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Dental Implants – Lake Zurich, IL

The Next Best Thing to Natural Teeth

Even with dentures or bridges to fill in the empty space in your smile, you’ll probably miss the way your natural teeth felt and functioned. With dental implants, you can enjoy strength, stability, and comfort that’s comparable to your original teeth. You can schedule a complimentary consultation to discuss replacing missing teethw ith dental implants in Lake Zurich, IL at Grand Dental – Lake Zurich today. 

Why Choose Grand Dental - Lake Zurich for Dental Implants?

What is a Dental Implant?

A dental implant is a small, screwlike post that is surgically inserted into the jaw. It’s made out of biocompatible material that can fuse with the bone, giving it equal stability and security to natural tooth roots. A customized restoration can be attached to an implant via a connector piece called an abutment.

The 4-Step Dental Implant Process

How dental implants work in Lake Zurich

Each patient will have a different dental implant experience, as no two plans are the same. However, at Grand Dental – Lake Zurich, we follow the same four-step process that is required of all implant procedures: initial consultation, oral surgery, abutment placement, and delivery of the final restoration. This ensures that each phase of treatment is fully completed, increasing the chances of successful placement and long-lasting results. To learn how dental implants work, keep reading.

Initial Dental Implant Consultation

Dental implant consultation between female patient and dentist

When a person inquires about dental implants, a scheduled consultation must first occur. This allows for a thorough examination of their oral and overall health as well as their jawbone. Digital imaging and diagnostics are required to provide an in-depth view of the entire oral and facial structures – areas that are necessary to understand if dental implants are to be properly positioned during surgery. If problems are found during this stage, such as gum disease, dental decay, or jawbone shrinkage, we will recommend additional treatment to create a healthier environment for future implants.

Dental Implant Surgery

Dental implant surgery

At Grand Dental – Lake Zurich, we place our implants in-house so that patients can remain in one convenient location throughout their treatment. We will begin by administering local anesthesia before making one or more incisions in the gums. This allows us to carefully place each implant post into its specific location, positioning it for maximum support. When finished, we will close the gum tissue and place protective healing caps over each post.

Dental Implant Osseointegration/Abutment

Up-close view of dental implant parts

The third step involves a person spending much of their time recovering. While individuals can return to work a few days or even a week after surgery, the process of healing continues and can take 4-6 months. This is necessary to ensure that osseointegration occurs, which is the fusing of the dental implants with jawbone tissues. When fully healed, the patient will return to our office to receive metal abutments, which are placed on top of implants to ensure adequate attachment to the restoration.

Delivery of Dental Implant Restorations

A young woman after dental implant placement

During the consultation, our team will review the severity of tooth loss and determine which type of restoration is needed. Because of dental implants’ versatility, they can support a customized dental crown, bridge, or denture with ease. This means that the final step will involve placing the completed restoration on top of the implant(s), creating a full, complete smile that the patient can begin to enjoy right away.

Who Dental Implants Can Help

Man and woman smiling after dental implant supported tooth replacement

Dental implants are known for helping patients suffering from tooth loss. Although some may require preliminary procedures such as bone grafting, periodontal therapy, or tooth extraction, only a thorough consultation with a dental implant dentist on our team can determine how a patient will move forward. No matter the chosen path our team and patient opt to pursue, a long-lasting, beautiful smile will be the result.

Who is a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?

Woman smiling with dental implants in Lake Zurich

When meeting with an implant dentist, patients who are interested in permanent prosthetics can expect to spend ample time learning more about their oral and overall health as well as their jawbone. Not only will we evaluate the current state of one’s teeth and gums to determine if tooth decay or periodontal disease exists, but we’ll also identify if any overall health issues put a person at risk for implant failure (i.e., diabetes, heart disease, etc.). It’s also essential that we look at the density of a person’s jawbone to determine if it can support customized restorations.

