- 4771 ROUTE 71, OSWEGO, IL 60543
- (630) 554-8600
Oswego Dental Group restores oral appearance and function with professional dental implants, which are small fixtures placed in the bone of the upper or lower jaw to serve as the roots of missing teeth. Made of hypoallergenic titanium, the implants bond with the bone and serve as an anchor for replacement teeth or a bridge.
Fitting right into the jawbone as a real tooth would, today’s dental implants can replicate the function of an artificial tooth root. The titanium fuses with the jawbone, so the implant won’t slip, make noise or cause bone damage as dentures or fixed bridgework might.
Because implants become a permanent part of the jawbone, a great percentage of patients will retain them for life. The high-quality supporting materials also cannot decay as teeth supporting regular bridgework can – but can support more weight than even a healthy natural tooth could.
A patient may be a good candidate for a tooth implant if:
one or more teeth are missing
wearing dentures is undesirable
jawbone has reached full growth
implant can be secured with available bone
oral tissues are healthy and tobacco isn’t used
no current conditions will affect bone healing
The process involves multiple steps and may require other procedures depending on the type of implant and the jawbone’s condition.
Photos courtesy of University of Florida, Center for Implant Dentistry
Patients who have chosen implant-supported teeth report they are happy and comfortable for the first time since the loss of their original teeth.
Oswego Dental Group specializes in different styles of dental implants.
Implant-Supported Crown. This dental restoration replaces a missing tooth by inserting the dental implant into the jawbone before attaching the crown. The implant-supported crown develops its strength and stability from the implant body. It can replace a missing tooth from the root to the crown, allowing it to function and appear like a natural tooth.
Traditional Removable Partial Denture. A traditional removable partial denture provides artificial replacement teeth in the upper or lower jaw. The teeth are connected to a titanium base held in place by attachments that fit around the natural teeth. The partial denture is relatively easy to make and adjust and can be removed for cleaning and comfort as well.
Traditional Tooth-Supported Bridge. To replace one or more missing teeth, we place a false tooth or teeth (called pontics) held in place by dental crowns cemented onto the natural teeth (called abutments) on both sides of the gap. The most popular type of bridge, a traditional tooth-supported bridge can be used when you have natural teeth on both sides of the gap created by your missing tooth. It can restore your smile, bite and ability to chew while also preventing remaining teeth from losing position.
This procedure permanently replaces all upper or lower teeth on a single arch. An implant bridge is attached to the upper or lower jawbone with four tiny metal posts that replace the original tooth roots. The four posts provide the proper support to maintain the weight of the arch plus any other forces exerted upon it.
In many cases, All-on-Four implants are used for a full-mouth makeover that can be achieved with a temporary bridge in a single appointment. The temporary teeth are then replaced by the permanent bridge within a few months. The replacement teeth are made of porcelain, zirconia or acrylic-covered titanium.
A dental implant is typically an outpatient surgery performed in stages with healing time between them. Because dental implants can require more than one surgical procedure, we thoroughly evaluate and prepare the patient for the process.
Preparation for an implant may involve different specialists, such as an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, a periodontist (expert in teeth-supporting structures, e.g. gums and bones) and a prosthodontist (dentist who designs and fits artificial teeth).
Your evaluation for an implant will include:
comprehensive dental exam. This may include x-rays and 3D imaging, as well as making models of your teeth and jaw.
medical history review. We’ll discuss any current medical conditions and prescriptions with you.
treatment plan. Personalized for you, this outline will address factors such the number of teeth to be replaced as well as the current condition of the jawbone and remaining teeth.
Once underway, the steps for a dental implant will be:
Depending on the patient’s specific situation, certain steps can sometimes be combined.
To control pain, a patient might opt for local anesthesia, sedation or general anesthesia. If choosing sedation or general anesthesia, the patient will require a designated driver after surgery.
If the patient’s jawbone isn’t thick enough or is too soft, bone may have to be grafted before a dental implant can be placed.
The mouth’s strong chewing action exerts a lot of pressure on the jawbone. If the bone can’t support the implant, the surgery can fail. Grafting the bone from another part of the body or applying a synthetic bone graft will provide a solid base for the implant.
At Oswego Dental Group, advancements in dental technology have revolutionized our treatment efficiency while enhancing your patient experience. We enhance our procedures for you by integrating current technology such as:
Dental Cone Beam Computed Technology (CBCT) ׀ “Cone beam” images of the mouth for much greater insight into the current health and structure of teeth. For dental implants, we can use the imaging to virtually place an implant in an area where you have more bone and then use that data to create a surgical guide. This makes implants possible for those who once might not have been candidates for them.
Digital Impressions ׀ A special camera for digitally photographing, transferring and printing images of teeth in three dimensions (no more runny, gooey, bitter material for molds)
Digital X-Rays ׀ Digitized dental images for view, review and adjustment on a computer screen instead of on film that can degrade over time
Diagnostic Laser ׀ Modifiable tool for detecting and treating dental conditions without causing pain or affecting healthy tissue
Beyond quicker, more efficient and comfortable dental treatments, our office technology contributes to shorter visits, easier scheduling and greater communication with you.
Oswego Dental Group welcomes every opportunity to help you enjoy straighter, stronger, more- attractive and better-functioning teeth through professional restoration. We also provide family-friendly service for all ages. To further discuss “dental implants near me,” as well as possible financing and insurance coverage, contact us at (630) 554-8600 or complete our contact form.