Discussion with Dr. Justin Ahoyt, owner of Ahoyt Family Dental.
For those who may not know, what is a dental implant?
Dr. Ahoyt: Dental implants are now the gold standard of tooth replacement. The implant itself is a titanium post that serves as the new root. A porcelain crown is the actual replacement tooth that attaches to the implant.
How long do dental implants last?
Dr. Ahoyt: Dental implants are built to last. With proper oral care, a dental implant can last a lifetime. Traditional options, such as dental bridges or dentures, may need to be replaced every 5 to 10 years. This can become a considerable investment of both time and money.
What are the benefits of dental implants?
Dr. Ahoyt: Dental implants look, feel, and function closest to natural teeth. They are nearly indistinguishable from natural teeth. Patients can smile confidently with a full, healthy set of teeth. Once the implant is placed, it serves all the functions of a natural tooth. Therefore, there are no eating restrictions or speaking impediments.
Another health benefit is that implants help stop boneloss. With other tooth replacement options, the bone where the root used to be may deteriorate over time. This can cause neighboring teeth to shift and loosen. Implants are the only option that helps prevent bone loss in the jawline. There is a 95% success rate with implant placement therapy. It is one of the most effective and predictable dental procedure.
What should patients expect before and during the procedure?
Dr. Ahoyt: First, we take x-rays of your mouth and determine the optimal placement of the implant. Once the implant is placed, a brand-new beautiful replacement tooth will be attached during restoration procedure. Most patients report less pain during recovery, than with wisdom teeth extractions. However, any discomfort can be treated with over-the-counter pain medication.
Your practice is quite different from other dental practices. What do you believe makes your practice standout?
Dr. Ahoyt: We pride ourselves on creating life-changing smiles through innovative cosmetic and implant dentistry. We have a highly trained surgical team and our specialist has placed thousands of dental implants. Our commitment is to developing a treatment plan that’s tailored to the patient’s individual needs and goals. We also provide leading-edge dental technologies and amenities that are designed for patient comfort and convenience.
Ahoyt Family Dental is located at 13717 South US 30, Unit 129, Plainfield, IL. You can reach the Ahoyt Family Dental team at 1-815-676-4007 with any questions regarding dental implants or your family’s general oral health.