Dental implants are the only permanent solution available to replace missing teeth. It doesn’t matter whether you’ve lost a tooth due to decay, trauma, or overcrowding; it’s important to visit your dentist immediately. Because teeth support each other, it only takes one missing tooth to cause the surrounding teeth to shift. When this happens, chewing often becomes difficult, and speech patterns can become impaired.
Widely considered to be the most durable and functional tooth replacement option available, dental implants in Schaumburg are becoming the go-to procedure to fill the space left by a missing tooth. That’s because the long-term consequences of tooth loss can be serious. Large voids between teeth eventually become difficult to clean, which is why tooth decay and periodontal disease (or gum disease) often follow tooth loss. While some turn to temporary solutions—such as dental bridges or removable dentures—patients who want a permanent solution look to dental implants. At our dental office, we can place dental implants in-house so that you don’t have to travel to a separate dental office to see a specialist.
What Are Dental Implants?
You can think of a dental implant as a prosthetic tooth root. Each implant post is made out of titanium and shaped like a screw. When dental implants are placed in the jaw, they can eventually fuse with the surrounding bone. As a result, dental implants are stronger and more stable than traditional tooth replacements, and they have a much longer lifespan. Depending on how many teeth are missing, a specific number of implant posts can be used to support a crown, a bridge, or a denture.
The 4-Step Dental Implant Process
The process of getting dental implants looks much different than that of traditional dentures or other restorations; things take several months longer, the recovery period must be taken seriously, and patients must take immaculate care of their smiles. However, while everyone’s experience will differ, the process can often be broken into the same four basic steps. Here’s a closer look at each of them, and as always, don’t hesitate to contact our office if you have any questions!
Initial Dental Implant Consultation
The first step on your journey to rebuilding your smile with dental implants is coming by our office for an initial consultation. During this visit, we will carefully examine your smile, note the extent of your tooth loss, and assess your overall gum health, jawbone density, and other relevant factors. Although most patients with missing teeth are good candidates, we’ll want to be sure that your jaw can successfully accommodate the implants; certain conditions, like gum disease or insufficient jawbone tissue, might require preliminary procedures before the implants can be placed.
Dental Implant Surgery
Dental implant surgery is surprisingly straightforward – and as a bonus, we’re proud to be able to complete this whole procedure in-house, including everything from the initial scans to the placement of your new restoration! After your mouth is numbed, we will make small incisions in the gum tissue to access the jawbone. From there, the implants are placed at precise locations and angles; anywhere from one to four or even more can be used. Once they’ve been placed, the gums are sutured shut, and a protective cap is set into position to help protect the implants and maintain the gum line’s shape throughout the healing process. It takes about one hour to place a single dental implant, with complex surgeries taking longer; however, they’ll all be placed during the same appointment.
Dental Implant Osseointegration & Abutment
Once the implants have been placed, you’ll need to spend the next several months waiting for osseointegration to take place. This process, which refers to the fusion between implant post(s) and jawbone tissue, is the single most important factor concerning dental implant success. Simply put, if the posts cannot fuse with the jawbone, they cannot act as replacement tooth roots, and implant failure is highly likely. However, once osseointegration is complete, you’ll return for a second, smaller procedure to receive your abutments. These metal connector pieces are placed on top of the implants, and they’ll allow us to secure your custom-made dental restoration when it’s ready.
Delivery of Dental Implant Restoration(s)
Your custom-made dental restoration might be a single crown, a dental bridge, a full set of dentures, or whatever else may be needed to fully restore your smile. A team of skilled technicians will create these replacement teeth using the precise digital impressions that we take of your mouth. Your new teeth should look, feel, and function exactly like your original ones, and they’ll have an incredible amount of support thanks to the implant posts. Once the restoration has been secured to the abutments, that’s it – you’re ready to head out into the world with a complete smile once more!
Benefits of Dental Implants
Missing teeth can affect more than just your smile – they can impact how you eat, speak, and feel about yourself. Fortunately, dental implants offer a long-lasting solution that goes beyond appearance. Known as the gold standard in tooth replacement, implants mimic the structure and function of natural teeth better than any other option. Here are a few ways dental implants can improve your quality of life.
