Dental Implant FAQS

Dental implants are a type of prosthetic tooth designed to replace both the root and the crown of a tooth after it has been lost. Implants consist of two main parts, an implant post and an implant restoration. The implant post replaces the tooth root and is surgically placed into your jawbone to provide a stable foundation for your tooth. After the implant post has been placed, our dentists work with you to create a custom restoration to replace the tooth. Implant restorations may be a crown, bridge or denture.

There are many benefits to receiving a dental implant, including:

• A restored ability to chew, speak and smile normally
• Better long-term oral health and function
• Helping to prevent bone deterioration by stimulating your supporting bone

Dental implants, when properly cared for with regular dental visits and good oral hygiene, can last for a lifetime. Please remember while the implant post may remain secure in your mouth, the restoration may need to be replaced if it breaks or wears out.

First, our dentists will need to meet with you and thoroughly examine your mouth. We will discuss your medical and dental history and check to make sure your implant will be supported by enough bone structure. If there is not enough, we will recommend a bone grafting procedure prior to your implant placement to ensure you will have sufficient supporting bone in the treatment site. We will also check for any existing dental conditions, such as tooth decay or gum disease. You will need to receive treatment for these problems before we can provide you with an implant.

An implant-supported denture is a type of restoration used to replace multiple teeth in a dental arch. It consists of a denture anchored in place with several implants, usually four, six or eight depending on your individual needs. Implant-supported dentures may be permanently fixed in your mouth or designed to snap on and off.

Nearly everyone is a candidate for implant dentistry. If you have a preexisting dental condition or need to receive a bone graft, then you will need to have that taken care of before you can receive an implant, but otherwise you will mostly likely be able to receive an implant without difficulty. Please schedule an appointment with one of our dentists for more information.

Implants look, feel and function like your natural teeth, and should be cared for in the same way. We recommend you brush at least twice each day, floss daily and visit your dentist regularly to receive professional care and any other treatments you may need.

Dental implants need to be carefully placed for best results, and dentists require special training in order to successfully place implants. Periodontists and oral surgeons typically receive specialized training in implant dentistry, and some general dentists also complete the required training needed to perform implant placements. Check with your dentist to make sure that they have received this training prior to scheduling your implant placement.

Each patient is different, and the number of appointments needed will depend on the number of teeth being replaced, oral health, medical history, supporting bone health, and the techniques and materials used. Some implant treatments can be completed in a few appointments while other treatments may take up to a year. We will be able to provide you with an estimated timeline after your initial consultation.

While the success of dental implants depends largely on your oral health and home care habits, implant treatments tend to be very effective, with general success rates of about 90% to 95%. If you are healthy and practice good oral hygiene at home, your implant will probably be successful.

The cost of your dental implant will depend on the condition of your mouth, whether or not you need any additional treatments before your implant placement, the number of implants you are receiving, and the type of restoration that will cap your implant post. After your initial consultation, we will provide you with an estimated treatment cost.

Implant placements are offered only at our Romeoville location. However, all of our offices provide implant restorations. For more information, please contact our office and speak with a member of our team.