Dental Implants in Oak Lawn, IL: A Permanent Solution for Replacing Missing Teeth
At Identical Smiles, we offer dental implants in Oak Lawn, IL, for patients who need a long-lasting solution to replace missing teeth. Dental implants use modern dentistry to place a post surgically into the jawbone, then a restoration is secured on top of the post to fill in the gap where the tooth is missing. This treatment is one of the longest-lasting dental restorations available and can be used for both front teeth and back teeth.
Our implant dentist often recommends dental implants when tooth replacement is necessary. If you have teeth that are missing or require extraction because they are damaged beyond repair, then we often recommend implant-based restorations. If you are looking for tooth replacement near you, then we invite you to contact our office to schedule a consultation and learn more about available treatment options.
When Dental Implants are Recommended to Replace Missing Teeth
When you have one or more teeth missing after extraction, then it is time to talk to our local dental team about your options for dental implants or other types of tooth restoration treatments. One of the main benefits of a tooth implant is that we can replace missing teeth without reliance on the neighboring teeth for support of a dental restoration.
While the goal is to preserve your natural teeth whenever possible, there are times when extraction is necessary because the tooth is damaged beyond repair. Don’t worry; you won’t need to live with a gap in your smile for the rest of your life. Modern dentistry has made it possible to create natural-looking prosthetics to replace your missing teeth, which restores both the appearance and function of your smile at the same time.
Tooth replacement with dental implants is common after a tooth has been removed due to severe decay, trauma, or infection. Not only can our team at Identical Smiles help with the extraction, but we also offer full-service treatments to replace the tooth and fill in the gaps. We invite you to visit our dental office close to you in Oak Lawn, IL, to determine if you are a good candidate for this treatment.
A single implant can be used to replace one tooth. The implant acts as the root of the tooth, with a crown placed on top for the restoration. This treatment fills in the gap and has no effect on the nearby teeth.
Permanent dental implants are a great option to consider if you need to replace multiple missing teeth at the same time. For example, implants are often used as the foundation for bridges or dentures. Sometimes, these restorations rely on tooth implants, or they are secured to neighboring teeth.
Instead of traditional dentures, consider using multiple dental implants to support an entire arch of teeth. These implant-supported dentures are more comfortable and secure compared to traditional dentures.
Regardless of the type of tooth restoration used on top of your dental implants, rest assured knowing that your implants are designed to last a lifetime. With proper care, implants can stay strong for many years.
Why Dental Implants are the Preferred Option for Tooth Replacement
Since dental implants are designed to be a permanent replacement, they are often the preferred method of treatment for patients who need tooth restoration. When they are properly placed by an experienced implant dentist, and you are consistent about maintaining them, dental implants can last for the rest of your life.
Not only do dental implants improve the appearance of your smile and allow you to eat and speak normally, but they also help to preserve your jawbone. The implants help to stimulate bone density and prevent the risk of bone loss after tooth extraction.
Every patient is unique, which is why there isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution for tooth restoration. If you are considering options to replace missing teeth, then talk to our team at Identical Smiles for personalized recommendations. Our dental office in Oak Lawn, IL, is equipped with modern technology and advanced digital scanning. We can assess your oral health to determine if your jawbone is strong enough to support the implant.
Dental implants are designed to look and feel like a normal tooth. When the implant has healed, they restore your chewing and speaking ability and blend in with the rest of your smile. Most people won’t notice a difference between your implant tooth and natural teeth.
Bone density loss is a common issue after tooth extraction. Implants help to maintain jawbone density over time. At Identical Smiles, we also offer other supportive services, such as dental bone grafts to support a stronger jawbone to hold your implant in place securely.
Implants are secured into your jawbone, which means that you don’t have to worry about the restoration slipping out of place. You won’t be able to remove the restoration because it will be secured to the top of your implant.
A variety of options are available for your customized treatment plan, including one-day dental implants, a tooth bone graft, or a sinus lift for implant placement. Common restorations to replace one or more missing teeth include crowns, bridges, and dentures.
