Dental Implants in Chicago, IL
Losing a tooth doesn’t have to mean losing confidence in your smile. Dental implants provide a long-lasting, natural-looking solution to replace missing teeth, helping you regain both function and beauty.
Expert Implant Dentistry at Wentworth Dental Clinic
Led by Dr. Helen Chan, D.M.D., M.Sc., our clinic in Chinatown serves patients from The Loop, River North, Lincoln Park, West Loop, and Wicker Park/Bucktown, offering personalized implant solutions for your unique dental needs.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are titanium posts surgically placed into the jawbone to act as artificial tooth roots. They provide a sturdy foundation for a replacement tooth, known as a crown, or even multiple teeth, such as bridges or dentures. Implants are designed to mimic the look, feel, and function of natural teeth, making them a superior option for tooth replacement.
Once placed, the titanium implant fuses with your jawbone through a process called osseointegration, creating a durable and permanent bond. Dental implants help preserve your jawbone’s integrity, preventing the bone loss that often occurs after tooth loss.
Benefits of Dental Implants
Dental implants provide several benefits over traditional tooth replacement options, such as bridges or dentures. Here’s why they are a preferred choice for many patients:
- Natural Look and Feel: Implants are designed to closely resemble your natural teeth, both in appearance and function.
- Durability: With proper care, dental implants can last a lifetime, making them a long-term solution.
- Improved Oral Health: Unlike traditional bridges, implants do not require altering adjacent teeth, preserving your natural tooth structure.
- Bone Preservation: Implants stimulate the jawbone, preventing the bone deterioration that can occur after tooth loss.
- Enhanced Comfort: Because implants are securely anchored in your jawbone, they eliminate the discomfort and inconvenience of removable dentures.
- Restored Function: With dental implants, you can chew and speak with confidence, just like you would with natural teeth.
The Dental Implant Process at Wentworth Dental Clinic PC
At Wentworth Dental Clinic PC, we make the dental implant process as smooth and comfortable as possible. From your initial consultation to the final restoration, our team ensures you receive personalized care at every stage.
1. Comprehensive Evaluation
During your first visit, Dr. Chan will assess your oral health to determine if dental implants are the right solution for you. This evaluation may include digital X-rays or 3D imaging to check the health of your jawbone and ensure it can support an implant. If you’re a good candidate, we’ll discuss your treatment plan in detail.
2. Implant Placement
Once you’re ready for the procedure, Dr. Chan will surgically place the titanium implant post into your jawbone. This is done under local anesthesia to ensure your comfort. After placement, the implant will need time to heal and integrate with the bone, which usually takes a few months.
3. Healing and Osseointegration
During the healing process, the implant fuses with the jawbone to create a stable foundation for your replacement tooth. A temporary crown may be placed during this time to protect the implant and maintain aesthetics.
4. Restoring Your Smile
Once the implant has fully integrated with the jawbone, Dr. Chan will attach a custom-designed crown, bridge, or denture to the implant. The restoration is crafted to match your natural teeth in color, shape, and size, ensuring a seamless, natural-looking result.
Are Dental Implants Right for You?
Most healthy adults are good candidates for dental implants. However, certain conditions, such as insufficient jawbone density or gum disease, may need to be addressed before the procedure. If you are missing one or more teeth and looking for a permanent replacement solution, dental implants could be the ideal choice for you.
You may be a candidate for dental implants if:
- You have one or more missing teeth.
- You have healthy gums and adequate bone to support an implant.
- You are looking for a long-term tooth replacement solution.
- You are unable or unwilling to wear dentures.
- You want to improve your ability to chew, speak, and smile confidently.
Caring for Your Dental Implants
Taking care of your dental implants is simple and mirrors the care you give your natural teeth. Here are a few key tips for maintaining your implants:
- Brush and Floss Daily: Maintain good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing regularly to keep your implants and surrounding teeth healthy.
- Regular Dental Checkups: Visit Wentworth Dental Clinic for regular checkups and professional cleanings to ensure your implants are in good condition.
- Avoid Hard Foods: Refrain from biting down on hard objects like ice or pencils, as they could damage your implant restoration.
With proper care, your dental implants can last a lifetime, providing a reliable and aesthetically pleasing solution for missing teeth.
Why Choose Wentworth Dental Clinic PC for Dental Implants?
At Wentworth Dental Clinic PC, we are committed to providing top-quality dental implant care that restores both function and beauty to your smile. Here’s why patients from Chinatown, The Loop, River North, Lincoln Park, West Loop, and Wicker Park/Bucktown trust us for their dental implant treatment:
- Expert Care: Dr. Helen Chan is highly experienced in dental implant procedures, ensuring precise and effective treatment.
- Personalized Approach: Every patient receives a customized treatment plan tailored to their unique needs and goals.
- Advanced Technology: We use cutting-edge dental technology, such as 3D imaging and laser dentistry, to provide accurate diagnosis and treatment.
- Comprehensive Service: From evaluation to restoration, we handle every aspect of your dental implant treatment in-house, ensuring continuity of care.
Schedule Your Dental Implant Consultation
If you’re ready to restore your smile and confidence with dental implants, our team at Wentworth Dental Clinic PC is here to help. Call us at (312) 225-5500 or visit our Contact Page to schedule your consultation today.