Dental Implants – Tinley Park, IL

Missing Teeth? Why not ‘Grow’ New Ones?

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Learn more about all of our dental implant options and how they can give you a strong, beautiful smile again! Call us today.

Missing teeth can dramatically impact every aspect of your life—from the foods you can enjoy to your willingness to smile in photographs or speak up in social settings. Statistics show that approximately 178 million Americans are missing at least one tooth, making tooth replacement a common need, according to the American College of Prosthodontics. Unlike temporary or removable solutions, dental implants offer a long term solution and permanent foundation for replacement that look, feel, and function like your natural ones. This revolutionary approach to tooth replacement has transformed modern implant dentistry Tinley Park practices by providing patients with a solution that addresses both the visible crown portion of missing ones and the critical missing tooth root beneath the gumline.

At North Creek Dental Care, we understand the significant impact tooth loss can have on your quality of life. Our experienced implant dentistry Tinley Park team offers comprehensive dental implants in Tinley Park services designed to restore not just your smile, but your confidence and oral function. Named Southland’s Best Dental Office in 2024, we provide complimentary dental implant consultations to help you understand if this life-changing treatment is right for you. We work closely with patients during the healing process to ensure optimal results and schedule regular dental visits to monitor your progress.

What Are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are biocompatible titanium posts surgically placed into the jawbone to serve as artificial roots. These posts create a sturdy foundation for attaching replacement crowns—whether a single artificial tooth, a multi-tooth bridge for several teeth, or a full mouth dental implants prosthesis. This advanced treatment allows us to replace missing teeth with a new tooth or multiple replacements that integrate naturally with your existing smile.

The Three Components of a Dental Implant

A complete dental implant restoration consists of three primary parts that work together:

The implant fixture – The titanium post that’s surgically placed into the jawbone where it fuses with the bone through a process called osseointegration, replacing the missing tooth root
The abutment – A connector piece that attaches to the implant fixture and extends slightly above the gumline to support the restoration
The prosthetic crown – The visible portion of the restoration (crown, bridge, or denture) that’s custom-designed to match your natural ones

Together, these components create a comprehensive replacement system that’s both highly functional and aesthetically pleasing.

The Dental Implant Procedure

Receiving dental implant placement typically involves several phases spread over 3-6 months, though the timeline varies based on your specific situation. This comprehensive approach ensures optimal integration and long-term success.

Initial Consultation and Planning

Your dental implant treatment journey begins with a thorough evaluation to determine if you’re a suitable candidate for dental implants. This includes:

Comprehensive oral examination
Detailed dental and medical history review
3D cone beam CT imaging to assess bone volume and density
Discussion of your goals and expectations
Development of a customized plan

During this phase, we’ll address any preliminary procedures needed, such as extractions, bone grafting, or gum disease care.

Dental Implant Surgery

The dental implant surgery itself is precisely planned using advanced imaging technology:

Local anesthesia ensures your comfort during this minor surgery (sedation options are also available)
Small incisions in the gum tissue expose the jawbone
Precisely sized channels are created in the bone
Implant placement is carefully positioned for optimal support and aesthetics
Healing caps may be placed, and the gum tissue is sutured closed

Most patients report minimal discomfort following the procedure and can return to normal activities within a day or two. We monitor patients for any allergic reaction during the recovery period, though complications are rare with biocompatible titanium materials.

Healing and Osseointegration

After placement, the implants need time to integrate with your jawbone—a process called osseointegration:

This biological process typically takes 3-6 months
During this time, the titanium implant and bone cells grow together
This integration creates the strong foundation needed for long-term success
In some cases, temporary prosthetics may be provided during this healing phase

Final Restoration Placement

Once osseointegration is complete, you’ll return for your final restoration:

Abutments are attached to the implant fixtures
Detailed impressions are taken for crafting your custom prosthetics
Your restoration (crown, bridge, or denture) is precisely placed
Your bite is checked and adjusted for optimal function and comfort

Benefits of Choosing Dental Implants

The benefits of dental implants offer numerous advantages over traditional replacement options:

Preserving Bone Health

When lost, the jawbone begins to deteriorate due to lack of stimulation. Research shows that within the first three months of tooth loss, you can lose up to 25% of the bone in that area, according to the American Academy of Implant Dentistry. Implants are the only replacement option that stimulates natural bone growth, helping maintain facial structure and preventing the sunken appearance often associated with long-term loss.

Unmatched Stability and Function

Unlike removable dentures that may slip or click, implants provide a secure foundation that allows you to speak, laugh, and eat with complete confidence. Many patients report they can’t tell the difference between their implants and a real tooth when eating or speaking.

Long-Term Value

While the initial investment for dental implants may be higher than other options, their exceptional durability makes them cost-effective in the long run. With proper care, dental implants can last decades—even a lifetime—while bridges and dentures typically require replacement every 5-10 years.

Improved Oral Health

Implants don’t require altering adjacent teeth (unlike traditional bridges) and are easier to clean around than other prosthetic options, supporting better oral health maintenance. This helps maintain better overall wellness and reduces the risk of future dental problems.

Enhanced Quality of Life

Perhaps most importantly, dental implants can dramatically improve your quality of life by:

Restoring proper chewing function
Eliminating the discomfort of removable appliances
Providing natural-looking aesthetics that create your new smile
Boosting self-confidence in social situations

Are You a Candidate for Dental Implants?

