to benefit the most from getting new implant teeth in Chicago typically experienced this problem!

Traditional dental implant protocols were incapable of overcoming this problem and so dental implants specialists in Chicago would have to perform bone-grafting surgery beforehand. This procedure is not only incredibly invasive and painful, but it also requires many months of recovery time before the patient can be considered a candidate for dental implants. Bone grafting is also very expensive, especially if the bone tissue is sourced outside the patient’s body, as it typically is. And so, yet another expense is added to the bill for the patients who desperately need new teeth.

The “All-On-4” Cost Difference

With the “All-On-4”, a lack of bone volume is almost never a problem! Dental implants specialists in Chicago carefully scrutinize X-rays of a patient’s jawbone to determine where the very best sites for implant placement are and, based upon the clever design of the protocol, can almost always proceed without the need for costly, painful bone grafting. This also cuts down treatment time, making it possible for Chicago residents to receive new, fixed and immediately functional teeth in just one day.

With only four dental implants, a single treatment and no need for bone grafting, the “All-On-4” can be as much as $45,000 less than the cost for traditional dental implant techniques. On average, it saves patients $25,000 on getting new implant teeth in Chicago, which explains exactly why this breakthrough protocol is widely regarded as the best solution to edentulism, near-edentulism and rampant tooth loss!

Implant Dentist in Chicago: Five Things You Can Do To Get The Most Out Of Your Dental Appointments, PART 3

This three-part article series explains five important things you can do to get the very most out of your bi-annual appointments with the dentist and oral hygienist.

Welcome to the final installment of this three-part article series on how to get the most out of your bi-annual dental appointments. In Part 1, we spoke to an implant dentist in Chicago, who recommended that patients compile a list of questions and concerns (bleeding gums, tooth sensitivity, how to brush properly, etc.) they may have and bring it with them to their appointments. In Part 2, it was recommended that if it has been more than a year since they have done so, patients should update their medical history, which all Chicago dental practices keep on file. Point # 3 on the checklist was for patients to tell their dentist about any medications, supplements and vitamins they may be taking, since this can impact oral health.

Now, lets address the two remaining points on our checklist for getting the very most out of your dental appointments!

4. Speak to Your Dentist About Low-Cost Options and Dental Financing

“Too many patients make the mistake of avoiding treatment or choosing the inferior dental technology because they are concerned about money,” says the implant dentist in Chicago. “What they don’t realize is that we, as dental healthcare practitioners, prioritize treatment and the health of our patients. As such, we work closely with medical financing companies that provide tailor-made payment plans to help patients cover the costs of a procedure or treatment. This can be done over any number of months, depending upon your budget and financial means. Either way, you can benefit from the very best treatment option without having to dig too deep.”

“We also offer a variety of treatment options, for example, for tooth loss. If a traditional dental implant is outside of your budget, you could go for mini-dental implants. Chicago dental implant dentists can also do conventional bridges, although they do prefer dental implants for their superior functionality, aesthetics, longevity and the fact that they don’t harm the adjacent natural teeth when being placed,” says a Chicago dental implants expert. “Speak to your dentist… we’re here to help and are ready and willing to work with you to find the best possible solution.”

5. Ask Your Dentist About How You Can Improve Your Dental Healthcare At Home

“Your dentist can tell from the condition of your teeth and gums just how you care for them when you’re at home. We can tell whether or not you floss and just how frequently and thoroughly you brush your teeth,” says the implant dentist in Chicago. “Even if you brush your teeth twice a day, as is widely recommended, there can be space for improvement, so speak to us about what we see and how you can do better with caring for your teeth and gums.”

Additionally, new dental healthcare products are constantly being introduced to the market. From hygienic tongue scrapers to cosmetic whiteners... just ask your dentist what the latest and greatest is in the field of oral healthcare and he or she will be glad to provide you with his or her recommendations. Remember your dentist is your lifelong partner in excellent oral health and smile confidence!

Get the most out of your bi-annual dental appointments by following the 5-point checklist laid out in this three-part article series:

1. Make a list of any problems or issues you’ve been experiencing.
2. Update your medical history with your dentist’s receptionist.
3. Give your dentist a list of any medications, supplements and vitamins you may be on.
4. Speak to your dentist about any low-cost options or dental financing if cost is a concern for you.
5. Ask your dentist how you could improve your home oral healthcare routine.

New Teeth Chicago: Five Things You Can Do To Get The Most Out Of Your Dental Appointments, PART 2

This three-part article series explains five important things you can do to get the very most out of your bi-annual appointments with the dentist and oral hygienist.

