The Procedure, Cost, and Benefits of a Dental Implant

Initially, missing a tooth may not be a big deal, especially when it’s not within your smile zone. However, even if your missing tooth doesn’t affect your smile, loss of oral function will soon compel you to fix that gap. If you have lost teeth, this affects how you chew and speak. Over time, your teeth will shift and your face starts caving in as jawbone loss rears its ugly head on your smile.

If you miss one or several teeth in Chicago, Illinois, dental implants from Peter Cabrera, DDS and Bahareh Sabzehei, DDS Periodontics & Dental Implants, are an excellent choice to fix your “gappy smile.” Dental implants replace your tooth roots with screw-like posts surgically inserted deep into your jawbone. This gives your “new” tooth stability and looks similar to your natural tooth.

What to expect from the dental implant procedure

Dental implant treatment takes about six months. But because each patient’s needs are different, timelines can vary. The treatment begins by consulting your   periodontist. Here, we establish your smile goals and determine your candidacy for dental implants using three dimensional x-rays.

We recommend bone grafting if you have insufficient jawbone; otherwise, we proceed into implant surgery. Before the surgery, we numb your mouth to minimize discomfort during treatment. Next, we insert a titanium post in your jawbone through a small incision made on the gum tissue. After insertion, we suture the surgical site to pave the way for healing.

The jawbone fuses with the biocompatible implant during healing to form a robust foundation to support a crown, bridge, or denture. Once healing is complete, we perform a minor surgery to install an abutment, which connects your implant to a tooth prosthetic.

Finally, your dentist attaches a natural-looking crown, bridge, or denture to your implant to complete the treatment. You can eat all your favorite delicacies without difficulty with your new implant. Plus, you don’t have to repeat yourself when speaking or feel self-conscious about your smile.

Benefits of dental implants

Dental implants have earned the moniker “the gold standard of replacing teeth” because they are far superior to their counterparts. Here are the many benefits of dental implants:

• Prevent bone loss by stimulating your jawbone, just like the natural teeth
• Prevent the nearby teeth from shifting
• Dental implants last for life with proper maintenance
• Taking care of implants doesn’t need special care
• Implants restore your oral function and self-confidence
• Implant treatment doesn’t interfere with the health of neighboring teeth

The cost of dental implants varies because of the different procedures that may be involved. For instance, some patients may need a tooth extraction or bone grafting before implant surgery. The dental implant cost may seem expensive, but remember, it’s a lifetime investment. Once an implant is installed, you will never think about that gap again.

Implant Specialist Near Me

At Peter Cabrera, DDS and Bahareh Sa bzehei, DDS Periodontics & Dental Implants, our team believes in patient-first dentistry, be it a routine procedure or sophisticated cases like dental implantology. If you need a dental implant in Chicago, IL, don’t trust your dental care with just any provider. Instead, please dial (312) 736-7959 to book an appointment with Drs. Peter Cabrera and Bahareh Sabzehei.