A missing or failing dental restoration changes how you eat, how you talk, and how comfortable you feel smiling in a photo. The best way to avoid this heavy burden is to look into permanent tooth replacement options that will hold up through years, even decades, of daily use. With the right replacement and maintenance, some dental restorations can last 10, 15, or even 25 years. If you’re searching for the best tooth replacement in Naperville, you’re going to encounter two specific options: dental implants and dental bridges. Each treatment differs in how long they last, who qualifies for treatment, and cost.
Read on to learn how to choose the best treatment for your current oral health and lifestyle, and where to find the best dentist in Naperville for restorative dentistry.
Why You Shouldn’t Wait to Replace a Missing Tooth
When you lose a tooth to tooth decay or a failed dental filling, the empty space triggers changes in your mouth that you probably won’t even notice for months or years. The jawbone in that spot no longer bears the pressure of chewing, so it slowly begins to shrink. This causes the teeth around the gap to lean or drift into the open space over time, which can throw off your bite and change the way your face looks. This change in bite also affects how your teeth come together, which can cause a few teeth to bear the brunt of each chew. Restorative dental treatments fill the empty space while keeping the surrounding teeth and gums steady for years to come.
How Long Do Dental Implants Last?
A dental implant replaces an entire tooth, from root to crown. It starts with a small titanium post that is surgically placed in the jawbone. Over a few months, this post fuses with the jawbone through a process called osseointegration. That bond gives the implant a solid base and keeps the jawbone active so it doesn’t shrink.
With proper at-home dental care and regular dental checkups, dental implants can last 20 years or more, and many patients keep them for a lifetime. The porcelain dental crown on top may need to be replaced at some point, but usually these last 10 to 15 years at a minimum.
If it has been a while since you lost the original tooth, a bone graft may be needed before placement. After placement, daily brushing, flossing around the implant, and regular dental visits help protect that work and lower the risk of gum problems like peri-implantitis, which can shorten an implant's lifespan.
How Long Does a Dental Bridge Last?
A dental bridge fills the gap left when you lose a tooth with an artificial tooth held in place by crowns on each adjacent tooth. This process takes less time, involves no surgery, and can be more affordable for some people. Dental bridges anchored to the teeth on either side of the gap typically last five to 10 years with good care. One thing worth keeping in mind is that a bridge depends on the health of the teeth supporting it, and it does not slow the bone loss happening under the gap.
Am I a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?
Choosing a tooth replacement treatment is a very personal decision. It starts with seeing the best dentist in Naperville to confirm candidacy through a thorough dental exam and imaging, such as X-rays or a CT scan, to assess jawbone density. Additional factors your dentist will need to consider include health conditions like uncontrolled diabetes, gum disease, or significant bone loss. These issues don’t automatically disqualify you, but may need attention first to ensure a successful treatment.
Where to Find the Best Dentist in Naperville for Dental Implants
The right tooth replacement gives back the small things you miss, like biting into your favorite meal and laughing without a second thought. Dr. Don Jonker is committed to helping you sort through all your treatment options, including dental implants and bridges. Our team at Naperville Family Dental builds each treatment around you and your lifestyle, so your smile is as natural as possible and lasts for years.
With dual Bachelor of Science degrees in biology and psychology from Loyola University, Dr. Jonker completed his Doctor of Dental Surgery at the University of California, San Francisco, where he was recognized for excellence in patient-centered care. Now, he provides the best restorative dentistry in Naperville, focused on advanced techniques and modern dental technology.
Ready to find out which restorative dental treatment is right for you with the best dentist in Naperville?
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