Dental Implants Northbrook IL

Implant Teeth | Replacement Teeth

Dental implants are changing the way people live. They are designed to provide a foundation for replacement teeth which look, feel and function like natural teeth. People who have lost teeth can regain the ability to eat virtually anything, knowing that their teeth appear natural and that facial contours can be preserved. Patients with dental implants can smile with confidence.

What Are Dental Implants?

Implants are titanium posts, which are inserted into the jawbone to replace missing teeth. These metal anchors act as tooth root substitutes. They are surgically placed into the jawbone. The bone bonds with the titanium, creating a strong foundation for artificial teeth. Small posts are then attached to the implant, which protrude through the gums. These posts provide stable anchors for replacement teeth.

Implants also help preserve facial structure, preventing further bone deterioration that occurs when teeth are missing.

The Surgical Procedure for Implants

For most patients, the placement of dental implants involves two surgical procedures. First, implants are placed within the jawbone. For the first three to six months following surgery, the implants are healing beneath the surface of the gums and gradually bonding with the jawbone. Patients are able to wear temporary teeth or dentures over the implants.

After the implant has bonded to the jawbone, the second phase begins. Dr. Steinberg, Dr. Nick or Dr. Figueroa will uncover the implants and attach small collars to the implants, which act as anchors for the artificial teeth. These collars protrude through the gums. The entire procedure usually takes around six months depending on the density of the jawbone. Most patients experience minimal disruption in their daily life during the implant healing.

Surgical Advances

Using the most recent advances in dental implant technology, Drs. Steinberg, Nick & Figueroa are able to place single stage implants. These implants do not require a second procedure to uncover them. Sometimes, depending on the available bone, implants can be placed at the same time as a tooth extraction – further minimizing the number of surgical procedures. Advances in dental implant technology have made it possible, in select cases, to extract teeth and place implants and temporary teeth on the implant at one visit. This procedure, called “immediate provisionalization,” can greatly simplify the surgical process.

There are also new advances in implant treatment planning.  Drs. Steinberg, Nick & Figueroa use the latest computer software programs to plan complex implant cases.  These programs allow the doctors to see the available implant sites in the bone in three dimensions. It also can be used to generate computer-driven surgical guides to help place the implants at the time of surgery. This type of precision facilitates placement of implants in narrow or short areas of bone that otherwise may not be able to receive implants without further surgery to improve the available bone.

Who Actually Performs the Implant Placement?

Implants are a team effort between an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon and a Restorative Dentist. While Drs. Steinberg, Nick & Figueroa perform the actual implant surgery, the initial tooth extractions and any necessary bone grafting, the restorative dentist (your dentist) make and fits the permanent teeth or prosthesis. Your dentist will also make any temporary teeth or prosthesis needed during the implant process.