Most modern replacement teeth (such as dental bridges, partial dentures, and complete traditional dentures) are designed to perfectly emulate the visible portions of lost teeth. Like your natural teeth’s crowns, these tooth replacements sit on top of the gumline, held securely by gum-colored plastic bases or inconspicuous hidden clasps. Unlike your natural tooth crowns, however, conventional dental prosthetics are not equipped with an anchor which will extend into the jawbone for optimal support. Dental implants, provided by Park Ridge implant dentists Drs. Maria and Thanasi Loukas, help resolve this issue by replacing the roots of your lost teeth. With the addition of one or more dental implants, we can also upgrade your current dental bridge or denture by significantly enhancing its performance and more effectively preserving the future of your overall dental health.
Fact #1: Improved Comfort
Traditional dental bridges and dentures rely on various methods to remain in place. For instance, complete dentures rest on a gum-colored plastic base that’s secured to the gums with dental adhesive, while dental bridges rely on the support of healthy teeth neighboring the gap (abutment teeth). Dental implants, which are surgically inserted into the jawbone, provide anchors that mimic natural teeth and their roots. The improved stability allows your replacement teeth to more effectively absorb the pressures of biting and chewing, providing firmer and more comfortable support.
Fact #2: Preserved Jawbone Density
When teeth are lost, bone around the socket where they rested is resorbed by bone cells, and the body disperses the minerals and nutrients elsewhere throughout the body. Over time, the weakened jawbone can lose its ability to retain the rest of your natural teeth, potentially leading to further tooth loss. As prosthetic teeth roots, dental implants are the only options that can help prevent jawbone resorption and reduce the risk of future tooth loss by maintaining an adequate supply of nutrients to the jaw.
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.