Do you need to fill a gap in your smile? Innovative dental implants offer a long-lasting restoration option and look and feel completely natural. Herrin, IL, dentist Dr. Christopher Hughes offers dental implants and other treatments and services that improve, repair or restore your smile.

What are dental implants?

The loss of even one tooth leaves a very noticeable gap in your smile. In a perfect world, replacing a lost tooth would be as simple as growing a new one. Since that's not an option, dental implants offer an ideal solution. Titanium implants bond to your jawbone and serve as secure, sturdy foundations for dental crowns, artificial teeth that fill the gap in your smile above the gum line.

Before you receive a dental implant, you'll visit your Herrin dentist's office for an evaluation. An examination of your mouth and a CT Scan of your jaw will help determine if you are a good candidate for dental implants.

The first step in the implant process involves making openings in your jawbone during minor oral surgery and placing the implant inside. Implants bond to your jawbone in about three to six months. A crown may be added to your implant the same day you receive your implant, or you may need to wait until bonding is finished. In that case, you'll receive a temporary crown or bridge that will fill the gap in your mouth while you wait.

After bonding is complete, your dentist will make an impression of your mouth which will be used to create your crown. A few weeks later, the crown will be connected to the implant.

Why should I consider dental implants?

Dental implants feel like your natural teeth because they're firmly rooted to your jawbone. When you chew, your new tooth won't slip, slide or irritate your gums. Implants also keep your jawbone strong by stimulating the bone, helping you avoid bone loss. Have you lost more than one tooth? Although dental implants are often used to replace single missing teeth, they're a good choice no matter how many teeth you've lost. Implant-supported dentures offer a more comfortable alternative to traditional dentures and don't significantly decrease your biting power like removable dentures do.

Restore your smile with dental implants! Call Herrin, IL, dentist Dr. Christopher Hughes at (618) 993-3100 to schedule your appointment.