As dental implants become more popular, there are parts of implant treatment to consider. While implant treatment time is longer than other teeth replacement options, implants offer many more benefits. If you are not in good oral health, you should plan for the entire process to take at least three months or longer. Dr. Dhara Patel with Best Dental Spa can complete the dental implant process from the comfort of her Hoffman Estates, IL, office. She will ensure your comfort and open communication during the dental implant process in her office.
The Dental Implant Process in Hoffman Estates, IL
There are multiple steps to getting dental implants in Schaumburg and Hoffman Estates. While each patient is different, your dental implant treatment may include these steps:
Consultation and Evaluation
During your consultation, Dr. Patel will examine your entire mouth and review your medical history to determine if you qualify for teeth implants. A good dental implant candidate will be free of oral diseases and have enough bone density to support the implants. We will create a treatment plan based on your oral health, budget, and goals.
Pre-Treatments
Before we place your implants, you may require treatments to ensure successful implantation. If you do not have enough jaw bone, you may need to undergo a bone graft to rebuild your natural bone. Grafting takes healthy bone tissue from another part of the mouth or donor bone and places it where needed. Bone grafting is a standard treatment for patients who have had missing teeth for months or years.
If you suffer from gum disease, you must receive the appropriate treatment to control the disease. Deep cleanings can help keep your gum infection under control. We may also recommend laser treatment or surgery as needed.
Tooth decay is another problem we must treat before we place implants. Fillings and root canal treatment can treat cavities and infected dental pulp. We may also need to remove damaged teeth in some cases.
Dr. Patel will inform you if you require any pre-treatments during your evaluation. These treatments may add to your overall treatment time but will ensure your implants’ success.
Implantation
The dental implants will require surgical placement, which Dr. Patel will perform at her Hoffman Estates, IL, dentist’s office. Best Dental Spa uses CBCT (Cone Beam Computed Tomography) scans to prepare for implant placement. CBCT scans are a special type of X-ray that will give Dr. Patel a clearer picture of your mouth and allow her to place the implants. With these scans, she can determine the best placement to maximize your jaw bone.
Dr. Patel will insert up to eight dental implants per arch into the jaw bone during implant treatment. It typically takes an hour to place a single implant and several hours for multiple implants. Dr. Patel will numb your mouth so you do not feel pain during the surgery.
Bone Growth and Healing
During this part of the process after surgical implantation, the implant posts are left alone to heal and integrate with the surrounding bone. This process, called osseointegration, will take three to six months. Depending on how many teeth you are missing and their location, we may fit you for a temporary dental restoration.
Placing the Abutment
Once the implants are fully healed and one with the jaw bone, we attach a small piece called an abutment. This piece connects the implants to the restoration. Dr. Patel will uncover the implant during a minor procedure to connect the abutment. We leave your gums to heal for a few additional weeks.
Final Restoration
We take impressions of your teeth to fabricate your final dental restoration. Your restoration is custom-made in a dental laboratory. Technicians in the dental lab will create your restoration out of durable, tooth-colored materials. These materials will blend in seamlessly with the rest of your smile.
Dr. Patel will attach your new teeth at your last appointment at our Hoffman Estates, IL, dentist’s office. Depending on your number of missing teeth, this will be a dental crown, bridge, or denture.
Are Dental Implants Worth It?
While implants require more initial investment and longer treatment times, they are worth the long-lasting results. Compared to removable options, dental implants:
- Provide longer-lasting results. You do not need to rebase or reline your restorations constantly.
- Improve bite function. This means you can eat hard and crunchy foods with fewer dietary restrictions.
- Will not budge. You don’t need to worry about slipping dentures with the support of implants.
- Help improve speech. Replacing your missing teeth with implants will help you pronounce words easily and speak clearly.
- Prevent bone loss: Without support from tooth roots, you can experience jaw bone recession. As a result, you lose more of your natural jaw bone.
- Reverse facial sagging. Removable restorations do not support your jaw bone. Because the jaw bone tissue grows around implants, it helps prevent changes in your appearance, including facial sagging or drooping.
Not replacing your missing teeth with a restoration can cause more dental problems over time. Missing teeth make it harder to speak and eat properly. Additionally, if you lose natural teeth because of tooth decay or gum disease, the infection can spread and affect other teeth.
The problem most patients are concerned about when they lose teeth is the look of their smiles. Tooth gaps in the front of the mouth can make patients self-conscious or embarrassed. Restoring lost teeth creates an improved appearance.
Restore Your Lost Teeth Today
Are you ready to improve your oral health and quality of life with dental implants? Contact Best Dental Spa in Hoffman Estates, IL, at 847.660.6603. You may also schedule an appointment online.
Please contact our office if you have questions about the dental implant process in Hoffman Estates, IL. We will be glad to answer your questions.
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