Welcome to the second installment of this three-part article series on how to get the most out of your bi-annual appointment with your dentist. In Part 1, we spoke to a tooth implants specialist in Chicago, who recommended that patients compile a list of problems, complaints and questions they may have, prior to their dental appointment. Whether you’ve noticed that your gums bleed easily when brushed, a particular tooth feels really sensitive or you find yourself struggling to floss... write it down and ask your dentist to take a look for you. You live with your teeth everyday, whereas your dentist only spends an hour with them once or twice a year, so diagnosis has to be a two-way street!

2. Make Sure You Update Your Medical History!

The receptionist at your Chicago dental office usually keeps a detailed medical history of every patient they have on file. This is usually reviewed by the dentist and oral hygienist when you go in for an appointment, so that any treatment or medication they recommend to you won’t come into conflict with any medical condition or medication you might have, or are already taking respectively. This is why it’s so important that you keep your medical history contemporary. “The next time you see your dentist, speak to the receptionist about updating your medical history,” recommends a new teeth specialist in Chicago. “This will help your dentist stay right up-to-date on your general health, which, believe it or not, plays a fundamental role in dental health.”

For example, diabetes shares a known link with gum disease. Certain medicines can cause “dry mouth”, which can put you at a higher risk of developing cavities and tooth decay, since your saliva is your body’s natural defense against bacteria. Essentially, the more your Chicago dental healthcare practitioner knows about your general health as a whole, the better they will be able to care for your oral health.

3. Provide Your Dentist With a List Of All The Medicines You May Be Taking... Vitamins and Supplements Included

“Several different medications have an impact upon oral health,” explains a new teeth specialist in Chicago. “We see this all the time. Patients who are on high blood pressure tablets or anti-depression pills tend to suffer from dry mouth, which leaves the teeth more vulnerable to decay and cavities. Gum problems are also common amongst patients on these kinds of medications. This is why we like patients to tell us about any chronic medications they might be on, so that we can offset the side effects to the best of our abilities. We’ll also educate patients in how to better care for their teeth, considering the impact of any medicines or supplements they may be taking.”

“We want to know about everything, even if you’re on Vitamin B supplements. Certain health pills can thin the blood, which can become a challenge when a patient comes in for dental work. Should any incisions be required, bleeding can be a problem. Talk to us... we don’t care how embarrassing you think any medications might be. Nothing can shock us. We’ve heard it all,” says the tooth implants specialist in Chicago. Please feel comfortable considering your practioner your trusted dental tour guide!

Stay Tuned for Part 3

To find out how else you can get the most out of you annual or bi-annual appointment with your dentist, stay tuned for the final installment of this three-part article series.

Chicago Implant Dentist: Five Things You Can Do To Get The Most Out Of Your Appointments, PART 1

This three-part article series explains five important things you can do to get the very most out of your bi-annual appointments with the dentist and oral hygienist.

If you thought your routine check-up at the dentist was about getting fillings and having your teeth cleaned professionally, think again! According to experienced Chicago implant dentist, there is a whole lot more to your annual check-ups. Not only do you get any and all cavities filled, the overall health of your mouth, teeth and gums is also thoroughly assessed. This routine care is an essential part of the preventative approach every Chicago resident should take to keeping their oral health in check and their smiles beautiful and confident.

Next time you go to the dentist, don’t just show up on the day of your appointment. Get the most out of every dollar you pay and fulfill the following five-point checklist to get the very most out of your dental visit.

1. Do You Have Any Concerns or Questions? Write Them Down!

“When it’s time for your annual or bi-annual appointment with the dentist, take a good hard look at your teeth and gums in the mirror beforehand and make a list of any problems you may have had or change you may have noticed,” advises an experienced dental implants Chicago specialist. “Then, when he or she sits down with you at the beginning of your consultation make sure you raise each issue so that they know what to be on the lookout for.”

Common issues patients could raise might include:

• “My teeth bleed when I brush and/or floss them.” - Weakened gums that tear easily are a possible sign of gum disease. The earlier this condition is treated, the lesser your risk of permanent damage and tooth loss is.

• “I’ve noticed that some of my back molars are especially sensitive and even painful.” - Teeth that are painful or sensitive to hot/cold food and beverages and/or to biting down could be a sign that the sensitive dentine of the tooth has become exposed through fracture, gum recession, a cavity or decay. If you don’t get the tooth restored promptly, your next dental visit could be to a Chicago implant dentist.

