Dental Implants Chicago IL
Providing Implant Teeth In The Near North Side Of Chicago
Dental implants are the optimal solution for replacing missing teeth. They are small, titanium posts that are surgically placed into the jawbone to serve as artificial tooth roots. These implants provide a strong foundation for the attachment of replacement teeth, such as individual crowns, bridges, or even full dentures. Dental implant placement enables a person the ability to eat virtually anything and retain their natural facial contours. Dr. Valerie Swan offers the best dental implants in Chicago, providing patients with a reliable, long-lasting solution for missing teeth. With years of experience and advanced techniques, Dr. Swan ensures a comfortable and personalized treatment plan.
Smile with confidence,
eat your favorite foods again,
and enjoy your life to the fullest.
New patients may register with our office prior to their appointment by filling out our secure online patient registration form. Please review the after care instructions to feel more prepared for your surgery, or read some testimonials from our patients.
How do Dental Implants Work?
Dental Implants look, feel and function like natural teeth. When you lose a tooth, you lose both the root and the crown.
In replacing the tooth, we start by placing a small titanium implant into the jawbone which acts as the new root. We then allow some time for the jawbone surrounding the dental implant to heal.
Next, an abutment (support post) is placed on top of the implant
Then a new replacement crown (part that you eat with) is placed on top of the abutment.
Roll over the hot buttons on the image to get a better understanding of the anatomy of a dental implant.
Titanium Implant
Your oral surgeon places this piece into your jawbone. It acts as your new tooth root.Abutment
This is the support post, connecting the implant to the crown.
Crown
Your dentist will create this crown, designed to match the rest of your teeth in color and size for the most natural appearance.
7 Benefits of Dental Implants
- Natural Appearance: Dental implants closely resemble natural teeth, providing a seamless and aesthetically pleasing smile.
- Improved Chewing Ability: Dental implants allow for comfortable and efficient chewing, enabling you to enjoy a wide range of foods.
- Longevity: With proper care, dental implants can last for many years, making them a durable and long-lasting tooth replacement option.
- Preservation of Jawbone: Dental implants help preserve the jawbone’s structure and prevent bone loss, maintaining oral health.
- Convenience: Dental implants are a permanent solution that doesn’t require removal, adhesives, or special cleaning routines like removable dentures.
- Improved Oral Health: Unlike dental bridges, dental implants do not require modification of adjacent teeth, preserving the integrity of natural teeth.
- Enhanced Confidence: Restoring your smile with dental implants can boost self-confidence and self-esteem, allowing you to smile and speak with assurance.
The Receptionist was welcoming, friendly, cheerful, and kind. I felt very comfortable and at ease. Dr. Swan is Amazing!!!! She has very good energy! She explained everything in detail and answered all my questions. Step by step, she explained what needed to be done in a way that I could understand. Dr. Swan assured me that I would be just fine! She created specific plan for me, so I would know what is going to happen on the day of surgery and after. I am confident that the oral surgery will go exceptionally well because I am in good hands with Dr. Swan.
Caring for Dental Implants
Dental Implants are designed to potentially last a lifetime. With proper care, successful implants can function and look just like natural teeth. Your oral hygiene is very important, so it is important to brush and floss your implants just like you would natural teeth. You should also visit your dentist several times each year for hygiene and maintenance. As with regular dentures and other tooth replacements, your implants and their associated components are subject to wear and tear and eventually will need repair, including clip replacement, relines, screw tightening, and other adjustments.
Be sure to floss regularly to lengthen the life of your dental implants.
Dental Implants FAQs
Why Choose to Replace Teeth with Dental Implants?
First and foremost, they restore your ability to chew and speak comfortably, just like natural teeth. They are designed to look, feel, and function like your own teeth, enhancing both your smile and your overall oral health.
Another significant benefit of dental implants is their ability to preserve the structure and integrity of your jawbone. When a tooth is lost, the underlying bone can start to deteriorate over time. By replacing the missing tooth root with a dental implant, it stimulates the surrounding bone, preventing further bone loss and maintaining facial harmony.
What Should I Expect During Dental Implant Procedure?
