Missing teeth can affect far more than your smile—they impact your ability to eat comfortably, speak clearly, and feel confident in social situations. Whether you’ve lost a single tooth or multiple teeth, the gap left behind can lead to bone loss, shifting of adjacent teeth, and a cascade of oral health complications that extend well beyond aesthetics.
We understand the importance of restoring not just your smile but your quality of life. At Eco Friendly Dentistry, our team provides advanced dental implants in Oak Lawn, IL to help patients near Evergreen Park achieve lasting results with a solution designed for both function and beauty.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are titanium posts surgically placed into your jawbone to serve as artificial tooth roots. Once the implant integrates with your bone through a process called osseointegration, a custom crown is attached to complete the restoration. This creates a permanent, natural-looking tooth replacement that functions just like your original teeth.
Unlike traditional bridges or dentures, implants don’t rely on adjacent teeth for support. They stand independently, preserving your natural tooth structure while preventing the bone deterioration that typically follows tooth loss. According to the National Library of Medicine, dental implant prevalence has substantially increased since 1999, with success rates reaching up to 98 percent.
The titanium material used in dental implants is biocompatible, meaning your body accepts it naturally without rejection. This compatibility allows the implant to fuse securely with your jawbone, creating a stable foundation that can support the forces of chewing and biting for decades to come.
Benefits of Choosing Dental Implants
Restored Function: Implants allow you to bite and chew with nearly the same force as natural teeth, meaning you won’t have to avoid your favorite foods.
Bone Preservation: The titanium post stimulates your jawbone, preventing the deterioration that occurs after tooth loss and maintaining your facial structure.
Long-Lasting Solution: With proper care, dental implants can last a lifetime, making them a cost-effective investment in your oral health.
Natural Appearance: Custom-made crowns match the color, shape, and size of your surrounding teeth, creating a seamless restoration.
Improved Confidence: A complete smile allows you to speak, laugh, and smile without worry or self-consciousness.
No Impact on Adjacent Teeth: Unlike traditional bridges, implants don’t require grinding down healthy neighboring teeth for support.
The Dental Implant Process
Initial Consultation and Planning
Your journey begins with a comprehensive examination where we assess your oral health, bone density, and overall suitability for implants. We use advanced imaging technology to create a precise treatment plan tailored to your unique needs. This detailed planning phase ensures optimal placement and long-term success of your restoration.
Implant Placement
During a minimally invasive procedure, we carefully place the titanium post into your jawbone. The area is numbed for your comfort, and sedation dentistry options are available for anxious patients. The procedure typically takes one to two hours per implant, and most patients report minimal discomfort during and after treatment.
Healing and Integration
Over the next several months, the implant fuses with your bone. During this healing period, you may receive a temporary restoration to maintain your appearance and function. The osseointegration process typically takes three to six months, though this timeline varies based on individual healing rates and bone quality.
Final Restoration
Once healing is complete, we attach a custom crown that perfectly matches your natural teeth, completing your restoration with a result that looks and feels completely natural. We ensure proper bite alignment and aesthetic harmony with your existing teeth for a flawless finish.
Am I a Candidate for Dental Implants?
Most adults with good overall health and adequate bone density are candidates for dental implants. Ideal candidates have healthy gums, sufficient jawbone to support the implant, and a commitment to maintaining excellent oral hygiene. We evaluate factors including your medical history, bone quality, and oral health status to determine if implants are right for you.
Even if you’ve experienced bone loss, solutions like bone grafting can make implants possible. During your consultation, we’ll discuss all available options and create a treatment plan that addresses your specific situation. Age is rarely a limiting factor—what matters most is your overall health and bone quality.
Caring for Your Dental Implants
Maintaining your dental implants requires the same attention you give your natural teeth. Regular brushing twice daily, flossing around the implant and crown, and attending routine dental cleanings and exams help ensure long-term success. We provide detailed care instructions and recommend specific products that work best for implant maintenance.
Avoiding harmful habits like smoking and addressing issues like teeth grinding with a nightguard can significantly extend the life of your implants. With proper care and regular professional maintenance, your dental implants can serve you well for many years.
Why Choose Eco Friendly Dentistry for Your Dental Implants
Our practice combines advanced technology with a patient-centered approach to deliver exceptional results. We understand that dental implant treatment represents a significant investment in your health and confidence, which is why we take the time to ensure you feel informed and comfortable throughout the entire process. With years of experience serving the Evergreen Park community, we’ve helped countless patients restore their smiles with natural-looking, long-lasting dental implants. Our commitment to using eco-friendly practices and sustainable materials means you can feel good about your choice for both your health and the environment.Ready to explore how dental implants can transform your smile? Contact our office to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward a complete, confident smile.
