Missing teeth change more than the look of your smile — they alter how you chew, speak, and even how your face is supported. Whether tooth loss comes from decay, gum disease, or an injury, today’s implant solutions are designed to rebuild a stable, natural-feeling bite that integrates with your oral health goals. Implants replace the missing tooth root as well as the visible crown, which is why they can protect surrounding teeth and bone while restoring day-to-day function.
When people consider tooth replacement, they often weigh comfort, durability, and a lifelike appearance. Dental implants score well across all three areas: the implant post fuses with bone to provide a foundation for a realistic restoration, and modern crown materials reproduce the translucency and shape of natural teeth. This combination helps patients regain confidence while keeping their oral structures healthy.
At our practice, we emphasize careful evaluation before any treatment begins. A thorough exam and imaging allow our team to tailor an implant plan to your specific anatomy and goals, so the result looks and feels appropriate for your face and lifestyle. Value Dental Center brings this individualized approach to every patient we see.
At the core of every implant is a biocompatible post — usually titanium or a titanium alloy — that is placed into the jawbone. Over time, bone grows around the post in a process called osseointegration, creating a stable anchor that behaves much like a tooth root. This anchorage supports a crown, bridge, or denture in a way that closely reproduces the mechanical properties of a natural tooth.
Because the implant transmits bite forces into the jaw, it also helps preserve bone volume. That preservation keeps facial contours more stable and prevents the sunken appearance that sometimes follows long-term tooth loss. The restorative portion — the crown or prosthesis — can be shaped and shaded to blend with neighboring teeth, making the treatment both functional and aesthetically pleasing.
For many patients, this combination of structural support and cosmetic refinement makes implants the preferred long-term solution. With routine dental care and good hygiene at home, implants offer a reliable foundation for restorations that stand up to daily life.
Successful implant treatment starts well before any surgical step. A comprehensive assessment — including dental imaging and a review of medical history — helps identify factors that affect implant placement, such as bone volume, gum health, and systemic health considerations. This planning phase allows the team to map implant positions that optimize function, aesthetics, and longevity.
When necessary, we will recommend preparatory procedures to improve the surgical site. That could include extraction of a non-restorable tooth, treatment for active gum disease, or bone augmentation to create a stable foundation. Clear communication during this stage ensures you understand the timeline and the reasoning behind each recommendation.
Personalized planning also covers prosthetic design: whether you’ll receive a single crown, an implant-supported bridge, or a full-arch restoration, our team designs the restoration to meet your chewing needs and cosmetic preferences while respecting the health of adjacent teeth.
Dental implants do more than close a gap — they restore the dynamics of a functional mouth. Because implants act like roots, they provide stable support for chewing and speaking. This stability makes it easier to eat a wide variety of foods without worrying about movement or slippage, which can be an issue with traditional removable prostheses.
Another important advantage is the prevention of bone loss. When teeth are missing, the jawbone beneath the gap gradually resorbs. Implants transmit natural forces into that bone, stimulating maintenance of bone volume and helping keep the surrounding facial structures supported. Over time, that preservation contributes to a more youthful and natural facial profile.
Implants also protect neighboring teeth. Unlike traditional bridges that require preparing adjacent teeth for crowns, implant restorations can replace a tooth without altering healthy teeth next to the gap. For many patients, this means conserving more of their natural tooth structure while achieving a durable restoration.
A conventional approach for an isolated missing tooth is a single implant topped with a custom crown. This restores the tooth’s form and function without relying on adjacent teeth for support, which preserves enamel and reduces long-term stress on neighboring teeth.
When several teeth in a row are missing, an implant-supported bridge can replace them without sacrificing healthy teeth. Strategically placed implants serve as anchors for a series of crowns, restoring chewing efficiency and preventing the shifting that commonly follows tooth loss.
For patients missing most or all teeth in an arch, implant-based full-arch solutions offer transformative results. Depending on anatomy and preferences, a fixed implant-supported bridge or an implant-retained overdenture can provide improved stability, speech, and comfort compared with traditional dentures. These treatments can often be staged to deliver temporary teeth quickly, with definitive restorations placed after healing.
Implant-retained dentures clip or snap onto a small number of implants to dramatically improve retention and reduce movement. This hybrid solution combines the convenience and coverage of a denture with the security of anchored support.