Missing One Tooth

Dental implant in Lake Zurich

When only a single tooth is missing, our team will use one dental implant post, along with a metal abutment that serves to connect the restoration with the existing implant. After a customized dental crown is placed on top to complete the root-to-crown structure, a patient can feel more confident in their appearance.

Missing Multiple Teeth

Implant bridge in Lake Zurich

A traditional fixed bridge requires altering healthy abutment teeth; however, an implant bridge only focuses on the vacant sockets. There is no need to touch other areas of a person’s smile when two dental implant posts can be put into place, within the jawbone, and a customized bridge can be secured on top. Not only does this eliminate the need to use nearby teeth as anchors, but it also ensures a more permanent tooth replacement.

Missing All Teeth

Implant denture in Lake Zurich

Requiring between four and six dental implant posts, an implant denture is a preferred method of treatment for many tooth loss sufferers. Not only does this type of prosthetic work just like regular teeth, but it also looks natural and feels comfortable, allowing for a permanent, beautiful, and longer-lasting smile.

Benefits of Dental Implants

Woman sharing beautiful smile after dental implant tooth replacement

We recommend dental implants in many instances of missing teeth due to the numerous benefits they offer. Not only do they help preserve the jawbone and maintain facial structure, but they also last for decades, improve self-confidence, and let you enjoy all of your favorite foods again. Below is a list of the many benefits of dental implants in Lake Zurich that patients can expect to enjoy.

Day-to-Day Benefits

Man smiling with dental implants in Lake Zurich

  • Enjoy favorite foods again – Dental implants make it possible to eat textured foods that might pose a problem for denture-wearers. Because of the added stability of implants and their placement within the jawbone, patients no longer need to worry about instability and slippage when eating.
  • More youthful appearance – The face will fill out once dental implants in Lake Zurich are in place. Tooth loss can cause sagging or facial collapse, but implants help to keep facial features more youthful.
  • Better quality of life – Speaking, eating, and smiling are no longer a problem when wearing dental implants. These prosthetics generate greater confidence in the patient, allowing them to engage with others they might have previously avoided in the past.

Health Benefits

Implant bridge in Lake Zurich

  • Preservation of remaining teeth – Dental bridges require altering regular teeth. However, dental implants do not require any structural removal of natural teeth. They are left alone. Dental implants fit into the vacated sockets instead.
  • Stimulate the jawbone – Each time a patient bites down or chews, the dental implant post delivers stimulation to the jawbone to keep it stable and dense.
  • Stabilize adjacent teeth – Instead of worrying about dental drift, which is common among those who suffer tooth loss and forgo timely treatment, dental implants ensure healthy teeth remain in their current location.

Long-Term Benefits

Man smiling with dental implants in Lake Zurich

  • High-success rate – It is believed the success rate for initial dental implant placement is 95%. After 10 years, if placed by a skilled implant dentist in Lake Zurich and properly maintained, the rate runs between 90-95%.
  • Greater longevity – As long as patients commit to taking proper care of their teeth and gums, there is the likelihood that dental implants will last 30 years or even a lifetime! That is drastically different than dentures or dental bridges that require replacement after 7-10 years.
  • Cost-effective solution – Although costlier in the beginning, dental implants are a cost-effective option for patients in the long run. Not only do individuals not need denture adhesives, but there is no requirement for specialized products, and the potential for systemic diseases goes down, which ultimately keeps more money in people’s pockets.

Understanding the Cost of Dental Implants

Understanding cost of dental implants in Lake Zurich

Many factors can influence to the cost of dental implants in Lake Zurich, including how many posts are needed and whether any preparatory work is required. We can’t provide a cost estimate until we have looked at a person’s mouth and analyzed X-rays and a CT scans of their oral cavity. During this appointment, our team can discuss the details of the treatment plan, explain patient the payment options, and answer questions about the cost.

Preliminary Treatments & Dental Implant Surgery

Dental implant consultation in Lake Zurich

Some patients need preliminary treatments before starting dental implant surgery, and these procedures raise the overall cost. Bone grafting, periodontal therapy, and tooth extraction are all examples of preliminary work for dental implants.

