Dental Implants of the Future

Dental implants offer the most complete replacement for missing teeth. Impressive advancements in science and dentistry have allowed for these amazing innovations to develop, which provide both cosmetic and restorative results. By replacing lost tooth roots, dental implants help preserve your jawbone’s health and integrity. The parts of your teeth you see are not the only important element of your dental anatomy. Healthy roots are essential for alloting an adequate supply of nutrients and minerals to your jawbone. The only catch with implants is that they require sufficient jawbone structure to support the implant rod, so some patients are not be eligible unless they receive a bone graft. Park Ridge implant dentists, Dr. Maria and Dr. Thanasi Loukas, want to warn you against seeking help from a dentist who does not place high importance on the health of your jawbone.

Requirements for Dental Implant Requirements

Dental implants are crafted from biocompatible titanium, so they are accepted by your body as an actual part of your anatomy. Your jawbone will fuse with the titanium implant in a process called osseointegration. Once you heal from your implant surgery, the dental implants can support porcelain prosthetics just as if they were your natural roots. To accomplish this process, however, your jaw must consist of enough bone for successful osseointegration.  Unfortunately, the more teeth you lose, the more your jawbone may diminish, so if you are going to receive implants to replace missing teeth, the sooner, the better.

Dental Implant Improvements

Scientists at the Universitat Jaume I in Castellón and the University of the Basque Country in Bilbao have developed a way to improve dental implant success rates even in the case of diminished jawbone structure. A biodegradable coating is under development which can cover the implant to release bioactive molecules after implantation. These silicon compounds induce bone regeneration. The researchers have achieved a successful prototype of the coating and it is currently under clinical evaluation. In the next few years, the coating may become commonplace in dental implant cases for patients with poor jawbone density.

Speak with Your Dental Implant Experts in Park Ridge

In the meantime, many patients who need to amplify jawbone structure for dental implant placement may be eligible for a jawbone graft. To learn more, schedule an appointment with Dr. Maria and Dr. Thanasi Loukas by calling your Park Ridge dental office at (847) 696-1919. Located in the 60068 area, we proudly serve patients from Park Ridge and the surrounding Chicago communities.