Day-to-Day Benefits
Unlike dentures or bridges, dental implants are surgically anchored into the jawbone, creating a strong and stable foundation for a custom restoration. This offers a variety of day-to-day benefits, such as:
Eat the Foods You Love – Because implants restore both the root and crown of a missing tooth, they’re able to handle the pressure of chewing almost any food. There’s no slipping, shifting, or second-guessing what’s on your plate.
Feel More Confident – Implants look and feel just like natural teeth, allowing you to smile, laugh, and talk freely without worry. They blend seamlessly with your existing teeth for a natural-looking smile.
Simple Care Routine – Caring for implants is as easy as caring for your natural teeth. Brush twice a day, floss daily, and visit your dentist for regular cleanings – no need for special adhesives or soaking solutions.
Health Benefits
Beyond comfort and convenience, dental implants also support your long-term health:
Preserve Jawbone Health – When a tooth is lost, the jawbone beneath it can begin to deteriorate due to lack of stimulation. Implants act like natural tooth roots, keeping the bone stimulated and preventing bone loss, which helps maintain your facial structure.
Prevent Shifting Teeth – After a tooth is lost, neighboring teeth often start to drift out of place. Dental implants fill that gap and act as placeholders, helping keep your bite properly aligned.
Support Overall Health – Research has linked tooth loss to an increased risk of health issues such as heart disease and diabetes. By restoring proper oral function and reducing inflammation, dental implants can contribute to better overall wellness.
Long-Term Benefits
While the upfront investment for dental implants may be higher than other options, the long-term benefits often make them the most cost-effective solution over time:
Exceptional Success Rate – With a success rate of around 95% (even after 20 years), dental implants are one of the most reliable restorative options available.
Maintain a Youthful Look – Because implants help prevent jawbone deterioration, they also help preserve your facial shape and prevent the sunken, aged appearance that can follow tooth loss.
Built to Last – With consistent care and regular dental visits, dental implants can last for decades, making them a permanent solution for a healthy and confident smile.
Who Dental Implants Can Help
Whether you’re missing one tooth or multiple pearly whites, dental implants in Schaumburg can be a viable replacement solution for you! There’s no age limit for this restorative treatment, and our knowledgeable team will conduct a thorough oral exam to see whether you’ll require any preliminary procedures. As versatile as they are, dental implants can help most any patient in need of a tooth replacement.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?
In order to have a successful and smooth treatment experience, dental implant patients do have to meet certain requirements. Fortunately, we can help you meet those requirements! For example, if your jawbone is too thin to properly support the implant posts, we may be able to perform a bone graft to give you added bone mass. If you have a case of cavities or gum disease that could compromise your restoration, we can treat the issue with periodontal therapy or crowns and fillings. Our team will be sure to let you know how we can help!
Here's how we might restore your smile with dental implants:
Missing One Tooth
If you’re only missing one tooth, filling the gap with a dental implant is simple. That’s right – you’ll only need one restoration to make your smile whole again. We’ll surgically anchor the biocompatible implant post to your jawbone, wait for osseointegration to fuse the two together, then finish your replacement by attaching your customized crown.
Missing Multiple Teeth
In this case, we’ll recommend a treatment plan that uses as few dental implants as possible to be cost-effective. Depending on where the gaps in your smile are, we can use two implants to support a dental bridge, or connect a partial denture to multiple implants so the restoration stays in place. Rest assured, we’ll go over these options in more detail during your consultation.
Missing All Teeth
For patients missing all of their teeth, the best way to include dental implants in their treatment plan is to attach them to a full denture. Similar to a partial implant denture, a full implant denture can be more stable and secure than its traditional counterpart. Most patients only need four or six implants to accomplish this restoration.
Understanding the Cost of Dental Implants
You’ll be given an estimate for the cost of your dental implants during your initial consultation. The amount you pay will depend on factors such as the number of teeth that need to be replaced and whether preliminary procedures are required. While dental implants usually cost more than traditional bridges and dentures, they also don’t have to be replaced as often, which can make them the more cost-effective option in the long term.
