Quality Dental Implants in Naperville & Channahon

Overview of Implant Placement | Healing after Dental Implant Surgery | Dental Implant FAQs

What are dental implants?

Dental implants are titanium posts surgically placed into the jawbone to serve as artificial tooth roots. These posts provide a stable foundation for attaching replacement teeth, such as crowns, bridges, or dentures.

We Offer a Variety of Dental Implants! Find which one fits your needs best:

Overview of Implant Placement

The Dental Implant Surgical Procedure

Surgical Advances in Dental Implants

Dental implant placement is a team effort between an oral and maxillofacial surgeon and a restorative dentist.  Dr. Almandalawi, Dr. Karakourtis or Dr. Satko performs the actual implant surgery, initial tooth extractions, and bone grafting if necessary.  The restorative dentist (your dentist) fits and makes the permanent prosthesis. Your dentist will also make any temporary prosthesis needed during the implant process.

Using the most recent advances in dental implant technology, Drs. Almandalawi, Karakourtis and Satko are able to place single-stage implants. These implants do not require a second procedure to uncover them but do require a minimum of six weeks of healing time before artificial teeth are placed. There are even situations where the implant can be placed at the same time as the tooth extraction – further minimizing your number of surgical procedures.

The procedure to place a dental implant takes 30 to 60 minutes for one implant and only 2 to 3 hours for multiple implants. The number of appointments and time required, vary from patient to patient. The surgeon will bring great precision and attention to the details of your case.

Prior to surgery, you may receive antibiotics and for greater comfort, intravenous sedation or nitrous oxide (laughing gas). These options are discussed with you at your consultation appointment. A local anesthetic will be administered to numb the area where the dental implant will be placed.

When you are comfortable, the surgeon makes a small incision in the gum tissue to reveal the bone, creates space using special instruments, and gently inserts the titanium implant. The top of this implant is often visible through the gum. Sometimes it is better in the early stages of healing to have the implant covered by the gum tissue.

Complete Your Smile with Dental Implants!

Accepting new patients. Book a Consult with us today!

Naperville: Naperville Office Phone Number 630-355-9449 Channahon: Channahon Office Phone Number 815-296-0600 Request An Appointment

A depiction of the upper jaw with all normal teeth
1. Normal
An example of the upper jaw missing a tooth with the jaw bone unhealed
2. Tooth Loss
A representation of a healed upper jaw bone after losing a tooth
3. Healed Bone
A digital representation of the initial dental implant placed in the jaw bone
4. Implant Placed
A representation of the healed jaw bone after placement of the dental implant
5. Healing
An example of a fully restored tooth using a dental implant
6. Implant Restored

Healing after Dental Implant Surgery

Now the healing begins. The length of time varies from person to person, depending upon the quality and quantity of bone. In some cases, implants may be restored immediately after they are placed. The surgeon will advise you on follow-up care and timing. After the initial phase of healing, the surgeon places an abutment (support post) or a healing cap onto the dental implant during a brief follow-up visit. This allows gum tissue to mature and provides access to the implant.

Occasionally, impressions are made at the time the implant is placed. This enables the crown to be ready when the implants have healed. How long your mouth needs to heal is determined by a variety of factors. Follow-up care (one to four appointments) is usually needed to ensure that your mouth is healing well and to determine when you are ready for the restorative phase of your treatment.

It may be beneficial to perform a soft tissue graft to obtain stronger, more easily cleaned and natural appearing gum tissue in the area around the implant. This process involves moving a small amount of gum tissue from one part of your mouth to the area around the implant. Most often, it is a brief and relatively comfortable procedure.

Whether it’s one tooth or all of your teeth that are being replaced, your dentist will complete the restoration by fitting the replacement tooth (crown) to the dental implant.

When are dental implants placed?

Implants are often placed several months after extraction. At times, an implant may be placed immediately after extraction of a tooth. This may involve a little more risk, but it simplifies the process—you won’t have to wait for another appointment to place the implant. When infection or other problems with the bone are present, immediate implant placement is not the best treatment.

If your tooth has been missing for some time, the adjacent support bone is likely to grow thinner and shrink. This occurs because the root of the natural tooth has to be present to stimulate the bone. As much as one-third of your jaw’s thickness can be lost in the year following tooth extraction. If you are missing enough bone, you may benefit from having additional bone grafted into the area. This ensures the implant will be adequately supported when it is placed in the jaw.

How many implants do I need?

Most frequently, one implant per missing tooth is placed. Because many of the larger teeth in the back of your jaws have two or three roots, the most common approach is to replace missing back teeth with larger implants.

Dental Implant FAQs: 

How Do Dental Implants Work? Once implanted into the jawbone, dental implants fuse with the surrounding bone through a process called osseointegration. This integration ensures the stability and strength necessary to support replacement teeth.

Who is a Candidate for Dental Implants? Most individuals with good oral health and sufficient jawbone density are suitable candidates for dental implants. Your dentist will evaluate your dental and medical history to determine if implants are the right option for you.

Are Dental Implants Permanent? With proper care and maintenance, dental implants can last a lifetime. Regular dental check-ups, good oral hygiene practices, and avoiding habits like smoking are essential for the longevity of dental implants.

Is the Dental Implant Procedure Painful? The dental implant procedure is typically performed under local anesthesia, ensuring that you experience minimal discomfort during the surgery. Some post-operative discomfort can be managed with pain medication prescribed by your dentist.

How Long Does It Take to Complete the Dental Implant Process? The entire dental implant process, including healing and osseointegration, can take several months to a year. However, the duration varies depending on individual factors such as jawbone health and the need for additional procedures like bone grafting.

What are the Advantages of Dental Implants? Dental implants offer numerous advantages, including improved aesthetics, enhanced chewing ability, preservation of jawbone integrity, and increased confidence and self-esteem.

Are There Any Risks Associated with Dental Implants? While dental implants are considered safe and successful for most patients, there are potential risks, including infection, implant failure, nerve damage, and sinus problems. However, these complications are rare and can be minimized with proper preoperative planning and postoperative care.

Can Smokers Get Dental Implants? Smoking can increase the risk of complications and implant failure due to its negative impact on oral health and healing. However, smokers can still be candidates for dental implants, but quitting smoking before and after the procedure is strongly recommended to improve the chances of success.

How Much Do Dental Implants Cost? The cost of dental implants varies depending on factors such as the number of implants needed and additional procedures required. While dental implants may initially seem more expensive than other tooth replacement options, they offer long-term value and benefits that outweigh the initial investment.

Whether you’re missing a single tooth or multiple teeth, dental implants provide a reliable and permanent solution that restores your smile and improves your quality of life. Consult with your dentist to determine if dental implants are the right choice for you and take the first step towards achieving a healthy and confident smile.

Complete Your Smile with Dental Implants!

Accepting new patients. Book a Consult with us today!

Naperville: Naperville Office Phone Number 630-355-9449 Channahon: Channahon Office Phone Number 815-296-0600 Request An Appointment

“Don’t be afraid to Smile.”

For years I’d felt like a part of my body was missing — because my teeth were. My dentist told me that dental implants would make me feel and look a lot better. OK, I said. Now, I’m thrilled. I can smile, eat anything, and enjoy a good laugh with my friends.

Back to Top