The dental implant placement process is multi-phased and somewhat involved. Patients considering dental implants should have a complete understanding of the steps involved in treatment, so that they can better decide whether dental implants are right for them!
Our Tinley Park dental implant dentists have put together this general overview of dental implant treatment. We hope that this will give you a strong foundation from which you can gather more information about this treatment option.
Because the dental implant is an individual replacement tooth, which stands independently in the mouth, it needs a root. The first phase of treatment, therefore, involves our dentist surgically inserting a replacement dental root into the patient’s jawbone. The dental implant root is made of titanium. This implant root is designed to bond with the patient’s natural bone tissue over time.
Once your dental implant root is inserted, our dental team will give your mouth time to repair itself. When your bone and gum tissues have sufficiently healed, we can move on to the next phase of treatment.
As the next step, our dental team caps your dental implant root with a strong restoration. A piece called the abutment sits on top of the titanium dental implant. This abutment is the connector piece that holds the dental crown in place. The final part of the dental implant is the natural looking dental restoration. This piece sits above your gum line, and is personalized to suit your overall smile.
Once all of the components are attached, you will have a complete and functional replacement tooth. Patients with dental implants are able to eat, drink, and speak comfortably post-treatment. Best of all, dental implants are very easy to maintain, and can last for decades before they need to be refurbished.
Ready to learn more about what you can do with dental implants? Our Orland Park dental implant dentist office is here to answer your questions.