Our goal at Pingree Smile Center is to maintain your healthy smile with all of your natural dentition. Unfortunately, sometimes a tooth removal is necessary when we cannot save the tooth. Dr. Jignesh Patel has gone through a rigorous clinical continuing education program for placing and restoring dental implants. If necessary, we will work closely with a gum specialist to restore your implant with the right abutment and crown to give you a natural-looking tooth.

Dental implants are the next best thing to replace a missing tooth. A dental implant is an artificial tooth root placed into your jawbone to hold a missing tooth. For patients who require the removal of all teeth followed by full dentures, dental implants can provide tremendous stability and can help restore adequate function so patients can enjoy foods they like to eat.

Dental implants are an ideal option for people in good general oral health who have lost a tooth or teeth due to periodontal disease, an injury or some other reason. However, as with any dental treatment, regular professional maintenance is very important in the long-term success rate of dental implants.

A dental implant designed to replace a single tooth is composed of three parts and performed over the course of a few months.

• Titanium-based implant (tooth root replacement)
• The abutment (connection from jawbone to above gums) that supports the crown is placed.
• The porcelain crown is fitted on the abutment for a natural-looking tooth.

There are certain situations when dental implants are not indicated. Please talk to your Pingree Grove dentist to go over all of your treatment options. We will be more than happy to explain the differences in treatment options so you can make the best choice possible to restore your mouth to full health.

Call us today to schedule your dental implant consultation.

(847)462-4330

Dental Implants Q & A

What Are Dental Implants, And How Do They Work?

Dental implants offer permanent replacement of one or more missing teeth. The process begins with a comprehensive oral examination, during which a dentist will evaluate the patient’s overall oral health and discuss any dental conditions that need to be addressed prior to beginning the implant process. Then, an appointment is scheduled, during which a small metal post is anchored within the patient’s jawbone, after which a healing period of 6 to 12 weeks is required. Once healing is complete, the implant will be fully bonded to the jawbone tissue. The dentist will then attach a small connector, which is called an abutment, and connect the newly created replacement tooth to the implant root.

What Are The Advantages Of Dental Implants Over Traditional Tooth Replacement Options?

In decades past, patients had fewer choices when it came to replacing the lost tooth. Bridgework was possible, where a dentist could use a system of wires to attach one or more false teeth to the surrounding “anchor” teeth. Full or partial dentures were another option. However, both of these approaches have distinct disadvantages, including poor fit, imperfect durability, and issues with convenience. In addition, bridgework and dentures require periodic repair and/or replacement, which drives up the cost over time. Dental implants provide patients with a permanent tooth replacement.

Is Everyone A Good Candidate For Dental Implants?

Dental implant technology has come a long way in recent years, and research suggests that the success rate of implants is nearly 98 percent. That said, there are cases in which an individual is not well-suited for dental implants. For example, in order for implants to function properly, the patient must have sufficient jawbone tissue to allow the implanted “roots” to take hold. Those suffering from advanced gum disease or significant bone loss may not be good candidates for dental implants. Heavy smokers, individuals with conditions such as diabetes or heart disease, or those who have had radiation treatment in the area of their head and neck may need to seek another tooth replacement option.