How Much Do You Know About Dental Implants?

If you’ve lost, or had to extract, any of your adult teeth, then restoring your mouth’s function relies on replacing them (except for wisdom teeth). Your Park Ridge dentists may have spoken with you about the advantages of dental implants as permanent prosthetic teeth replacements. However, before you opt for implant placement, Drs. Maria and Thanasi Loukas want to ensure you understand the science behind missing teeth and dental implants. Our short quiz below will help you test your knowledge of the innovative prosthetics, and possibly teach you something you didn’t know about the revolutionary dental replacements.

The Dental Implant Quiz

1.) What part of a lost tooth does a dental implant replace?

a.) Root

b.) Crown

c.) Both

2.) What little-known consequence of tooth loss do dental implants help stop?

a.) Facial collapse

b.) Further tooth loss

c.) Both

3.) What factor could influence your eligibility for dental implant placement?

a.) Age

b.) Weak jawbone

c.) Too many missing teeth

Answers

1.) Root—Dental implants are surgically inserted into your jawbone to replace the roots of lost teeth. Dental crowns, bridges, and dentures are designed to replace the crowns, or visible parts of your teeth. Dental implants help provide lifelike stability by anchoring your replacement teeth in the same manner as healthy roots anchor your teeth.

2.) Both—When you lose a tooth, the area of jawbone in and around its root’s socket is resorbed by your body. The loss of the root also results in a diminished nutrient supply to your jawbone. In time, your jawbone can deteriorate, leading to further tooth loss and the sunken-jaw appearance known as facial collapse. Replacing lost roots with one or more dental implants helps prevent jawbone resorption and preserve the jaw’s supply of nutrient-rich blood, reducing the risk of facial collapse and further tooth loss.

3.) Weak jawbone—The success of your dental implant placement relies on the density of your jawbone. It must be substantial enough to fuse to the implants and support them for life. If your jawbone has lost enough density, then Dr. Maria or Dr. Thanasi Loukas may recommend fortifying your jawbone with a bone graft. We’ll also discuss alternatives to dental implants in case you prefer not to undergo a jawbone graft.

About Dr. Maria and Dr. Thanasi Loukas:

Whether you wish to protect your smile from dental disease and damage, or restore your smile after suffering tooth loss, we can help you regain your oral health and confidence through a new and improved smile. Dr. Maria and Dr. Thanasi Loukas are highly-skilled restorative and cosmetic dentists serving the Park Ridge and surrounding Chicago communities. To schedule an appointment, call Loukas General Dentistry today at (847) 696-1919.