Most healthy adults with adequate bone and healthy gums are potential implant candidates. Certain medical conditions and habits — such as uncontrolled diabetes or heavy smoking — can affect healing, so a candid conversation about overall health, medications, and oral hygiene is part of the evaluation. Our team creates individualized treatment plans that account for these factors and aims for predictable outcomes.
Implant placement is usually performed as an outpatient procedure with local anesthesia and, if desired, sedation options for comfort. After the implant is placed, a period of healing allows the post to integrate with bone. During this time, patients follow postoperative guidance to support healing, and many receive temporary restorations so they can function and smile while the site matures.
Bone grafts are used to rebuild or augment the jaw when there isn’t enough native bone for stable implant placement. Grafting can be done at the time of extraction, prior to implant surgery, or simultaneously with implant placement in select cases. With modern grafting materials and techniques, we can often establish reliable support for implants where bone volume has been lost.
Long-term success depends on regular oral hygiene and routine dental visits. Professional checkups and cleanings monitor the health of the implant, surrounding gum tissue, and prosthesis fit. With consistent home care and periodic professional maintenance, implants can provide durable service for many years.
Dental implants offer a versatile pathway to rebuild lost teeth in a way that respects both function and aesthetics. From targeted single-tooth replacements to comprehensive full-arch reconstructions, implant dentistry can be adapted to meet a wide range of needs and preferences. Our practice combines careful planning with modern techniques to help you regain comfort, confidence, and oral health.
If you’re curious about implant options and how they might apply to your smile, please contact us to learn more or to arrange a consultation. Our team is ready to answer your questions and help you explore the right pathway back to a healthy, stable smile.
If you've lost a tooth due to injury, decay, gum disease, or any other reason, we recommend dental implants to replace missing teeth. Dental implants come the closest to replicating the look, feel, and function of your natural teeth.
Dental implants are placed into the jawbone and mirror the same function as the root of a tooth. The procedure for dental implants is usually performed while a patient is sedated. Patients who undergo IV sedation must have an empty stomach and transportation home following the procedure. Most sedation patients will have little to no memory of the procedure occurring.
Generally, dental implants are made out of a biocompatible metal such as titanium. Biocompatible metals are also used for other common bone implants (such as shoulder, hip, and knee replacements). The visible portion of the implant is usually made out of porcelain and is custom-made to match your existing teeth.
Dental implants are designed to fuse to the bone, which makes them become permanent fixtures. Typically speaking, the success rate is nearly 100%. There are few cases in which the implant will not fuse as intended and must be removed. If this happens to occur, the procedure can be attempted again a few months later.
Dental implants are not usually covered by dental insurance, but may be covered under a patient's medical insurance. Our office and your insurance company can discuss coverage options with you based on your individual case and treatment plan.
It's easy... just take care of an implant as if it's a natural tooth! This involves regular brushing, flossing, and dental checkups. If you have any concerns about your implant, contact us immediately.
Dental implants are small, biocompatible posts that are surgically placed into the jawbone to act as artificial tooth roots. Once an implant integrates with the bone through a process called osseointegration, it provides a stable foundation for a crown, bridge, or denture. This root-like support restores chewing function, helps preserve jawbone volume, and supports natural facial contours.
Implant restorations are designed to mimic natural teeth in both form and function, allowing patients to speak, chew, and smile with confidence. The restorative components are custom-made to match adjacent teeth and the overall bite. Proper planning and precise placement are essential for predictable long-term results.
Good candidates are generally adults who are in overall good health, have healthy gums, and possess sufficient jawbone to support an implant. Medical conditions, medications, and lifestyle factors such as smoking are evaluated because they can affect healing and integration. When necessary, treatments like bone grafting or sinus augmentation can make implant therapy possible for more patients.
At Value Dental Center we perform a comprehensive evaluation that includes a review of medical and dental history and advanced imaging to determine candidacy. This assessment helps identify any conditions that should be managed before implant placement and informs a customized treatment plan. Patient education and shared decision-making are part of preparing for successful implant care.
Treatment begins with an initial consultation and diagnostic imaging to develop a personalized plan, which may include extractions or bone grafting if required. After any preparatory procedures, implants are surgically placed and generally need several months to fully integrate with the bone. In some clinical situations patients may receive a temporary restoration at the time of implant placement while the site heals.
Once osseointegration is complete, the final restorative phase begins with impressions and fabrication of the crown, bridge, or denture. The total timeline varies depending on the complexity of preparatory work and individual healing rates. Regular follow-up visits are scheduled to monitor healing and finalize the prosthetic restoration.
