You’ve probably heard about dental implants before. Maybe a friend mentioned getting one. Maybe you’ve seen ads online. But if you’re like most people who come to us, you’re not entirely sure what they actually are or whether they might be right for you.
A dental implant is a permanent replacement for a missing tooth. Unlike a bridge, which relies on neighboring teeth for support, an implant stands on its own. It’s designed to look, feel, and function just like your natural teeth. And with proper care, it can last for decades.
What a Dental Implant Actually Is
An implant has three parts. The first is the post. That’s a small titanium screw that we place directly into your jawbone. Titanium is special because your bone actually fuses with it over time. That process, called osseointegration, creates a foundation that’s incredibly strong, just as strong as a natural tooth root.
The second part is the abutment. That’s a small connector piece that attaches to the post and sits just above your gumline.
The third part is the crown. That’s the visible part that looks like a natural tooth. We custom-make it to match the color, shape, and size of your surrounding teeth so it blends in seamlessly.
What the Process Looks Like
Getting an implant takes several months from start to finish. We’re honest with our patients about that up front. But the results are often worth the timeline.
- First appointment: Dr. Engelberg examines your mouth and takes X-rays or a CT scan to check your bone density. You need enough healthy bone to support the implant. If you don’t, we can sometimes add bone through a grafting procedure.
- Second appointment: We place the post into your jawbone. You’re numb for this, so you shouldn’t feel pain, just pressure and movement. The procedure itself takes about an hour or so.
- Healing period: This is the longest part. Your bone needs time to fuse with the titanium post. That typically takes three to six months. During that time, you wear a temporary restoration so you’re not walking around with a gap.
- Final appointment: Once the implant is fully integrated, we attach the abutment and crown. We check the fit and bite carefully before cementing or screwing everything in place.
How It Feels
Patients often ask us whether the surgery hurts. We tell them the same thing we tell everyone. You’re numb during the procedure, so you won’t feel pain. Afterward, you might have some swelling or mild discomfort, similar to having a tooth extracted. Over-the-counter pain relievers usually handle it just fine.
The recovery is straightforward. Stick to soft foods for a few days. Avoid chewing on that side. Follow the care instructions we give you.
Benefits You’ll Notice Right Away
When your implant is finished, the difference is often remarkable. You could chew without worrying about your tooth shifting. You don’t have to avoid certain foods. Your speech isn’t affected. And because the implant stimulates your jawbone, you won’t get that sunken-in look that happens when teeth go missing for too long.
Patients also tell us about the confidence boost. A missing tooth is hard to hide. You catch yourself smiling differently or covering your mouth when you laugh. That could go away with an implant.
Who’s a Good Candidate
Most adults with one or more missing teeth are candidates for implants. You do need enough healthy bone and gums to support the post. And you need to be committed to good oral hygiene, because implants can fail if plaque builds up around them.
We evaluate each patient individually. Some people need bone grafting first. Others are ready to go right away.
A Long-Term Solution
If you’ve been living with a missing tooth, you don’t have to keep living that way. Dental implants are a proven, reliable solution that could change not just your smile, but how you feel about it.
Our team at AH Smiles serves patients from Arlington Heights, Buffalo Grove, Long Grove, Deerfield, and Northbrook. Give us a call. We’ll take a look and help you figure out whether implants are the right step for you.