Dental Implants in Chicago

Dental Implants in Chicago

Oct 01, 2019

If you have missing teeth, or regularly use dentures, you’ve probably wondered what options are available to restore your mouth and teeth. While dentures are a great option for most people, they don’t work for everyone.

Dental implants are another option that permanently replaces your teeth. The implants are realistic, they look and act like your natural teeth. Like your teeth and dentures, implants require specific care and maintenance.

Even with that care, they are a good option if you want to maintain the look and function of a natural, healthy, smile.

What Are Dental Implants?

A dental implant is more than just an artificial tooth.

Each implant requires a base that it can attach to securely. Since your gums won’t hold an implant the way they would connect to and hold the root of your tooth, that means supplying a base.

Your oral surgeon will implant a metal base to connect each implant. The base isn’t visible, but it can’t be placed at the same time as the artificial tooth. You’ll need to let your jaw and mouth heal before the final procedure adding the artificial tooth or teeth.

Depending on your situation you may also need additional work done on your mouth and jaw in preparation for implants. Before you begin the process, your dentist or oral surgeon will go over each step, so you’ll know what to expect.

You should know that it can take several months to go from the beginning of the dental implant process to attaching the artificial teeth and seeing your new smile.

When Are Dental Implants An Option?

Dental implants, like any other medical procedure, are only a good fit for some people. While implants are suitable for most, there are some situations where implants are likely to fail, or there are other complications that make them a bad option.

Your dentist or oral surgeon will recommend that you quit smoking if you are interested in dental implants. They may not recommend or perform dental implant surgery if you are an active smoker or tobacco user.

Not only does tobacco use increase the risks of infection and other complications with implants, but the artificial teeth are also more likely to become discolored than your natural teeth.

You may not be a good candidate if you have poor bone structure in your jaw, or have another medical condition that may slow bone growth and healing after the procedure.

However, dental implants may be a good option if you are in good health, willing to commit to a several month process, and have a healthy mouth and good oral hygiene.

Dental implants are also a good choice if you are concerned about speech alterations after losing a tooth or teeth. Dental implants can also help you avoid speech changes from dentures.

What You Should Expect

Since dental implants take time. You need to plan on several procedures, under both local and general anesthesia.

Your dentist or oral surgeon will tell you how to prepare for each procedure. You should be sure to follow their instructions about eating and drinking before the procedure.

You may also need a different oral hygiene routine at different stages of getting implants. Be sure to follow these routines closely as they can impact the success of the procedure, and how long it takes to heal and get ready for the next steps.

Dental implant costs are also high. Your insurance may cover or partially cover the cost of implants, depending on your plan and the situation, but you should be prepared for some out-of-pocket costs. Each implant can run into the thousands of dollars, and you may need multiple implants.

Fortunately, dental implants in Chicago are common, and we can work with you and your insurance to make them as affordable as possible.

Contact Us

If you’re interested in dental implants, want to schedule a consultation, or have other questions, feel free to contact us. We’ll be happy to help.

All our staff at Dental Impressions understand how important a healthy and beautiful smile is. We’re proud to provide dental implants in Chicago and work hard to make sure we’re serving you, and our community.

773-925-0650 Book an Appointment