• “I have a sore in my mouth that won’t heal.” - Stubborn sores or ulcers that don’t heal and go away may be an early indication of oral cancer. Early diagnosis and intervention is crucial if you want to maximize your chance of complete recovery.

• “I’ve had problems flossing and brushing my teeth.” - “Your dental healthcare practitioner is not only there to fix problems that have gone wrong,” says an experienced dental implants specialist in Chicago. “He or she is also there to teach you about the best practices, routines and techniques for caring for your teeth and gums between visits. If you have any questions at all about flossing, brushing or a new anti-bacterial mouthwash on the market, ask them!”

“Additionally, if you’ve had any problems flossing a particular tooth because the floss always comes away shredded, or if it’s especially painful to brush, for example, the back right hand side of your mouth, write it down on your list and mention it to your dentist. You play as important a role in the diagnosis as your dentist does,” says the dental implants specialist in Chicago.

• “I have a habit of grinding my teeth at night.” - While your dentist should see evidence of Bruxism (teeth grinding and jaw clenching) in the state of the grinding surfaces of your teeth, you should mention it anyway. He or she will prepare a customized mouth guard for you to wear at night to reduce the terrible damage and wear-and-tear this habit has.

“So, remember, if you have any questions or want to learn more about any dentistry service, procedure or treatment, be it for teeth replacement or a cosmetic procedure, such as teeth whitening or veneers, just ask us,” says the Chicago implant dentist. “We always recommend that patients make a list of questions they have about anything any everything before their appointment, because invariably they’ll forget what they wanted to ask if they don’t.”

Stay Tuned for Part 2

To find out how else you can get the most out of your annual or bi-annual appointments with your dentist, stay tuned for the second installment of this three-part article series!

10 Reasons Why You Should Consider Dental Implants In Chicago

This article provides the multiple advantages to dental implants in ten easy steps, as well as mentioning a few disadvantages to removable dentures.

Not only has dental technology advanced so far as to be able to provide patients with replacement teeth that are nearly identical to natural teeth, but it has gone one step further, allowing Chicago residents to receive new teeth in a day. The advantages of dental implants are incomparable with alternate tooth replacement treatments. Having steadily moved to first place, dental implants have been voted by dental specialists as the best tooth replacement treatment available.

Not convinced yet? Well, keep reading and hear from a dental implant specialist in Chicago as to know exactly why this procedure comes with such high international recommendations.

1. No Damage

Unlike other tooth replacement technology, dental implants do not typically cause any harm to the surrounding teeth or gums.

2. Support

“Dental implants provide patients with facial support, avoiding that sunken look that one often sees on patients with removable dentures,” explains a dental implant specialist in Chicago.

3. Speech

Removable dentures often cause patients to experience trouble forming certain words and sounds. This takes time and practice to rectify. Chicago residents who have dental implants experience no difficulty with speech, allowing them to talk with ease and accuracy.

4. Aesthetics

Dental implants allow Chicago residents to smile with confidence as implants support replacement teeth that look and feel just like natural teeth, giving you a bright and healthy grin that doesn’t give away your dental woes.

5. Strength

“Removable dentures often cause patients to experience difficulty chewing, dramatically reducing their bite force,” explains a dental implant specialist in Chicago. “This requires patients to change their diets and makes eating a lengthy and difficult affair. Dental implants, on the other hand, ensure a strong and healthy bite force, thus allowing patients to eat and enjoy all their favorite foods.”

6. Time 

With ‘Teeth In A Day’, Chicago residents are able to save time and money on having new teeth placed. Implants are able to be placed and new teeth attached all in one day.

7. Money

Although the ‘Teeth in a Day’ procedure initially appears to cost Chicago residents more than alternate tooth replacement strategies, in the long term they end up saving you money.

8. Durability

“Removable dentures are said to last patients approximately five to seven years,” says the dental implant specialist in Chicago. “With proper care and oral hygiene, dental implants can last you a lifetime.”

9. Health

Chewing is a very important part of the digestive process. Dental implants provide Chicago residents with better chewing function, thus better digestion and this improves their physical health.

10.Success

Dental implants have a 98% success rate, allowing patients to sit back, relax and know that by the end of the day they will have a new set of teeth.

And there it is! In just ten points you know why dental implants are rated number one in tooth replacement treatments. Enough reasons to throw your dentures out the window and hop over to your dental specialist to receive your new teeth in just one day!