Dental Implants
How dental implants work
How dental implants workA dental implant is one of the most effective and cutting-edge restorative treatments available. This procedure replaces a missing tooth with a false tooth and implant that fuses directly with your jaw bone. The end result is a natural solution that looks, feels, and functions just like your original tooth. You care for the implant as normal, brushing and flossing, and attending scheduled cleanings and exams.
There are several different types of dental implants, including:
- Single-tooth implant: This treatment replaces one missing tooth with an implant.
- Full mouth rehabilitation with dental implants: Completely transform your smile with a full restoration — including crowns, bridges, removable dentures or even fixed dentures — supported with implants to help stabilize the dentures.
- Mini implants: Although seldom used, this treatment is less invasive than traditional dental implants and is also a good option to stabilize dentures.
Green Dental offers dental implants
Dr. Brooks Green and Dr. Gordon Green both proudly offer dental implant and surgical services in our Lyons office. By providing this outpatient treatment to our patients, we can make sure they get the care they want and need based on their medical history and goals for their overall oral health plan. You also have the convenience of coming in for your treatment to a place you are already familiar with.
The process of getting a dental implant
Since dental implant treatment is an outpatient surgical procedure, there are many steps to take as a part of the experience. This includes comprehensive dental exams, medical history reviews, and a treatment plan that we will discuss with you before deciding on dental implants. We will also use a CT machine to assist in the placement of the implant. This machine provides us with a 3-D view of the area and allows us to carry out the procedure more seamlessly.
During the initial surgery, we will utilize local anesthesia and oral or IV sedation if desired to keep you comfortable, relaxed, and free from pain throughout the duration of the procedure. In this step, if the tooth that is being replaced is still present but damaged, we will remove those pieces and prepare your jawbone through grafting, if necessary. Next, we will embed the titanium implant anchor directly into the bone.
After the implant is placed, we use platelet rich fibrin — made from your own blood — to help speed healing and protect the surgical site. You will still require several months for the anchor to fully heal, which allows your jaw bone to naturally fuse with the titanium post. This will secure it in place and make your dental implant even more like a real tooth.
Once the surgical site is healed and the titanium post holds steady, we will install the dental crown, or false tooth, over the titanium anchor. If you have ever received a dental crown treatment, this step of the process is quite similar. The false tooth has been cast and shaped to mimic the rest of your teeth — including the one you lost. The size and color have been carefully considered so that it blends in with your smile.
Once installed, your dental implant is complete! Enjoy your new smile — and the confidence boost that will likely come with it. Don’t be surprised if your friends and loved ones can’t tell the difference between your implant and the rest of your natural teeth.
Dental implants are an excellent way to replace missing teeth.
To find out if this treatment is right for you, give us a call today to schedule your consultation!
Dental Implants FAQs
Dental implants are a lasting solution for replacing missing teeth and restoring your smile’s function and confidence. At Green Dental, we tailor every implant plan to your unique needs and guide you every step of the way. Below are commonly asked questions to help you understand the process and what to expect.
How long does the dental implant process take?
The timeline varies by patient, but most implant treatments take several months to complete. After placing the titanium implant post in the jawbone, you’ll need time to heal as the bone fuses to the implant. This usually takes 3–6 months.
What are the advantages of getting dental implants?
Dental implants act like natural tooth roots, providing stability and preventing jawbone shrinkage over time. They feel, look, and function like real teeth, so you can eat your favorite foods and speak with confidence. These teeth are permanent and don’t rely on neighboring teeth for support, so dental implants often last much longer than traditional bridges or removable dentures.
How many implants will I need?
The number depends on what you’re replacing. A single missing tooth typically needs one implant. Multiple missing teeth can sometimes be restored with fewer implants using implant-supported bridges. Full-arch replacement may require 4–8 implants per jaw, depending on bone quality and the type of restoration you choose.
Can implants be placed at the same time a tooth is extracted?
In many cases, yes. If the surrounding bone and gum tissue are healthy, we may place an implant immediately after extraction. This can reduce the number of surgeries and shorten overall treatment time. If additional bone or soft tissue needs to heal first, we’ll recommend the best sequence for long-term success.
What if I don't have enough bone for the implant?
Not enough bone doesn’t automatically rule out implants. Bone grafting or ridge augmentation can rebuild the foundation needed to support implants. These procedures add a little time to your treatment but often make implants possible for more patients.
Do implants require special care?
Implants don’t require special tools, but good habits matter. Brush twice daily, floss gently around the implant, and maintain regular dental checkups and cleanings. With great home care and professional monitoring, implants can last for decades.
What's the biggest problem with dental implants?
The most common challenges include peri-implantitis (infection around the implant) or failure to integrate with the bone. These are uncommon when you choose an experienced team and maintain excellent oral hygiene. We screen carefully to minimize risks and optimize your outcome.
Can I get implants if I have dentures?
Absolutely. Many denture wearers upgrade to implant-supported dentures for improved stability and chewing comfort. We’ll evaluate your jawbone and oral health to design a comfortable, secure solution that fits your lifestyle.
Ready to explore dental implants? Call Green Dental in Lyons at 800-443-7131 or for Spencer, call 812-829-2261 to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward a confident, functional smile.
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