Dental Implants in Flossmoor and Homewood, IL

What Are The Benefits Of Dental Implants?

• Freedom: Unlike dentures and removable bridges, which can limit what you can eat, dental implants provide the same chewing force and stability as natural teeth. You can eat anything you want without restriction.
• Permanence: Dental implants provide a lifetime solution for missing teeth.
• Simplicity: Caring for your new smile won’t require any fancy tools or techniques. You’ll simply brush and floss as you would with natural teeth. Don’t forget to visit us twice a year for regular cleanings!
• Confidence: No one will be able to tell the difference between your implants and your natural teeth. In addition, dental implants help prevent your jawbone from shrinking and your face from collapsing, which can make you look much older than you are. Instead, you can impress family, friends, and coworkers with a dazzling new smile and feel more confident in every interaction.

How are Dental Implants Placed?

A Dental Implant consists of three parts:

• The Implant Post: A titanium screw, which becomes the root of your new tooth
• An abutment: The piece that attaches the restoration to the implant
• The Restoration: A natural-looking dental crown, bridge, or denture that matches the appearance and color of your natural teeth

Once you decide to proceed with all-on-4 dental implants in Flossmoor and Homewood, IL, we create models of your mouth to take exact measurements for your replacement teeth. This process ensures your dental implants are designed and placed precisely, giving you the maximum possible comfort and functionality.

With today’s technology, we can typically place your dental implants in a single visit, using only a sedative and local anesthetic.

At The Center for Dental Excellence, we want you to look and feel your best with your smile. You deserve the confidence and comfort that all-on-4 dental implants can provide. Call us at 708-627-5998 today to schedule your initial consultation and learn more about how dental implants can change your life. We will explain the specific steps we recommend for your unique case. During your consultation, you’ll have time to ask questions, review your options, and decide whether dental implants are the best choice for you.

Dental Implants FAQs

Am I a good candidate for dental implants?

Most adults with good general health are candidates, but the only way to know for sure is an exam. We’ll check your jawbone density, gum health, and overall oral condition to make sure implants are the right fit. If something needs to be addressed first, like gum disease or bone loss, we’ll walk you through those steps before moving forward. Many patients assume they’re not eligible, and they’re pleasantly surprised to learn they are.

How long does the dental implant process take from start to finish?

The implant post itself can often be placed in a single visit, which surprises a lot of patients. After that, the implant needs time to fuse with your jawbone, a process called osseointegration that typically takes a few months. Once that’s complete, we place your permanent restoration, which is the crown, bridge, or denture that looks and functions like a natural tooth. The full timeline varies from patient to patient, but we’ll map it out for you during your consultation so you know exactly what to expect.

Does getting dental implants hurt?

Most patients tell us the procedure is far more comfortable than they expected. We use local anesthetic and sedation to keep you relaxed throughout the appointment, so you feel pressure but not pain. Afterward, some patients experience mild soreness and swelling for a few days, which usually responds well to over-the-counter pain relievers. Our team will give you clear aftercare instructions so you can stay comfortable during the healing phase.

Does dental insurance cover dental implants?

Coverage varies by plan, and it’s one of the most common questions we hear. Some plans cover part of the implant procedure if it’s considered medically necessary, such as when a tooth is lost due to injury or disease. Others treat implants as elective and don’t cover them at all. Our team will review your benefits with you and explain what’s covered and what isn’t. If there’s a gap, we’ll help you explore financing options.

How long do dental implants last?

With proper care, dental implants can last a lifetime, which is one of the biggest reasons patients choose them over bridges or dentures. The implant post itself is made of titanium and fuses with your jawbone, so it doesn’t decay or wear out the way natural teeth can. The restoration on top, whether it’s a crown, bridge, or denture, may need to be replaced after 10 to 15 years depending on wear. Regular checkups and good home care go a long way toward keeping everything in great shape.

Can dental implants replace multiple missing teeth?

Yes, and options vary depending on how many teeth you’re missing. A single implant can replace one tooth. Multiple implants can support a bridge or a partial denture. For patients missing most or all of their teeth, All-on-4 implants can support a full arch restoration using just four implant posts. We’ll recommend the approach that makes the most sense for your situation during your consultation.

Will my dental implants look natural?

That’s the goal, and we take it seriously. The restoration on top of your implant is custom-made to match the color, shape, and translucency of your surrounding natural teeth. Most patients tell us that no one can tell the difference, even up close. The result is a smile that looks like yours, not like a set of dental work.

What does the recovery period look like?

Most patients are surprised by how manageable the recovery is. You’ll likely have some soreness and swelling for the first few days, and we’ll give you instructions for managing both. You’ll want to stick to soft foods for a short time while the area heals. Most patients return to their normal routine within a few days, though the implant continues to fuse with the bone over the following months.

Can I eat normally with dental implants?

Yes, and this is one of the biggest advantages of implants over dentures or removable bridges. Implants have the same chewing force and stability as natural teeth, so you can eat whatever you want without restriction. No more avoiding steak, apples, or corn on the cob because you’re worried about a denture slipping. That freedom is a big part of why patients say implants changed their daily life.

Do you offer sedation for implant treatment?

Yes, we do. We understand that implant treatment can feel intimidating, especially if you’ve had a bad dental experience in the past. We offer sedation options to keep you calm and comfortable throughout the procedure. Our team will go over the options with you and help you choose what works best for your needs.