Unlike other practices, which require sending you to a specialist, we can perform the entire procedure in-house, making it easier and more convenient.

The Parts of Your Dental Implant

Dental implant in Lake Zurich

A dental implant consists of many parts, which contribute to the overall cost estimate.

  • The number of dental implants required – For one missing tooth, one dental implant post is necessary. Obviously, the fewer the implant posts, the cheaper the treatment will be.
  • The materials utilized – The most commonly used materials are titanium and zirconia.
  • The type of restoration needed – Dental crowns, bridges, and dentures can be created to attach to the implant posts, and the type of restoration you need will depend on how many teeth you are replacing.
  • The brand – There are multiple manufacturers for dental implants, and our team will choose a particular brand that will lead to better results for your smile.

How Dental Implants Can Save You Money

Woman smiling in Lake Zurich

Unlike traditional prosthetics, which last only for a few years, dental implants are considered a cost-effective solution for patients in the long term. Rather than relying on adhesives, patients can have stable prosthetics within the jawbone. Also, these teeth are maintained in the same simple way that natural teeth are—no need for special cleaning supplies.

With dental implants, patients can also lower their risk of systemic conditions and diseases commonly linked to tooth loss. By opting for total tooth replacement, patients can possibly avoid having to pay for treatments for diabetes, osteoporosis, and even heart disease.

Does My Dental Insurance Cover Dental Implants?

Dental implant information in Lake Zurich

Some dental insurance companies provide coverage for dental implants in Lake Zurich; however, most insurance companies consider this an elective procedure. Even if your insurance provider does not cover the surgery itself, other aspects of treatment, including the restoration and preliminary treatments, are likely included in your benefits.

Making Dental Implants Affordable

Woman with piggy bank in Lake Zurich

Our implant dentist in Lake Zurich knows that getting implants can be quite costly, but we provide patients with alternatives for payment, including the following:

  • Grand Advantage Plan – When you pay a standard yearly fee, you receive not just general dental care but also discounts on other treatments as well.
  • Flexible Financing Through CareCredit – You can enroll in a low or no-interest payment plan to stay within budget.

Dental Implant Failure & Salvage

Woman smiling after undergoing dental implant salvage in Lake Zurich

Patients who receive dental implants can experience a success rate of 95% - a number that remains the same even after 10 years. However, oral surgery of any kind can have its potential risks, which is why in rare instances, dental implant failure can occur. Our team at Grand Dental – Lake Zurich encourages all implant patients to call our office right away should a patient become worried about the state of their new smile. We may be able to use dental implant salvage to restore a smile for a longer-lasting future.

Learn More About Dental Implant Failure & Salvage

Dental Implant FAQs

Beautiful middle-aged woman with dental implants in Lake Zurich

If you are like most patients, you probably have questions about dental implants in Lake Zurich. That is because these permanent prosthetics require a significant investment of time and money. Dental implants produce amazing results, but the process of undergoing this procedure makes many individuals nervous or uncertain about the road ahead of them. Fortunately, the team at Grand Dental – Lake Zurich is here to answer your questions clearly, concisely, and courteously. Take a look at the list of FAQs below, and contact us with any further questions that you may have.

How Long Do Dental Implants Last?

If they receive proper care and maintenance, it is possible for dental implants to last for 30 years or longer. Some patients with these prosthetics have even gone their entire lives without needing to get them replaced.

Ultimately, how long your artificial teeth will remain in place depends on how well you care for your oral health. From thorough oral hygiene to practical diet tips and wearing customized mouthguards, our team will provide useful tips to help you as you protect your implants from premature damage.

How Successful Are Dental Implants?

When patients entrust their dental implant procedure to a qualified dentist, it usually leads to optimal results. In fact, the average success rate for initial implant placement is over 95%, and after 10 years, it takes just a small drop to 90 – 95%. How well you take care of your smile will ultimately determine how successful your implants are, so you can expect to receive a clearly defined list of ways to minimize damage to your dental implants.

