Dental Implants - Chicago, IL
Losing a tooth can feel like losing a piece of yourself. It affects more than just your ability to chew; it impacts your confidence, your speech, and even the structure of your jawbone. While the surgical placement of a dental implant is the first step toward reclaiming your smile, the final restoration is what truly brings it back to life. At Dental Smiles of West Loop, we specialize in high-quality dental implant restoration in Chicago, crafting custom teeth that look, feel, and function just like the ones you lost.
Our practice is built on the pillars of Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness (EEAT). We understand that restorative dentistry is an art form that requires precision and a deep understanding of oral anatomy. Whether you need a single crown to cap an implant or a full-arch restoration to replace an entire row of teeth, our team is dedicated to delivering results that are both durable and aesthetically stunning. When you choose us, you are choosing a partner who is committed to your long-term oral health and satisfaction.
The Art and Science of Implant Restoration
Many patients are confused about the difference between implant placement and implant restoration. The implant itself is a small titanium post surgically placed into your jawbone to act as an artificial tooth root. Restoration refers to the visible prosthetic tooth (or teeth) that attaches to that post.
At Dental Smiles of West Loop, we focus on this crucial final phase. After your implant has successfully integrated with your jawbone—a process called osseointegration—we design and attach the custom prosthesis that completes your smile. We use only the highest quality materials, such as porcelain and zirconia, which mimic the translucency and strength of natural tooth enamel.
Our Chicago Dental Implant Restoration Options
We offer versatile solutions tailored to your specific needs, ensuring that your new smile functions seamlessly.
Implant-Supported Crowns
For a single missing tooth, an implant-supported crown is the gold standard. Unlike a traditional dental bridge, which requires grinding down adjacent healthy teeth for support, an implant crown stands independently. We custom-shade the porcelain to match your surrounding teeth perfectly, making the restoration virtually indistinguishable from your natural smile.
Implant-Supported Bridges
If you are missing multiple teeth in a row, an implant-supported bridge is an excellent solution. Instead of relying on natural teeth for support, this bridge spans the gap between two implant posts. This method is incredibly stable and prevents the bone loss that often occurs under traditional bridges or partial dentures.
Implant-Retained Dentures
For patients missing all their teeth in an upper or lower arch, implant-retained dentures offer a life-changing upgrade from traditional removable dentures. By snapping securely onto a few strategically placed implants, these dentures eliminate slipping, clicking, and the need for messy adhesives. You can eat your favorite foods—including steak and apples—with total confidence.
The Dental Smiles of West Loop Difference
Restoring an implant requires meticulous attention to detail. An ill-fitting restoration can lead to bite misalignment, discomfort, and even failure of the implant itself. That is why we utilize advanced digital technology to ensure precision at every step.
Digital Impressions
We have said goodbye to uncomfortable, goopy impression trays. Using state-of-the-art intraoral scanners, we capture highly accurate 3D digital images of your mouth. This digital blueprint allows our dental lab partners to fabricate restorations with micron-level accuracy, ensuring a comfortable fit and a balanced bite.
Collaborative Care
We believe in a team approach to your health. If you are just beginning your implant journey, we work closely with top local oral surgeons for the surgical placement phase. We communicate constantly to ensure the implant is positioned perfectly to support the final restoration we have planned for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Understanding your restorative options is key to making the right decision for your health. Here are answers to five common questions we receive about dental implant restoration at our Chicago office.
1. How long do I have to wait before getting my final restoration?
The timeline depends on how quickly your jawbone heals around the implant post. Typically, this integration process takes anywhere from 3 to 6 months. Once the surgeon confirms the implant is stable, you will come to our office for impressions. From there, it usually takes about two weeks for the lab to craft your custom crown, bridge, or denture.
2. Is the restoration process painful?
No. Unlike the surgical phase, the restoration phase is generally non-invasive and painless. It usually involves removing a healing cap from the implant and taking impressions. When we attach your final crown or bridge, you might feel some minor pressure, but local anesthesia is rarely needed.
3. How do I care for my implant restoration?
You treat your implant restoration very much like your natural teeth. Brushing twice a day and flossing daily are essential to keep the gum tissue around the implant healthy. While the porcelain tooth cannot get a cavity, gum disease (peri-implantitis) can still attack the bone supporting the implant if oral hygiene is neglected.
4. Can you replace my old denture with an implant-supported one?
In many cases, yes. If you are tired of loose, uncomfortable dentures, we can evaluate if you are a candidate for implant-retained dentures. Sometimes we can even retrofit an existing denture to snap onto implants, though often a new, custom-made denture provides the best esthetic and functional result.
5. How long will my implant restoration last?
With proper care and regular dental checkups, the implant post itself can last a lifetime. The restoration (the crown, bridge, or denture) is subject to normal wear and tear, just like natural teeth. However, high-quality implant crowns typically last 10 to 15 years or longer before they may need repair or replacement.
Schedule A Chicago Dental Implant Consultation
You have invested time and effort into your oral health—now it is time to enjoy the results. Whether you are ready to finish your implant journey or need to replace an old, worn-out restoration, Dental Smiles of West Loop is here to help.
Contact us today to schedule your consultation for dental implant restoration in Chicago. Let us give you a smile that is as strong as it is beautiful.