Most adults with missing ones are potential candidates for dental implants. Ideal candidates typically have:

Good general and oral health
Adequate bone volume to support implants (or are candidates for bone grafting)
Healthy gum tissue free of periodontal disease
Good oral hygiene habits
No uncontrolled medical conditions that might affect healing

Even if you’ve been told you’re not a candidate for implants in the past, advances in techniques like bone grafting, sinus lifts, and oral and maxillofacial surgery have made this treatment accessible to more patients than ever before.

Experience the North Creek Dental Care Difference

At North Creek Dental Care, we combine advanced technology with compassionate care to deliver exceptional results in implant dentistry. Our skilled team has extensive experience in all aspects of implant care, from straightforward single replacements to complex full-mouth reconstructions. We use the latest digital planning tools and surgical guides to ensure precise, predictable outcomes for every patient.

Our comprehensive approach means we handle every step of your implant journey in one convenient location, eliminating the need for referrals to outside specialists. This integrated care allows for better communication, more efficient care, and ultimately, superior results.

Dr. Kang completed advanced prosthodontics residency training at UIC and pursued an additional year as an Implant Fellow with the Department of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, giving him extensive experience in complex implant procedures and implant dentistry techniques.

We emphasize the importance of professional cleanings and routine maintenance appointments to ensure your implants remain healthy and function like natural ones for years to come, helping you maintain your complete smile.

Frequently Asked Questions about Dental Implants in Tinley Park, IL

What cosmetic dental services can dental implants help with?

Dental implants are an excellent solution for a wide range of cosmetic dental services, especially for replacing missing or severely damaged ones. Whether you need a single crown or full-mouth restoration, implants offer a permanent solution that looks and feels natural. This approach not only restores function but enhances your smile’s appearance. Unlike temporary solutions, dental implants provide a stable, durable, and aesthetically pleasing option for long-term results in cosmetic dentistry.

How can cosmetic dentistry improve my quality of life?

Cosmetic dentistry, including dental implants, can significantly improve your life by restoring your smile and boosting self-confidence. A missing one can affect both the appearance of your smile and your ability to eat or speak comfortably. With a permanent solution like dental implants, you can enjoy natural-looking, functional replacements that improve both aesthetics and wellness. The team at North Creek Dental Care ensures that each implant is designed to perfectly match your natural ones, giving you a beautiful, lasting smile.

How do wisdom teeth affect dental implants?

Wisdom ones, if impacted or misaligned, can complicate the process of receiving dental implants. These may crowd or interfere with the available space in your jaw. If your wisdom ones are causing discomfort or dental issues, your dentist may recommend removal before moving forward with dental implants. By addressing these concerns with the help of an experienced team, you ensure a healthier jaw and more successful integration of implants, leading to a better long-term outcome for your wellness.

What are the benefits of choosing dental implants over traditional dentures?

Dental implants provide numerous benefits over traditional dentures, offering a more stable and natural-looking alternative. While dentures may slip or require adhesives, implants serve as a permanent solution. They integrate with your jawbone, preventing bone loss and maintaining facial structure. Additionally, dental implants eliminate the need for altering adjacent ones, making them a more reliable and comfortable option. Choosing implants restores both function and aesthetics, enhancing your smile without the inconvenience of removable dentures.

How can I schedule an appointment for dental implants?

Scheduling an appointment for dental implants at North Creek Dental Care is easy and straightforward. Our team is here to guide you through every step of the process, from the initial consultation to the restoration. During your appointment, your dentist will evaluate your wellness, discuss your goals, and determine if dental implants are the right solution for you. To get started, contact us today at (708) 532-4131 or visit our website to schedule your complimentary consultation.

Are you ready to discover how dental implants in Tinley Park could transform your smile and quality of life? Contact our Tinley Park office at (708) 532-4131 or schedule your complimentary dental implant consultation today to take the first step toward a complete, confident smile. Visit our homepage to learn more about our comprehensive services and how we can help you achieve your goals.

Overdentures – No More Denture Adhesive!

Denture wearers will tell you one thing they hate the most is having their teeth slip, tilt, or slide while eating. It’s necessary to use denture adhesive to try to keep their teeth from moving. This is a major irritant and hassle for them. But now, at North Creek Dental Care, we offer denture patients an alternative – overdentures.

Utilizing just a few dental implants to support the dentures, your teeth will be locked in place so they stay put. Yet they can easily snap off for cleaning. Say goodbye to messy creams! Call us today and find out if you are a candidate for overdentures.

Teeth in a Day!

In addition to traditional implants, we are also happy to offer our patients All-on-4™ immediate load implants that can withstand pressure immediately without having to wait for the bone to heal around them. With this option, you will need only four to six implants that securely hold permanent dentures in place. They never need to be taken out! And the best part is that you can arrive in our office with missing or unhealthy teeth and leave with beautiful, functioning teeth – all in the same day.

Beautiful Traditional Dentures

For some patients, traditional dentures might be their best option. With a breakthrough in design and fit, we can offer natural-looking, slip-proof dentures. This technique secures the denture plate so well you don’t need to worry about the foods you eat or that your dentures might shift or move. If you are a denture wearer, ask us about this. It will make life so much easier.