Am I Too Young to Get Dental Implants?

Generally speaking, it is inadvisable to place dental implants in patients who are in their early 20s or younger. The reason is that most of these individuals’ jawbones are not yet completely developed. Placing dental implants too soon can lead to serious complications. It is recommended that young people who have lost their teeth seek alternative treatments until it is safe to commit to dental implant placement. Once a person reaches their mid to late 20s, it is usually safe and recommended to place implants.

Will I Have to Take off Work for Dental Implant Surgery?

Yes, most dental implant patients need to take some time off of work for their surgery. Depending on the complexity of your procedure, you might be able to resume work within a day or so of your appointment. However, if your surgery was particularly invasive, or you job requires significant physical exertion, you may have to request more time off. As your implant dentist in Lake Zurich, we may recommend scheduling the procedure later in the week so that the weekend can be used for part of your recovery. This may alleviate some of the anxiety that comes with having to ask for time off of work, particularly if you work a typical Monday – Friday job.

Dental Implant Post-Op Instructions

Older woman smiling after completing dental implant post-op instructions in Lake Zurich

Once a patient’s dental implants are in place, the next step is essential to the long-term success of these permanent prosthetics, but it is also something individuals should not worry about. There are often many questions about what is to be expected during the healing process, which is why our team at Grand Dental – Lake Zurich is here to provide additional insight. Below, we explain what patients can expect, which symptoms are normal, the types of food that can be enjoyed, and what individuals can do to encourage proper healing.

What to Do Directly After Dental Implant Surgery

Man at home after dental implant surgery

Following the placement of one’s dental implants, it is necessary for blood clots to form so that proper healing can occur. Should one or more of these clots become dislodged, it can cause a painful dry socket. Patients should avoid the following:

  • Spitting
  • Using a straw
  • Smoking or using tobacco of any kind
  • Touching the surgical site with one’s fingers or tongue

Common Side Effects

Man experiencing some soreness after dental implant surgery

Mild side effects are normal after implant placement, especially in the days following surgery. Some of the most common issues a patient might experience include:

  • General discomfort, as the mouth will need time to heal, specifically the gums and bones. Taking over-the-counter medication can help alleviate any pain.
  • Slight swelling, which can last a little more than a week. Using a cold compress can help reduce inflammation and discomfort.
  • Occasional bleeding, which can last for several days but be reduced by using clean gauze and gentle pressure.

Diet

Man eating a bowl of soup

In the days following dental implant placement, patients will need to avoid eating hard, crunchy, or sticky foods, as these can irritate the surgical wounds. Instead, our team suggests a soft food diet that doesn’t require much chewing or biting down. Typical foods that are recommended include:

  • Pudding
  • Oatmeal
  • Warm soup
  • Pasta
  • Scrambled eggs
  • Yogurt
  • Mashed potatoes
  • Ice cream

Once an individual’s mouth begins to feel less uncomfortable, they can begin to slowly incorporate denser foods.

Health & Oral Hygiene

Man in the bathroom brushing his teeth

Maintaining good oral hygiene after dental implant surgery is necessary to avoid the accumulation of bacterial build-up. The process of cleaning one’s teeth and gums requires a gentle touch and close attention.

At Grand Dental – Lake Zurich, we suggest patients begin to brush their teeth as usual the day after surgery. When cleaning near implants, though, they must be careful to avoid irritating the area. Flossing should continue as well. When rinsing, it is best to use salt water two or three times a day, as this clears out unhealthy bacteria and promotes healing.

Patients should avoid any kind of mouthwash that contains alcohol, such as Scope or Listerine.

What to Do After Your New Teeth Are Attached

Man at the dentist’s office showing off new dental implant smile

The final stage of the dental implant process is to receive a customized restoration. Patients will have their crown, bridge, or denture secured in place. At this time, some slight gum sensitivity might occur, but it will dissipate quickly and can be managed with an over-the-counter pain reliever. Individuals should not expect any bleeding or swelling at this point.

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