Initially, our skilled oral surgeon will conduct a comprehensive examination of your mouth, including digital imaging, to assess your suitability for dental implants. If you’re a good candidate, the procedure can typically be broken down into three main phases:
Placement of the implant: Under local anesthesia, the titanium implant is precisely positioned in the jawbone during a minor surgical procedure.
Osseointegration: Over the next few months, a process called osseointegration occurs. This is when the implant fuses with the jawbone, creating a solid and stable foundation. During this time, a temporary restoration may be placed to maintain aesthetics and function.
Restoration: Once the implant has integrated with the bone, an abutment is attached to the implant. This abutment serves as a connector between the implant and the replacement tooth. Then, a custom-made crown, bridge, or denture is securely attached to the abutment, completing your new smile.
How Painful is a Dental Implant?
he thought of pain is a major concern, but most patients are pleasantly surprised!
During the Procedure: The actual placement of the dental implant is not painful. Dr. Swan uses a local anesthetic to completely numb the area, and we offer various sedation options (such as IV sedation) to ensure you are relaxed and comfortable throughout the surgery.
After the Procedure: You will experience some mild to moderate discomfort after the numbness wears off, similar to what you might feel after a tooth extraction. This typically peaks within the first 24–48 hours and is well-managed with prescription or over-the-counter pain medication. Most patients are back to their normal routines within a few days.
Do you Have no Teeth While Waiting for Implants?
Absolutely not. We understand the importance of your smile and function. Whether you go without a tooth during the healing process depends on the location of the implant:
Visible Teeth (Esthetic Zone): For teeth that show when you smile, we provide a temporary replacement, such as a temporary bridge, a modified partial denture (a “flipper”), or an immediate temporary crown. You will maintain a natural-looking smile while your bone heals.
Back Teeth: For non-visible areas, some patients may choose to go without a temporary restoration, but a temporary solution is always available if needed for function or comfort.
What is the 3/2 Rule for Implant Placement?
The 3/2 rule is a key biological guideline used by expert Oral Surgeons to ensure the long-term health and stability of your dental implants. It refers to two essential spacing measurements:
3mm: In many treatment philosophies, there should be at least 3 millimeters of bone between the top of the implant (the platform) and the final gumline of the completed crown. This distance is vital for preserving the surrounding gum tissue and creating a natural-looking emergence profile.
2mm: There should be at least 2 millimeters of bone between the surface of the implant and the adjacent natural tooth or another implant. This critical spacing prevents bone loss and supports the triangular gum tissue (papilla) that fills the space between the teeth.
Dr. Swan uses state-of-the-art 3D CT imaging to meticulously plan your surgery to adhere to these crucial rules, maximizing the chances of a successful, esthetic, and long-lasting outcome for your oral surgery in Chicago.
What are the Downsides of Dental Implant?
While dental implants are widely considered the gold standard for tooth replacement, potential downsides exist. These are rare when placed by an experienced Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon like Dr. Swan, but full transparency is important:
Cost: Dental implants have a higher initial cost than options like dentures or bridges. However, they are often a better long-term value, as they can last a lifetime with proper care.
Time Commitment: The process typically involves several months for the implant to fully fuse with the jawbone (osseointegration). This ensures long-term stability.
Surgical Risk: As with any surgical procedure, there is a small risk of infection, nerve damage, or implant failure. We mitigate these risks with meticulous pre-planning using 3D imaging and advanced surgical techniques.
Need for Additional Procedures: Some patients in Chicago, IL, may require a bone graft or sinus lift before the implant can be placed, which adds time and cost.
We will thoroughly discuss all pros and cons during your personal consultation to ensure dental implants are the right choice for your needs.
How is the Recovery after Dental Implant Surgery?
Recovery from a dental implant procedure is typically smooth and well-tolerated. Any discomfort can be managed with prescribed pain medication. It is normal to experience some minor swelling and temporary dietary restrictions, such as sticking to soft foods for a few days. Our team will provide you with detailed post-operative instructions to ensure a successful recovery.
Choosing dental implants is an investment in your long-term oral health and quality of life. They provide a durable and natural-looking solution that can last a lifetime with proper care. Our experienced team is dedicated to providing you with personalized care, ensuring your comfort, and delivering exceptional results.