Dental Implant Technology, Surgical Planning, and Results
Rest assured knowing that dental implant technology has been around for many years, and we have a high success rate with this treatment. When you visit our nearby clinic in Oak Lawn, IL, to consult with an implant dentist, we use imaging and a clinical evaluation to determine your eligibility for this treatment.
Depending on your bone condition and the stability of your jawbone, you might qualify for same-day dental implants. Having the dental implant the same day as the extraction means that you can combine the tooth removal and implant placement in the same surgical appointment.
One of the most important decisions that you will make for quick dental implants is choosing an experienced dentist near you in Oak Lawn, IL. This treatment usually requires several appointments, and you will need to come back for follow-up visits. So, choosing a local team, such as Identical Smiles, is ideal for your convenience and post-treatment monitoring.
Same Day Options
Depending on your overall oral health, it might be possible to have same-day tooth replacement. Combining dental implants in a day and at the same time as extraction will combine your recovery and save you from a follow-up surgical treatment.
Digital Imaging
Not only do high-resolution digital images help us determine if you are a good candidate for this treatment, but we also use this technology during your implant placement. Digital imaging allows us to place the implant precisely, which increases the likelihood of a successful outcome.
Bone Support Procedures
If you are already experiencing a loss of bone density, then your dental bone graft specialist might recommend a sinus lift and bone graft. This oral bone graft strengthens the implant site, and a sinus lift might be a necessary and important part of the surgery to ensure long-term results.
Follow-Up Care
With proper placement, dental implants can last a lifetime. We will monitor your implant during your routine checkups to ensure that everything is looking good. Our team offers full support for your current and future dental needs.
Post-Op Instructions for Dental Implants
Recovery after dental implants takes longer compared to other types of dental restorations, but this treatment is worth it because of the long-term benefits that you can enjoy. During the first 72 hours, it’s the most critical time of your recovery, and you need to be consistent about following post-op instructions to ensure proper healing.
- As you are leaving our office after a tooth implant appointment, you’ll need to bite gently on gauze to control the bleeding. This gauze will need to be changed every 30-45 minutes until the bleeding stops.
- Using an ice pack on the outside of your face can help to reduce swelling and manage pain. We recommend 15 minutes on and 15 minutes off during the first 24 hours after your implant surgery.
- Do not rinse, spit forcefully, or use a straw for the first few days.
- Avoid any strenuous activities for 2 days. Allow yourself time to rest.
- Only eat soft foods, such as smoothies, scrambled eggs, mashed potatoes, soup, and yogurt for a few days. Don’t drink any hot liquids during this time (warm temperatures are ok).
- Don’t chew on the side of the mouth where the implant is located until you have clearance from your dentist.
- After the first 24 hours are over, you can gently rinse your mouth with warm salt water. Be careful about brushing around the tooth replacement site because you need to avoid any disturbance to the surgical care.
- Don’t use any tobacco products during the healing time, including cigarettes, chewing tobacco, or vapes, since these things can slow your healing and increase the risk of implant failure.
- Contact our office right away if the swelling, pain, or bleeding gets worse after the first few days.
Specialized post-op care instructions might be needed if you have a sinus lift or dental bone grafts at the same time as your tooth implant surgery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, if you have the right bone and gum conditions, then it might be possible to schedule an implant on the same day as the extraction. Each patient is unique, which is why we will map out your individual treatment plan in advance.
Our bone graft dentist can help with personalized procedures to rebuild the bone and support your dental implants. These treatments can often be combined, with a sinus lift and/or bone graft to support your restorations.
Yes, with proper placement and consistent care, dental implants are designed to last for many years. Dental implants are considered a permanent restoration and can often last a lifetime for patients with good oral health.
Each patient is unique, which is why we customize the restorations based on your smile goals. Our team at Identical Smiles offers everything from a single tooth replacement to full dental implants and more. Contact us for an evaluation and personalized recommendations.
