Dental Implants in Shorewood, IL

A Long-Term Solution for Missing Teeth

Missing teeth can affect much more than the appearance of your smile. Tooth loss can make it harder to chew comfortably, affect neighboring teeth and contribute to changes in the jawbone over time. Dental implants offer a durable tooth replacement option designed to restore both the appearance and function of missing teeth.

At Shorewood Family Dental Care, we provide dental implants in Shorewood, IL for patients who are missing one or more teeth and want a stable, natural-looking replacement option. Because dental implants are anchored in the jawbone, they can provide support similar to a natural tooth root while helping preserve the surrounding bone.

Whether you’ve recently lost a tooth or have been living with missing teeth for years, our team can evaluate your oral health and help you determine whether a dental implant procedure is right for you. We welcome patients from Shorewood, Joliet, Plainfield, Minooka, Channahon and surrounding communities.

How Do Dental Implants Work?

A dental implant is a small post placed into the jawbone to replace the root of a missing tooth. During the healing process, the implant integrates with the surrounding bone, creating a stable foundation for a replacement tooth.

Once healing is complete, a custom restoration is attached to the implant to restore the visible portion of the tooth. The finished restoration is designed to look natural and allow you to speak, smile and chew comfortably.

Dental implants can be used to replace a single missing tooth and may also be incorporated into treatment plans for patients missing multiple teeth. The appropriate solution depends on your oral health, bone structure and individual treatment needs.

Am I a Candidate for Dental Implants?

Many adults with one or more missing teeth may be candidates for dental implants, but an evaluation is necessary to determine whether implant treatment is appropriate for you.

Important factors can include the health of your gums, the amount and condition of bone available to support an implant, your overall oral health, smoking or tobacco use and certain medical considerations that may affect healing.

Even if you’ve experienced bone loss or have been told in the past that implants weren’t an option, it’s worth discussing your situation with a dentist. Treatment options and individual circumstances vary, and a comprehensive examination can help determine the best approach for replacing your missing teeth.

Schedule a dental implant consultation to find out whether implants may be appropriate for you.

What to Expect During the Dental Implant Process

Dental implant treatment begins with a comprehensive evaluation. Our team will examine your teeth and gums and evaluate the area where the implant will be placed. Imaging may also be used to assess the jawbone and plan treatment.

If you’re a candidate for treatment, the dental implant is placed into the jawbone. The area is numbed for your comfort, and dental sedation options may be available for patients who are anxious about treatment.

The implant is then given time to heal and integrate with the surrounding bone. Once the area has healed appropriately, a custom dental restoration can be attached to complete your new tooth.

Because every patient’s situation is different, the total treatment timeline can vary. We’ll explain the recommended treatment process and what you can expect before moving forward.

Benefits of Dental Implants

Dental implants have become a popular tooth replacement option because they address both the visible tooth and its underlying support. Depending on your individual situation, potential benefits can include:

• A natural-looking replacement for missing teeth.
• Improved stability when eating and speaking.
• Support for maintaining jawbone in the area of a missing tooth.
• No need to rely on neighboring teeth to support a single-tooth implant.
• A durable tooth replacement option with proper care.

Like natural teeth, dental implants require good oral hygiene and regular dental care to keep the surrounding gums and tissues healthy.

Replacing One or Multiple Missing Teeth

Dental implants aren’t limited to replacing a single tooth. Depending on the number and location of missing teeth, implants may be used to support different types of restorations.

A single dental implant can replace one missing tooth without relying on adjacent teeth for support. For patients missing several or all of their teeth, implant-supported treatment may provide additional stability compared with traditional removable options.

Our team can explain the available tooth replacement options and help you compare dental implants, bridges and dentures based on your oral health, goals and individual needs.

Schedule a Free Dental Implant Consultation

Considering dental implants but aren’t sure whether they’re right for you? Shorewood Family Dental Care offers free dental implant consultations to help you learn more about your tooth replacement options.

Our team can discuss your concerns, answer your questions and help you understand what the next steps may look like based on your individual needs.

Call us at 815-725-5991 or request a consultation online to get started.