At Premier Dentistry, we are committed to providing our patients with the best tooth replacement options available to them. Thanks to modern dentistry advancements, tooth replacement goes beyond cosmetically restoring missing teeth. Now, we can replace the look, feel, and function of a missing tooth using dental implants.
Dental implants are a tooth replacement option that involves surgically implanted titanium posts. These posts, once fully healed, mimic your tooth roots, and provide your restored tooth with a secure base for optimized functionality. Learn more about dental implants below.
Dental Implants in Chicago, IL
When you are missing a tooth or several teeth, you have a few restorative options to consider. Other options, like bridges or dentures, are not considered permanent restorations because they often need to be repaired or replaced after a few years. With dental implants, on the other hand, you are investing in the long-term functionality of your smile. Dental implants are the best permanent tooth replacement treatment available right now.
Understanding The Dental Implant Procedure
If you are considering dental implants, here is a general timeline of what to expect during the dental implant procedure:
Initial Consultation
Scheduling your initial dental implant consultation with one of our doctors is the first step toward getting your dental implants. During this consultation, we will advise you on all of your restorative options and ensure you have all of the information you need to make an informed decision on advancing your dental health. If you decide to go with dental implants, we will need to evaluate the health of your remaining teeth, gums, and jawbone to ensure your dental structures can support a dental implant.
Before the surgical procedure, additional steps may need to be taken to ensure your mouth can support a dental implant. Dental impressions, bone grafting, and tooth extractions may be incorporated into your treatment plan if necessary.
Surgical Procedure
The surgical procedure for a dental implant is relatively simple. We will utilize sedation dentistry options to ensure that you feel no pain or discomfort during the procedure. A small incision will be made into your soft tissues, and the titanium post will be placed strategically next to your jawbone. Once complete, you will need to wait about six months for the post to fully fuse together with your jawbone.
Abutment Placement
Once your doctor has seen that your mouth is fully healed following the surgical procedure, we will then schedule your abutment placement. An abutment is a small piece of hardware that will hold your dental crown to the titanium post below your soft tissues. Abutment placement is not as invasive as the initial surgical procedure and should only take a few weeks to heal.
Crown Placement
After your abutment has fully healed, we will securely attach a custom dental crown to it. The dental crown cosmetically replaces a missing tooth, while the post and the abutment give the crown added support for complete functionality. Once the crown has been placed, you are free to enjoy your new and revitalized smile.