If you’ve done any research on dental implants, then you’ve probably heard about how they’re most dental professionals preferred method of tooth replacement. These tiny, titanium screws are literally implanted into the jaw and can secure anything from a single porcelain crown to a full set of dentures in place. Dental implants can preserve healthy bone structure and provide the most life-like solution to adult tooth loss.
To help their patients learn more about this innovative procedure, Dr. Thanasi Loukas and Dr. Maria Loukas, your Park Ridge dentists and implant dentists, have answered a few of the more common questions they receive about dental implants.
Can I Get Dental Implants?
This is generally a patient’s first question and, as with any major dental procedure, candidacy for dental implants varies on a case-by-case basis. However, if you have healthy jawbone tissue, a record of good oral health, and you do not smoke, then you will probably qualify for implants. Pre-existing medical conditions, such as diabetes or heart disease, lifestyle habits like smoking or poor oral hygiene, and compromised bone health may disqualify you for dental implants. That said, you should always consult with Dr. Loukas first, since he can provide an accurate treatment recommendation.
How Long Do Dental Implants Last?
As with all dental prosthetics and restorations, the answer to this question relies heavily on how the patient takes care of their implant. The recognized industry average lifespan for dental implants is about 20-25 years. However, if a person does not care for their new teeth and engages in unhealthy habits like smoking, an implant could fail within a few years. On the other hand, with proper care and a healthy lifestyle, dental implants have been known to last well over 35 years.
Are Dental Implants Expensive?
Short answer: yes. Dental implants are one of the more costly dental procedures available. However, when you compare the cost of a dental implant that could last 20+ years to the cost of dentures or bridges that might need replacement every few years, the long-term savings become apparent. Also, in the case of implant-secured dentures, the dramatic improvement in quality of life that most patients experience is well worth the cost.
Why Should I Go to Loukas Dentistry of Park Ridge for Dental Implants?
Dr. Thanasi Loukas and Dr. Maria Loukas have just the right combination of skills to make them the ideal choice for Park Ridge residents interested in receiving dental implants. Dr. Thanasi Loukas received clinical honors in implant dentistry while attending Tufts University School of Dental Medicine and has completed a great deal of continuing education on honing his skills in the placement of dental implants. Dr. Maria Thanasi, another receipient of high university honors, has received extensive further education in the field of prosthodontics and dental implant restoration (designing and placing the crown, bridge, or denture that sits atop the dental implant). Together with their dedication to patient care and satisfaction and with the help of their skilled assisting staff, Drs. Maria and Thanasi Loukas make up a dental implant dream team.