Dental Implants

Dental implants replace missing teeth so you can live your life with confidence and comfort. They provide a strong foundation for permanent or removable replacement teeth that look, feel, and function just like natural teeth.

At Oral Facial and Implant Specialists, we care about your dental health and want to help you look and feel your best. We understand that missing teeth can make it difficult to eat, speak clearly, or even smile with confidence. That’s why we offer dental implants—the most natural-looking and long-lasting solution for replacing missing teeth. If you are searching for dental implants Deer Park, dental implants Barrington, or dental implants near me, we can help. Call us at (847) 381-0106 for a free consultation.

What Is a Dental Implant?

A dental implant is an artificial tooth root surgically attached to the jawbone. The implant replaces a missing tooth or teeth and supports crowns, bridges, dentures, or other prosthetics. It is made of titanium, a strong, corrosion-resistant metal designed to last many years with proper care and maintenance. 

Why Are Dental Implants Needed?

Dental implants restore the form and function of the mouth. They are needed when one or more teeth are missing due to injury, disease, or decay. If a lost tooth isn’t replaced, the adjacent teeth can shift, causing bite problems and making it difficult to eat or speak. A missing tooth can also affect the integrity of the jaw bone and lead to bone loss. 

The Benefits of Dental Implants

There are many benefits to getting implants: 

  • Improved Comfort: Implants look and feel like your teeth, so you can enjoy the foods you love without worrying about discomfort. 
  • Improved Self-Confidence: When you replace a missing tooth or teeth with dental implants, you restore your smile to its natural beauty. No more hiding behind your hand when you smile!
  • Long Lasting: Dental implants are designed to last many years with proper care and maintenance.
  • Natural Looking: Dental implants are designed to blend in with your real teeth, so no one will be able to tell that they are not your own.

Types of Dental Implants

While there are a few types of implants, they all serve the same purpose: to provide a secure foundation for replacement teeth. The most common types of implants are as follows:

Endosteal Implants

Endosteal implants are the most common type of implant. They are surgically placed into your jawbone and topped with a prosthetic tooth, bridge, or denture. 

Subperiosteal Implants

Subperiosteal implants rest on top of the jawbone instead of inside it. They consist of a metal frame surgically placed in the jawbone, followed by a prosthetic tooth, bridge, or denture. 

Mini Implants

Mini dental implants are a smaller version of endosteal implants. They are less invasive and require less bone structure, making them ideal for people who don’t have enough healthy bone in their jaw to support a traditional implant. 

The Implant Procedure

Getting dental implants is a lengthy process, but the steps are relatively simple. The procedure typically involves the following: 

Consultation

During your initial consultation, your surgeons will examine your teeth to determine if you are a good candidate for implants. At this time, we will take an X-ray to assess the amount of available jawbone. If your results show that there isn’t enough bone for support, a bone graft may be necessary to help hold the implant in place. In addition to this assessment, your comprehensive treatment plan may include addressing gum disease or removing a few damaged teeth if necessary. 

Placement

The first step of dental implant surgery is to administer local anesthetic to numb your gums so that you won’t feel any pain or discomfort during the surgical procedure. Sedation can also be administered for a more relaxed experience if you suffer from dental anxiety.

Following this, an incision will be made in your gum line where the dental implant will be placed. A series of specialized instruments are used to make an opening in the bone of your jaw. The dental implant is then placed into the jaw.  A healing abutment is placed/screwed into the implant. This acts as a guide for the gum tissue to heal around. 

Once it’s firmly in place and the area has been cleaned up and checked over, stitches may be used to close the gum tissue. 

Once placed, the implant will fuse with the surrounding bone and become a permanent part of your jaw. This healing process is called osseointegration and is integral to the success of your implant. An abutment is placed on top of the implant, and a temporary crown or bridge is placed. 

Restoration

Once your mouth has sufficiently healed, a permanent prosthetic tooth (crown), bridge, or denture will be attached to the abutment. The color of your restoration will be matched to the shade of your other teeth for a seamless look. 

Oral Care After an Implant

You will be given post-surgical instructions to help you care for the surgical site. It is very important that you follow these instructions to ensure the success of your dental implant and to reduce the risk of infection.

Smoking

Smoking can inhibit the healing process and cause implant failure. You should not smoke one week before the procedure and one week after. For the best possible outcome and to prevent infection and implant failure, we recommend quitting altogether. 

Am I a Good Candidate?

Dental implants are a great option for anyone missing one or more teeth, but they may not work in every case. The best way to determine if you are a good candidate for dental implants is to consult with one of our experienced surgeons. Implants may not be suitable for people with certain health conditions, such as uncontrolled periodontal disease, diabetes, heart disease, or heavy smokers. It is also important to have enough healthy jawbone to support the implant and be in generally good oral health. We can determine if you are a suitable candidate through our initial consultation process. 

What Are The Risks?

The risks associated with implants are minimal and typically consist of minor pain or swelling. Infection, nerve damage, and other more serious complications are rare. If you experience any of these symptoms following your implant surgery, it is important to tell your dentist right away so they can take the necessary steps to address them. 

Summary

  • A dental implant is an artificial tooth root surgically attached to the jawbone. The implant replaces a missing tooth or teeth and supports crowns, bridges, dentures, or other prosthetics.
  • They are needed when one or more teeth are missing due to injury, disease, or decay. If a lost tooth isn’t replaced, the adjacent teeth can shift, causing bite problems and making it difficult to eat or speak.
  • Benefits of dental implants include:
    • Improved comfort 
    • Improved self-confidence
    • Long-lasting
    • Natural looking

Your Dental Implant Specialists

At Oral Facial and Implant Specialists, we understand that each patient has unique needs. Our team of surgeons is dedicated to providing personalized care so you can have the smile of your dreams. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about dental implants and how they can help you.

If you are searching for dental implants Deer Park, dental implants Barrington, or dental implants near me, we can help. Call us at (847) 381-0106 for a free consultation. We look forward to helping you and your smile!

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Frequently Asked Questions

What Are Dental Implants Made Of?

Dental implants are made of biocompatible materials, usually titanium alloy or similar alloys that are designed to fuse with the jawbone and provide a strong foundation for the prosthetic tooth.  By using the same metals as orthopedic surgeons, allergic reactions to dental implants are very rare. 

Do Dental Implants Hurt?

The procedure itself is minimally invasive in most cases and should not be overly painful. Some level of discomfort or soreness can be expected afterward, but this is usually manageable with over-the-counter pain medications. 

How Successful Are Dental Implants?

Dental implants have an extremely high success rate when placed correctly and cared for properly. With proper care, most implants will last for decades before needing to be replaced.

Why Do Dental Implants Fail?

Dental implants can fail for a variety of reasons, such as poor oral hygiene, severe grinding of teeth (bruxism) , peri-implantitis, or complications from pre-existing medical conditions. It is important to make sure your teeth and gums are healthy prior to getting dental implants to reduce the chances of failure. 

Does Insurance Cover Dental Implants?

Most insurance plans do not cover dental implants as they are considered to be a cosmetic procedures. However, some plans may offer partial coverage for certain types of implants. It is important to check with your insurance provider to find out if you have any coverage for the procedure.

Can I Get Dental Implants at Any Age?

Technically yes, but it is important to keep in mind that dental implants are most successful when placed into healthy and strong jawbones. In some cases, the jawbone may not be strong enough for placement, or there may be other considerations, such as pre-existing conditions that could make the procedure more complicated.

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