Dental Implant Process

Many people suffer from smiles that make them self-conscious and unhappy. They may have missing teeth or large gaps in their teeth that cannot only affect their health, but their confidence. Thankfully dental implants are often a viable option for these situations. The implant process takes time and several procedures, but the end results are worth the wait.

Are You A Good Candidate?

You may be a good candidate if:

• You are missing one or more teeth
• You are old enough to have a jawbone that has reached its full growth
• You have good bone structure, enough to support and secure the implants
• You have healthy gums and oral tissue
• You don’t have any health conditions that might affect the jawbone from healing correctly
• You are willing to commit to the time the process will take

The Dental Implant Process

Dental implants take the place of a person’s tooth root and it is frequently the best and most successful treatment option for people who have missing teeth. These implants are much stronger and durable than using bridges or dentures to fix tooth loss. Plus, it is nearly impossible to tell the difference between a dental implant and a real tooth.

The process does take time due to the multiple steps in a dental implant procedure:

• First, the implant posts, which are typically made of titanium alloy, are surgically placed into the patient’s jawbone
• Once the implant is placed into the patient’s jawbone, they have to wait for the jawbone to grow around the implants which will permanently anchor them in their mouth. This process typically takes about two to three months
• After the implant posts have been sufficiently fused with the patient’s jawbone, a temporary crown will be placed
• When the temporary crown has been placed, then the patient must again wait for a period of time for their gums to reshape around the crown
• Once the gums have reshaped themselves, a permanent crown can be placed

Preparing For Dental Implants

Because this process will take place over a period of time, it is important to undergo a very comprehensive exam and preparation for the implant procedure. The Colonial Dental Group will help you prepare for this procedure by:

• Giving you a comprehensive oral and dental exam
• Taking X-Rays and making a model of your mouth
• Discussing any existing medical conditions you may have, along with any medications you may be taking. This will allow you to understand how and if these conditions might affect the surgery

If you have missing teeth, then dental implants might be a good option for you. Please contact Chicago’s Colonial Dental Group to schedule a complimentary consultation about dental implants. We will walk you through the process and help you decide if dental implants are right for you. Together we will create a smile you will be proud of.