Dental Implants

Implant dentistry is today’s most effective solution for replacing missing teeth. Dental implants enable patients to permanently restore healthy, beautiful smiles. They are also completely safe, crafted from durable materials customized to resemble your natural surrounding teeth. Whether you need a single dental implant or are exploring full mouth dental implants, we’re ready to assist you. We have plenty of experience with both, and the fact that we’ve worked with Cubs players and Univision broadcasters speaks to the quality of our results. 

Call us or reach out online to schedule a dental implant consultation. Keep reading to learn about dental implants in more detail. 

Dental Implants Explained

Three parts make up a dental implant. Here is an explanation for each part:

The Crown: 

This is the visible part of the implant. Custom-made from high-quality materials, it is designed to replicate the look, feel, and strength of a natural tooth.

The Abutment: 

This is the connector piece. It attaches directly to the screw and serves as the secure foundation for your new tooth to sit on.

The Screw: 

This is the “root” of your new tooth. Made of biocompatible, dental-grade titanium, it fuses with your jawbone to stabilize your bite and preserve your jaw structure.

 

Getting Dental Implants: Step-by-Step

The journey to a restored smile begins with a comprehensive evaluation. Your dentist will perform a clinical exam and utilize X-rays or CT scans to ensure your jawbone is healthy and ready for the procedure. Once you are cleared for treatment, the process follows these three primary steps:

1. Placement of the Screw

The first step is the surgical placement of the dental implant screw. Made of biocompatible titanium, this piece acts as the new “root” for your tooth. Over the following months, a natural process called osseointegration occurs, where your jawbone heals and bonds directly to the screw, creating a rock-solid foundation.

2. Attaching the Abutment 

Once the screw is fully integrated with the bone, we attach the abutment. This is a small connector piece that sits at the gum line. It serves as the bridge between the hidden foundation and the visible tooth, ensuring your new restoration stays securely in place.

3. Placing the Crown 

The final step is the placement of the crown. This is the custom-made replacement tooth designed to match the exact shape, size, and shade of your natural teeth. Once attached to the abutment, the crown restores your ability to chew, speak, and smile with total confidence.

By following these precise steps, we ensure your implant is stable, durable, and looks exactly like a natural tooth. It’s a long-term solution designed to provide a lifetime of functional and aesthetic benefits.

 

Types of Dental Implants

Dental implants are versatile and can be customized based on how many teeth you need to replace. At Family Dental Care, we categorize these solutions into three main types:

Single Tooth Dental Implants

Single tooth dental implants are used to replace one tooth that’s missing due to injury or decay. Getting a single tooth dental implant involves placing one screw in the jawbone and attaching a single crown to it. It is the ideal way to restore a gap without affecting the healthy teeth next to it.

Multiple Tooth Dental Implants

Multiple-tooth dental implants are used to fill gaps where several teeth are missing in a row. When inserting these types of implants, we place two or more screws to act as anchors. These support a dental bridge that spans the entire gap and are topped with custom crowns.

Full Arch Replacements

Full arch replacements replace all or most teeth in the upper or lower jaw. This can be achieved in several ways. All on 4 dental implants or all on 6 dental implants are used to replace 4 or 6 teeth, respectively. We also consider implant-retained dentures. These are a set of dentures that “snaps” onto the screws for a secure, slip-free fit that traditional dentures can’t match.

 

Benefits of Dental Implants

Choosing tooth implants is an investment in both your oral health and your quality of life. Unlike traditional bridges or dentures, implants offer a permanent solution that looks, feels, and functions just like your natural teeth. Beyond their natural look and feel, the other benefits associated with teeth implants include:

Preservation of Your Facial Structure: 

Tooth loss can lead to jawbone deterioration, as the jawbone no longer receives stimulation from the tooth’s root. With dental implants, the titanium screw acts as a replacement root, signaling the bone to stay strong. This prevents the “sunken” facial appearance often seen with long-term tooth loss.

A Lifetime of Reliability: 

While traditional dental work may need to be replaced every 5 to 10 years, dental implants are built for longevity. Because the screw fuses directly with your bone, it is designed to last a lifetime with proper oral hygiene and regular checkups.

Unrestricted Functionality: 

Because the abutment and crown are anchored into the bone, they won’t slip or click. This restores your full bite force, meaning you can return to eating your favorite foods without hesitation or discomfort.

Seamless Aesthetic Appeal: 

We custom-design every crown to match the unique shade, translucency, and contour of your surrounding teeth. The result is a restoration so natural that most people won’t even realize you have an implant.

Protection for Neighboring Teeth:

Traditional bridges require “prepping” (grinding down) the healthy teeth on either side of a gap to support the restoration. An implant is a standalone solution that doesn’t rely on or damage your adjacent healthy teeth.

 

Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Implants

How long does the dental implant process take?

The entire dental implant process can take several months. The initial surgery to place the implant post is followed by a healing period of 3 to 6 months to allow osseointegration. After this, the abutment and crown are placed, which may require additional appointments with your implant dentist.

Are dental implants painful?

Most patients report minimal discomfort during the dental implant procedure. This procedure is performed under local anesthesia, and most patients compare the pain levels to a tooth extraction. Post-operative pain can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.

What do I need to do to care for my dental implants?

To care for your dental implants, care for them as you’d care for your natural teeth. This means regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups. Treating your dental implants like normal teeth will ensure they last as long as possible. 

Are dental implants covered by insurance?

Dental implant coverage varies by insurance plan. While some dental insurance policies may cover part of the cost, others may not. It’s important to check with your insurance provider to understand your coverage and potential out-of-pocket expenses.

How long do dental implants last?

Even with regular care, dental implant crowns might need to be replaced every 10-15 years. This is because of normal wear and tear, and cannot really be avoided. However, the implant post itself is designed to last a lifetime. 

 

Schedule a Free Consultation with a Chicago Implant Dentist

If you’re embarrassed and struggling with the effects of tooth loss and think you may be a candidate for dental implants or any of our other services, contact our dental office to schedule your initial consultation. When you need quality dental restorations or other dental procedures, Family Dental Care is here for you! We provide dental implants in Lakeview, Chicago, Waukegan, and the surrounding Chicago-area communities.