Are Dental Implants The Right Option For You?

Are you missing a tooth or feel like you might lose one soon? Are you worried about the potential loss of food enjoyment or the cosmetic look of your teeth? Dental implants might just be the answer for you.

Dental implants are the natural-looking and comfortable way to get the smile you want and deserve. Dr. Paul Etchison of Nelson Ridge Family Dental has all the answers to your dental implant questions in this exclusive Patch one-on-one.

Patch: What are dental implants?

Dr. Etchison: Dental implants are essentially man made roots, that support individual teeth or dentures. They are the best way to return chewing function back to normal when we lose teeth.

Patch: Why do people choose to get dental implants?

Dr. Etchison: People choose dental implants when they have to lose a tooth or multiple teeth but don’t want to lose the enjoyment of chewing their food efficiently. People also choose dental implants over having to wear a partial or complete denture. Existing denture-wearers choose dental implants when they want to bring function back to their denture or get rid of the denture completely. There are lots of options.

Patch: Who is a good candidate?

Dr. Etchison: A good candidate is anyone who is missing a tooth or will have a missing tooth soon. We as clinicians have to have ample bone available to place the implant as well. The longer someone goes with a missing tooth, the more the bone available withers away. So see your dentist soon if you are considering dental implant therapy.

Patch: What are some benefits?

Dr. Etchison: Dental implants are the closest thing to natural teeth that we can provide. They look, feel, and chew like natural teeth. One of the best things we can do with implants is to attach a denture with dental implants to a patient’s mouth. The common phrase we here when we do this is, “I wish I had done this 20 years ago!”

Patch: What is the process like?

Dr. Etchison: The process is different for each application and case, but for the most part, the implant is placed and must heal for 3 to 4 months before a tooth is placed onto the implant. Every case is different, and we would be happy to consult with you for free should you be considering dental implants.

Patch: Are there any risks?

Dr. Etchison: As with any procedure there are risks. Due to technology we employ with 3 dimensional x-rays and surgical guides, the risks are minimal. In a small percentage of cases, the implant does not take. In these cases we often let things heal and place the implant again at a later date and the body usually accepts it.

Patch: Will they look natural?

Dr. Etchison: Pending we place the implant the same day or soon after the tooth is removed, they will look very natural. Some times there is some compromise, usually due to a lack of bone. For the majority of the cases, the tooth looks as good as a natural tooth. We have amazing ceramics and ceramic artists that work with us to help us deliver the best result to our patients.

Patch: What steps need to be taken if someone is interested in getting dental implants?

Dr. Etchison: Please call our office (815) 524-6000 and set up with your free consultation with myself, Dr. Paul Etchison. I will be happy to go over all of your options and any questions you may have.

Image Credit: Nelson Ridge Family Dental