Dental implants are as close as we can come to replacing a missing tooth or multiple teeth. Patients say, “They look like my teeth, chew like my teeth and feel natural.”
Implants can support a single tooth, multiple teeth or even all your teeth. Patients who used to have a denture are thrilled that they no longer need to take out their “plate” throughout a meal to clean out underneath it.
Implants are basically four pieces: the actual implant, which mimics a tooth root; an abutment, or anchor, which provides anchorage for the crown; and then the crown, which is held in place by the fourth piece, a tiny screw. The following picture shows all the components:
Here’s an animated picture of a patient who’s had all their lower teeth replaced with a twelve-tooth prosthesis that’s screwed on top of four to six implants. I’ve helped out a number of my patients with such a prosthesis who now chew and smile comfortably.
Dr. Philip Gotsch will discuss your options with you prior to designing your restoration to help ensure that your final result fits your smile perfectly. Contact Elmhurst Smiles at 630-834-8055 to schedule your consultation with our skilled dentist and learn more about dental implant restorations in Elmhurst, Illinois.