Dental Implants

What are dental implants?

A dental implant is an artificial tooth root shaped like a small titanium post. The implant is inserted directly into your gums and bonds to the jawbone throughout the healing process, so it becomes a natural addition to your smile.

What are the benefits of dental implants?

Improved self-esteem: dental implants look, feel, and function exactly like your natural teeth, so you never have to feel embarrassed about chewing, speaking, or smiling in public.

Oral health: missing teeth cause your teeth to shift over time, reposition your bite, and leave gaps for cavities to penetrate. Dental implants close these gaps and prevent your teeth from shifting.

Stability: without the stability of dental implants, your dentures can shift on your gums. Because implants connect to your dentures, they hold your teeth firmly in place at all times.

Durability: unlike alternative tooth replacement treatments, like bridges, dental implants are extremely durable and can last a lifetime when cared for properly.

Better speech and easier chewing: poor-fitting dentures can give you a lisp or alter your speech. They also make chewing your favorite foods difficult. With dental implants, you can speak with confidence and eat your favorite foods once again.

How are dental implants placed?

If you think dental implants are right for you, talk to the experts at Prospect Heights Dental Care about scheduling a consultation.

First, they must determine whether you have enough bone in your jaw to support implants through dental X-rays and scans. If you don’t, the team may recommend a bone graft procedure to provide the support you need.

You need healthy gums for the procedure to work effectively, so make sure you’re treated for any cavities or signs of gum disease before the surgery. At your surgical appointment, the team gives you anesthesia to relax and minimize any discomfort.

Next, they make a small incision in the socket left behind by your missing tooth and insert the implant into the gums and jawbone. The healing process takes anywhere from 6-12 weeks, during which time the implant anchors itself to the jawbone.

When your mouth has fully healed, the Prospect Heights Dental Care team takes impressions to serve as accurate models for your new prosthetic teeth — dentures or dental crowns. These artificial teeth look and feel exactly like your natural teeth, so you won’t be able to tell the difference.

Finally, at your last appointment, the team connects your prosthetic teeth to your dental implants. They’re fixed to your jaw, so you can treat them just like your natural teeth. For more information, call Prospect Heights Dental Care, or request an appointment online.

Plan your visit in Prospect Heights

Implant treatment is an investment, so review our financial options to see how patients spread out the cost.

Care is provided by Dr. Devin Platt at our Flatbush Avenue office. You can see directions, hours, and patient reviews on our Google Business Profile, or call the office to request an appointment.