Bone grafting is used when there is insufficient jawbone to securely place an implant, which can result from tooth loss, periodontal disease, infection, or long-term edentulism. A graft restores lost volume and creates a stable foundation that promotes predictable implant integration. Different graft materials and techniques are selected based on the site, the amount of augmentation required, and the overall treatment plan.
Healing after a graft can take several months and is carefully monitored to confirm that adequate bone has formed. When performed as part of a coordinated plan, grafting significantly increases the chances of long-term implant success. Your clinician will explain the expected timeline and post-operative care to support optimal healing.
Implant restorations include single-tooth crowns, implant-supported bridges, full-arch fixed restorations, and implant-retained overdentures. Single crowns replace individual missing teeth without altering adjacent healthy teeth, while implant-supported bridges replace multiple teeth using fewer implants than traditional bridges. Full-arch solutions restore an entire upper or lower arch and can be fixed or removable depending on the clinical plan and patient preferences.
Implant-retained overdentures attach to implants for improved stability compared with conventional dentures and are easier to maintain during daily cleaning. The choice of restoration depends on the number and location of missing teeth, bone volume, functional needs, and aesthetic goals. A tailored restorative design balances longevity, hygiene access, and comfort.
Implant placement is typically an outpatient procedure performed under local anesthesia with options for conscious sedation when appropriate. The surgeon exposes the bone, places the implant into a precise position, and then closes the site so the implant can integrate during healing. The surgical experience is planned to be as comfortable as possible and is supported by preoperative instructions and sedation choices discussed in advance.
After surgery patients receive detailed post-operative care instructions that address pain control, oral hygiene, diet, and activity restrictions. Follow-up visits are scheduled to check healing and remove sutures if needed. Any concerns such as prolonged swelling, fever, or unusual pain should be reported promptly to the clinical team for evaluation.
Long-term care for dental implants emphasizes meticulous daily oral hygiene, including brushing twice a day and cleaning around implants with floss or interdental brushes as recommended. Routine professional maintenance visits are important to remove plaque and monitor the condition of both the implants and surrounding tissues. Good oral hygiene and regular exams help prevent peri-implant disease and support the longevity of the restoration.
Patients should avoid habits that place excessive stress on implants, such as chewing very hard objects or using teeth as tools. Lifestyle factors such as smoking negatively affect healing and implant health, so cessation is advised. Your dental team will provide a personalized maintenance schedule and demonstrate the best home care techniques for your restoration.
Like any surgical procedure, implant therapy carries risks such as infection, bleeding, swelling, and transient discomfort. Specific complications can include failure to integrate, nerve injury, or sinus complications in the upper jaw, though these are uncommon with careful planning and advanced imaging. Peri-implantitis, an inflammatory condition affecting the tissues around an implant, can occur and is typically related to poor hygiene or other uncontrolled risk factors.
Risk is minimized through a thorough preoperative evaluation, use of appropriate imaging, meticulous surgical technique, and attentive postoperative care. Early detection and intervention for problems improve outcomes, so patients should report symptoms such as persistent pain, mobility of the restoration, or changes in the surrounding gum tissue. Ongoing maintenance and periodic professional review help reduce long-term complications.
Dental implants are one of the most durable tooth-replacement options when placed and maintained properly, and clinical studies report high long-term success rates. Longevity depends on factors such as oral hygiene, the quality and quantity of bone, systemic health, smoking status, and the precision of the surgical and restorative work. Regular professional care and patient adherence to maintenance recommendations significantly contribute to predictable outcomes.
While the implant body is designed to last many years, restorative components like crowns, bridges, or denture teeth may require repair or replacement over time due to wear or fracture. Periodic replacement of prosthetic parts is a normal part of long-term care and does not necessarily reflect implant failure. Your dental team will advise on expected maintenance and signs that warrant evaluation.
To discuss implant dentistry and determine the best approach for your smile, contact our office to arrange a consultation and diagnostic evaluation. Appointments include a thorough review of medical and dental history, clinical examination, and any necessary imaging to create a customized treatment plan that aligns with your goals.
Value Dental Center is located at 3320 S Cicero Ave, inside Walmart, Cicero, IL 60804 and new patients may call (708) 249-7552 to schedule an initial visit. During the consultation the team will review procedural steps, sedation options, and post-treatment care so you can make an informed decision about moving forward.
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