Steps in your journey to a healthy, complete smile: What to expect from dental implant placement
If you have gaps in your smile where teeth used to be, you’ve likely heard of dental implants. These are the tooth replacement systems that not only replace the visible parts of the teeth. But they also replace the roots. No other type of tooth replacement does this. There are many benefits associated with this unique feature. And few practices in the Chicago, Illinois area and beyond are as well-equipped to support the successful placement of these “artificial tooth roots” as the specialist practice of Associates for Oral, Maxillofacial & Implant Surgery.
So, is the implant, not a replacement tooth?
The implant is a part of the replacement tooth. Think of your natural teeth. They are a sum of many parts, including the roots that stabilize the tooth’s crown (the visible part of the tooth). The implant is a cylindrical-shaped post made from a biocompatible or “tissue-friendly” material. The material is formulated to naturally integrate or join with the surrounding bone in the jaw. Once this healing or integration process is complete, we can attach the other parts of the tooth. These include an abutment, a connector piece, and the prosthetic tooth or dental crown.
How do you introduce the implant in my jaw?
It starts with a lot of planning. Our specialists have considerable expertise and technologies to ensure your implant is placed in just the right spot to support predictable healing and the long-term strength and functionality of the restored tooth. We then use this information to guide exactly where to position each implant.
Does it hurt to add something like that to my bone?
No treatment at our offices causes unnecessary or additional pain. We are in the business of relieving pain – not causing further complications and challenges to your good oral health and function. Many of our patients are surprised by how straightforward and gentle the process can be. It’s so gentle that we may only need to administer a local anesthetic. We can also discuss sedative options as appropriate. We will begin to access the underlying tissues only after the area is fully anesthetized. Once those tissues have been reached, we place the implant in a way that corresponds precisely with the treatment plan. Sometimes, the abutment piece is also introduced simultaneously with the implant itself. Then, we wait as the bone heals or grows around the implant.
How long does it take for the implant to heal?
Of course, every patient is different. Many factors can affect the time required for your implants and jawbone to osseointegrate. It can take a few months or more. But this is a minimal wait when considering a lifetime of healthy and comfortable function courtesy of your implant-retained teeth.
Can I eat normal food during this time?
You don’t have to put your “normal” life on hold as the osseointegration occurs. However, initially, we suggest consuming softer foods or refraining from using that side of your mouth to eat. We will review expectations for after-care and more with you.
To start the process today and to fill in any gaps in your knowledge about the implant placement process, contact Associates for Oral, Maxillofacial & Implant Surgery. Our offices in Bartlett, Elk Grove Village, Mount Prospect, and Chicago, IL, can be reached at (847) 255-7080, (630) 289-5002, (847) 593-0535, and (773) 736-3300, respectively.
