At Lakeview Smiles, our passionate commitment to creating confident smiles extends into the specialized realm of dental implants. Based in the heart of Chicago, IL, we have seamlessly merged our years of dental experience with advanced technology to bring you exceptional dental implant services. Embark on a transformative journey towards impeccable oral health when you invest in our dental implant services. Call today to schedule a consultation!
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are artificial tooth roots, usually made from titanium, that serve as the solid foundation for fixed or removable replacement teeth. Unlike conventional dentures or bridges, dental implants fuse with your jawbone, providing unmatched stability while preventing bone loss. They offer a long-term solution for missing teeth, rejuvenating your smile while enhancing functionality.
Benefits Of Dental Implants
Dental implants provide an array of advantages. They mimic natural teeth in function and aesthetics, improve speech, support eating capability, and provide a boost in self-esteem. Implants can be cared for like your natural teeth, ensuring ease of maintenance. Additionally, they offer durability, longevity, and contribute to better oral health by preserving natural bone and preventing jawbone deterioration.
Types Of Dental Implants
Our office offers different types of dental implants to meet the unique needs of patients seeking a tooth replacement solution. Each type offers distinct advantages and considerations, ensuring that patients can find the most suitable option for their specific case. Read below to discover the implants we offer.
Single Tooth Replacement
A single tooth replacement is an ideal solution for those who have lost a single tooth due to an accident, decay, or periodontal disease. During this procedure, our expert dentists place a titanium implant post into your jawbone, which acts as the new tooth’s root. Over time, the jawbone bonds with the implant post, creating a sturdy base for the new tooth. A custom-made crown, designed to match your natural teeth, is then affixed to the post. The end result is a replacement tooth that blends seamlessly with your natural teeth, restoring both function and aesthetics.
Implant-Supported Bridge
Implant-supported bridges are an excellent choice for patients missing several consecutive teeth. Traditional bridges rely on adjacent teeth for support, which often leads to these teeth bearing excessive stress. Alternatively, implant-supported bridges use dental implants as a foundation, thereby preserving the health of surrounding teeth. The bridge, made of durable materials designed to mimic your natural teeth, is then securely affixed to these implants. This solution restores your ability to chew and speak properly and reinstates the natural shape of your face and smile.
Implant-Supported Dentures
Implant-supported dentures offer a stable and comfortable solution for patients who have lost all their teeth. Traditional dentures can slip and cause discomfort, while implant-supported dentures are securely anchored to your jawbone with dental implants. They do not require adhesive and won’t cause the sores or discomfort commonly associated with conventional dentures. Plus, implant-supported dentures help preserve your jawbone, maintaining the natural shape of your face.All-On-4®
All-On-4 dental implants are a complete restoration solution that allows for the replacement of an entire arch of teeth using only four strategically placed implants. Two of the implants are placed vertically in the front of the jaw, while the other two implants are placed at angles in the back of the jaw, providing the support necessary for the prosthetic. This technique is particularly beneficial for patients with low bone volume as it eliminates the need for bone grafting. Plus, it’s often possible to place temporary provisional teeth on the same day as the implant placement, giving patients the benefit of immediate function.
Preliminary Implant Procedures
In some cases, before we can proceed with implant surgery, it’s necessary to carry out preliminary procedures. These are designed to prepare your mouth for the implant and ensure the best possible outcome. Typically, preliminary procedures involve bone grafting or a sinus lift.
Bone Grafting
Bone grafting is a common preliminary procedure performed when the jawbone isn’t thick enough or is too soft to support an implant. The grafting material, harvested from another area of your own body, is placed into the area where the implant will be positioned. The benefit of using your own bone is that it contains live cells and proteins that encourage bone growth, helping to create a stronger and more stable base for your implant. After the graft is placed, a period of several months is typically needed for the grafted bone to merge with your existing bone.
Sinus Lift
A sinus lift, or sinus augmentation, is a procedure that might be required if you’ve lost bone in your upper jaw or your sinuses are too close to your jaw for implants to be placed. During a sinus lift, our oral surgeon will cut into your upper jawbone and lift the sinus membrane upward. The space underneath is then filled with bone grafting material. This procedure increases the height of your upper jawbone so that there’s sufficient room to place dental implants.
Like with bone grafting, a healing period is necessary after a sinus lift to allow new bone to develop before implants can be placed. This can take several months, but it ensures a solid foundation for the implants and a higher success rate.
Your Destination For Dental Implant
At Lakeview Smiles, we genuinely believe that everyone deserves a beautifully restored and healthy smile. Our dedicated team is committed to providing unparalleled care and exceptional dental implant services.
We’re not just about restoring teeth; we’re about restoring confidence, enhancing aesthetics, and improving quality of life. Let’s embark on your transformative smile journey together—where cutting-edge technology meets compassionate care. Call today to schedule your dental implant consultation!