Like many people considering dental implants, you probably have a lot of questions about them. We’ve created this guide to give you quick answers to some of the most commonly asked questions. The best way to learn everything you want to know about dental implants is through a free consultation with one of our dental implant surgeons at Periodontal Medicine & Surgical Specialists. We can provide personalized assistance, answering all of your specific questions before recommending any treatments. An informed patient is our best asset! We look forward to collaborating with you to come up with the best approach for improving and preserving your dental health through experienced placement of dental implants in Oak Brook, IL.
Dental implants are replacements for severely decayed or missing teeth. An implant consists of three main parts: 1) a durable, screw-like titanium or zirconia post that’s inserted into your jaw and acts as your tooth root, 2) a sturdy, natural-looking crown, and 3) an abutment that connects the other two parts together.
Yes. Each of our board-certified periodontists completed three years of additional training outside of dental school, which includes specialized training in dental implants. Members of our team are affiliated with the American Academy of Periodontology and Dental Implants and have contributed research, articles, lectures, and even textbook chapters on implantology.
Yes. Our team has a variety of effective, biologically based methods of restoring lost bone in order to support dental implants.
We offer many dental implant solutions, from single implants to multiple implants to full arch dental implants (a complete upper or lower set of teeth). The basic process involves removing any decayed or diseased teeth that you have and placing titanium posts (implants) into your jaw to support new teeth. In the case of full arch dental implants, we can place as few as four implants per arch to support your restoration. We strive to always provide reliable temporary teeth the same day—though our focus is on giving you healthy teeth for a lifetime—so you can eat and speak without trouble while your surgical sites are healing. Your final tooth replacement typically gets made 3-6 months after the implant surgery.
Whenever possible, we like to place implants “immediately”, which means on the same day that the tooth or teeth are removed. Though this is not always possible, it provides a number of benefits to you. A consultation would be required to determine a full treatment timeline.
The surgical procedure itself can be as quick as 30 minutes or it may take a morning if we are working on a full jaw. Most of our patients are sedated so that these procedures seem much shorter and more comfortable.
Healing of the dental implant may take up to six months after initial placement. Our patients always have options for temporary teeth so that there should never be a time when you have to go without teeth.
Dental implants are a predictable way to replace lost teeth. However, they are not perfect. With good daily hygiene (brushing and flossing) and regular dental visits, dental implants may last for decades. However, they can be damaged by gum disease or trauma. Just like your teeth, dental implants will need work to stay healthy.
Most dental implants require the same care as natural teeth—brush, floss, and have regular exams and professional cleanings. If your particular case requires any special care (such as full-jaw cases) we look forward to discussing those details with you in person.