Tooth implants are your longest-lasting option for tooth replacement and dental restoration in Niles, IL. However, their permanence requires a longer process, which can take 6 to 12 months to complete.

Let's look closely at the procedures and what you can expect. 

Placement of the Dental Implants

Let's say your dental specialist has confirmed you're a good candidate for dental implants.

In that case, the implant procedure starts with your dental specialist numbing your mouth and jaw to ensure you don't feel any pain. Then, they'll place a dental implant (a replacement tooth root) into your jawbone.

Dental implants consist of a biocompatible material, usually titanium. As researchers of a study published on PubMed Central pointed out, this material has little to no harmful effect on the surrounding tissues.

The Osseointegration Phase

Once placed, the implant or tooth root replacement undergoes "osseointegration." It's the process wherein the jaw bone heals and builds bone tissue around the implant. Within several weeks, the implant will have attached to the jawbone.

Your dental specialist in Niles, IL, will attach another titanium post, called an "abutment," to the implant. The abutment will connect the tooth root replacement with the replacement tooth.



Attachment of Replacement Tooth

After connecting the abutment, your implant dentist in Niles, IL, will make your replacement tooth. The specialist will take molds or impressions of your teeth and mouth and design your new tooth based on them. Rest assured, your replacement tooth will look similar to your natural teeth.

Once your new tooth is ready, your implant specialist can attach it securely to the abutment. After that, you can start flashing your dazzling smiles.

According to the American College of Prosthodontists (ACP), about 120 million U.S. adults have lost at least one permanent tooth. About 36 million are also edentulous, meaning they no longer have any of their natural teeth.



Even if you have lost several or many teeth, you may still be a good candidate for tooth implants. In this case, your dental specialist may recommend getting All-on-Four dental implants. You'll get four dental implants, and instead of just one replacement tooth, you'll get implant-supported dentures.

Low self-confidence and self-esteem can negatively impact people's studies, work, and relationships. Medical News Today also explains that, over time, these issues can adversely affect one's physical and mental well-being.

If your missing teeth have impacted you in those ways, replacing them with high-quality but affordable dental implants may help boost your self-esteem and confidence. However, the benefits of implants don't stop there.

Improved Speech

The teeth, jaw, and tongue must work together to produce proper sounds and words. Even just one missing tooth can already result in speech problems. For example, a lost incisor (front tooth) can lead to difficulty pronouncing letters and sounds d, s, t, th, and z.

By replacing your lost teeth with dental implants, you can regain your ability to speak well. It can also help prevent and address issues like lisps and slurring.

Better Biting and Chewing Abilities

According to a BMC Oral Health study, there's a link between nutrition and tooth loss, especially in older adults. The researchers say tooth loss can increase one's risk for poor nutrition.

After all, when one or more teeth are missing, biting and chewing can become more challenging. You may feel forced to avoid nutritious foods requiring more of these movements, such as crispy and crunchy vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds, grains, and meat.

The good news is that dental implants can improve your biting and chewing abilities since they're securely in place. They allow you to eat your favorite healthy foods and treats once more. With their help, you can expand your meal options again and no longer stick to just soft or mashed food.

Healthier Jawbone

Natural tooth roots serve as tooth anchors and stimulate the bone. Mouth actions like biting or chewing provide this stimulation.

The jawbone needs stimulation to stay healthy and intact. Without enough stimulation, such as after tooth loss, it loses tissue and can't regenerate or recover.

As explained above, dental implants replace lost tooth roots and become part of the jawbone. Thanks to this, your implants can also stimulate your jawbone. In doing so, it can help prevent the following problems that often result from bone loss:

• Formation of wrinkles around the mouth
• Sinking of the lips inward
• More speech problems
• Jaw, face, and head pain
• Pain or discomfort when eating
• Shifting or loosening of the remaining natural teeth
• Misalignment of the bite



Dental implants are the only tooth replacement option that provides such benefits. While traditional removable dentures may help with better speaking or eating, they don't stimulate the jawbone.

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