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Missing teeth can present more than just an aesthetic concern. Not only can noticeable gaps be the source of self-consciousness for many patients, but even just one missing tooth can create a variety of functional problems. Thankfully, a popular solution exists in high-quality dental implants, which can replace a tooth from its root to its crown. Depending on the patient’s individual needs, implants can replace single teeth or entire rows of teeth.
Our Naperville cosmetic dentist, David R. Newkirk, DDS, has extensive experience in all areas of dentistry, including the complex field of implantology. Using advanced dental technology and durable materials, he can establish a personalized care plan to determine how dental implants can enhance your smile and improve your oral health.
Dental implants are a restorative treatment that can both revitalize the appearance of your smile and improve oral functionality without the need for traditional dentures. This approach can also help preserve jawbone density. Additional benefits of dental implants include:
Ideal candidates for dental implants include those who are struggling with missing and/or damaged teeth. Candidates should have adequate bone density to support the implant posts and should also have healthy gum tissue and overall strong oral health. Patients with dentures who are frustrated or ready for a more permanent tooth replacement option can also benefit from dental implants.
An initial consultation with Dr. Newkirk can help determine if dental implants are the right treatment for you. Some patients with insufficient jawbone density may require bone grafting prior to dental implant surgery.
An extremely versatile type of dental restoration, implants are able to replace one or multiple teeth to benefit the function of the entire mouth. We proudly offer the following varieties of dental implants:
If you have lost a single tooth to gum disease, decay, or extraction, a single dental implant may be your ideal solution. Single-tooth implants can also be used to replace multiple teeth at a time, one by one.
A common remedy for two to three missing teeth, fixed dental bridges consist of crowns supported by implants that are embedded into the jawbone, with an attached artificial tooth that helps fill (or “bridge”) the gap. The implants support the bridge and often provide a very sturdy, comfortable fit.
Having essentially taken the place of traditional dentures as the most desirable replacement option for entire rows of teeth, implant-supported dentures hold a number of advantages against their removable counterparts. The use of dental implants in a denture often creates a more stable fit that is free of slippage and does not require messy adhesives or pastes.
Dr. Newkirk can help you choose between one of the above restorations after a thorough evaluation of your oral health care needs.
Here are before-and-after photographs of one patient with missing lateral incisors who chose to have Dr. Newkirk replace her old dental bridges with dental implants.
Before
On the patient’s right (our left) it is particularly obvious that the lateral incisor is a false tooth. It laps over the gum, which is sunken in because there is no tooth root there.
After
Dr. Newkirk also used porcelain veneers to help enhance her smile. Her right lateral incisor now looks like it is growing out of the gum because there is a root form fixture under the gum.
Dr. Newkirk is among the leading restorative dentists restoring dental implants in the Chicago area, based on the number of restorations he places. You can have full confidence in our office that you are receiving the best of care.
Dr. Newkirk begins the dental implant treatment with an in-depth evaluation of your oral health, from your teeth and gums to oral structures and jawbone density. After he has ensured that your periodontal health is stable and you have sufficient jawbone strength to support an implant, Dr. Newkirk will surgically embed the titanium post into your jawbone. Following surgery, the implant should fuse into your jawbone in a process called “osseointegration,” which can take anywhere between three and six months.
Once osseointegration is complete, the tooth replacement will be finalized with a lifelike restoration, which we will create with our state-of-the-art digital impression system. In some cases, Dr. Newkirk will perform bone grafting to provide the jawbone with extra strength, periodontal treatment to trim away excess gum tissue, or another type of preliminary procedure to prepare your mouth for implants. The crown, bridge, or denture will be attached to the abutment, and the treatment is complete.
Your comfort during dental implant surgery is a top priority. Before your procedure, the area will be numbed to minimize any discomfort, helping you relax throughout the surgery. Soreness, swelling, and discomfort felt during your recovery typically subside gradually, and can often be managed with prescribed or over-the-counter medications.
Recovery from the dental implants procedure is generally not considered long or particularly painful, but the postoperative period will vary between patients based on the specificities of their care. During the osseointegration process, you may experience slight soreness or swelling as your jawbone grows used to the implants. These effects are also common after the restoration has been fully placed. Any discomfort can usually be mitigated with pain medications or over-the-counter anti-inflammatories.
After the procedure is complete, Dr. Newkirk will provide personalized aftercare instructions to help you heal as quickly and comfortably as possible.
Dental implants have been shown to be a long-lasting tooth replacement option, especially when the surgery is performed by a skilled and experienced implant dentist. To increase the longevity of your dental implants, you should do the following:
Selecting a qualified implant dentist is key to maximizing dental implant success. A great first step is to research a dentist’s educational background and qualifications. With advanced training and experience, satisfactory results are more likely to be achieved. For visual references, a smile gallery showcases before-and-after photos of available treatments, which highlights the dentist’s capabilities and prospective results. Additionally, patient testimonials can be a great resource, as the reviews reflect prior experiences from other patients and what you can potentially expect from the dentist. Finally, if you are concerned about fitting the procedure into your budget, practices that offer financing options can make your dental implant solution more accessible.
Are you interested in dental implants? Contact our practice for more information!
When properly designed and installed, dental implants can look very natural. In fact, top-quality dental crowns – which are placed atop an implant’s titanium root – are crafted to match the color, shape, and size of a patient’s existing teeth and integrate seamlessly with their smile.
Dental implant insurance coverage varies widely. Certain plans may cover them entirely, whereas others may only offer partial coverage or none at all. It is important for patients to review their dental insurance details or speak directly with their provider to understand what is and is not covered. If you would like help navigating your benefits, our team would be happy to assist you.
Implant failure occurs when an implant does not integrate properly with the jawbone, or when it cannot function as intended. While implant failure is relatively uncommon, it can be the result of specific health problems (including gum disease or osteoporosis) or medications.* Before your treatment, Dr. Newkirk will discuss the possibility of implant failure and, where possible, help you find strategies to reduce its likelihood.
Are you interested in dental implants? Contact our practice for more information!