Dental Implants
Dental Implants Are the Ideal Restorative Solution For Missing or Damaged Teeth
Dr. Couvelis both places and restores dental implants at his Chicago dental office. Dental implants can restore the function and appearance of your smile by replacing severely damaged or missing teeth, and preventing bone loss which can result in the collapsed appearance of facial features.
Dental implants are titanium posts that are surgically placed in the jawbone and topped with a natural-looking restoration, such as a crown.
Dental implants replace tooth roots to stimulate the jawbone and prevent bone degeneration, helping patients maintain a youthful appearance.
Candidacy for Dental Implants
If you are missing some or all of your teeth, or have severely damaged teeth, you may be a candidate for dental implants. If you have a traditional restoration such as a full or partial denture, you may also be a candidate.
Dental implants require a sufficient amount of jawbone tissue, and if you do not have enough, you may require a bone graft or sinus lift to qualify for dental implants. Any other underlying oral health conditions such as periodontal disease should also be treated prior to the placement of dental implants.
In general, to receive implants, you should be in good oral and overall health and not smoke. If you are willing to commit to proper oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups, dental implants may be appropriate for you.
What Are My Implant Options?
A dental implant can replace one tooth with a single restoration such as a dental crown, or several implants may be placed to support a bridge full or partial denture. A dental implant is not required for each missing tooth; typically, just four to six implants in the upper or lower jaw can support a full denture.
Dr. Couvelis offers All-on-4® dental implants, also known as “same-day implants,” which can support a full denture with just four strategically-placed implant posts. Dr. Couvelis also offers mini implants, which can be a more affordable treatment option, especially for patients who lack sufficient bone tissue for standard implants.
Dental Implant Placement
Prior to any treatment, you will have a consultation with Dr. Couvelis so that he can evaluate your oral health and determine your candidacy for dental implants. If you lack bone tissue, he may refer you to an oral surgeon for a bone graft or sinus lift.
“Dental implants offer a permanent restorative solution, and most implant-supported restorations are non-removable for maximum comfort and convenience.”
In some cases, he may recommend mini implants. He will discuss your treatment and select the optimal placement of implants to support your permanent restoration.
You will be sedated before implant surgery begins. Dr. Couvelis will then place the implants in the jaw. Over the following three to six months, the gums will heal and the implants will fuse to the jawbone as the process of osseointegration occurs. Some patients may receive a temporary restoration to wear during this time.
Implant Restoration Placement
Once you have healed and your implants have fused to your jawbone, we can place your permanent restoration. You will partner with Dr. Couvelis to choose the type of restoration and the material it is comprised of to provide you with optimal functionality and the most aesthetically pleasing appearance.
It may take up to two weeks to create your restoration at our dental lab, depending on the type of prosthetic you need. A crown will take less time to create than full dentures. Once your prosthetic is ready, Dr. Couvelis will affix it to your implants and ensure that it feels comfortable and that your bite is properly aligned.
Benefits of Dental Implants
Unlike the many other restorative options, dental implants improve patients' oral health by functioning as tooth roots, stimulating the jawbone to draw in essential nutrients and prevent bone loss.
Dental implants offer a permanent restorative solution, and most implant-supported restorations are non-removable for maximum comfort and convenience. With dental implants, you will enjoy improved oral health and a rejuvenated smile.
Schedule Your Dental Implants Consultation
If you desire a permanent prosthetic that won’t slip out of place when you chew or speak, dental implants may be right for you. Contact our dental office today to schedule your consultation with Dr. Couvelis.
