Dental implants
Dental implants.
A titanium post integrated into the jaw and crowned with a custom porcelain tooth: the closest replacement to a natural tooth in both feel and longevity.
Dental implants
Service · Aesthetica Dental Naperville
Why implants
A dental implant is the closest functional and aesthetic replacement for a natural tooth. A small titanium post is placed into the jaw, where the bone gradually integrates with it over several months. Once integrated, the implant becomes a permanent foundation for a custom porcelain crown: a tooth that feels, functions, and reads as one of your own.
The advantage over alternatives is durability and conservation. Unlike a bridge, an implant does not require crowning the adjacent natural teeth. Unlike a removable partial denture, it does not move or require periodic adjustment. The trade-off is time and investment: the integration phase takes months, and the upfront cost is higher.
What to expect
Treatment begins with imaging and a planning consultation: a 3D scan to assess bone volume, the position of nearby anatomy, and the planned location of the implant. Where bone augmentation is needed before placement, Dr. Lina sequences that work first.
The implant placement itself is a relatively brief in-office procedure under local anesthesia. A temporary may be used during the integration phase. Once the implant has integrated, a custom porcelain crown is fabricated and seated: the final restoration that completes the case.
Four implant configurations
Implants take different forms depending on what is being replaced. Dr. Lina selects the configuration after imaging and planning.
Implant Retained Bridges. To replace several missing teeth in the same area, an implant bridge is anchored on one or more dental implants rather than the surrounding natural teeth.
Implant Retained Dentures & Partial Dentures. Implant-supported dentures snap onto the implants and eliminate the slipping common to traditional dentures, making it easier to talk and eat normally.
Implant Crowns. For individual teeth, a dental implant with a crown on top, natural and seamless, blending with the rest of your teeth.
All-on-Four® Implants. For full-arch restoration, four implants strategically placed to hold a full denture in place.
When implants are a good fit
Implants are appropriate for patients with adequate bone volume, healthy gum tissue, and a stable bite. They are typically the best long-term answer for a single missing tooth where the adjacent teeth are healthy, and an excellent foundation for fixed multi-tooth restorations or implant-supported dentures.
Patients with active periodontal disease, uncontrolled systemic conditions, or insufficient bone volume may need other work first. Dr. Lina assesses fit thoroughly at consultation.
Questions
Frequently asked.
How long does the implant process take?
From placement to final crown, most cases take three to six months. The bulk of that time is the integration period: months during which the bone fuses with the implant before the final restoration is placed.
Is the procedure painful?
Implant placement is performed under local anesthesia and most patients describe the experience as more comfortable than expected. Mild soreness for a few days afterward is typical and managed with standard pain relievers.
How long do dental implants last?
Well-placed implants in healthy bone, maintained with good hygiene and routine care, often last decades. The implant itself is highly durable; the crown attached to it may need refurbishment over time.
Related services
Also explore
- [PHOTO_SERVICE_CROWNS_BRIDGES_PLACEHOLDER]
Crowns and bridges
Crowns and bridges.
- [PHOTO_SERVICE_DENTURES_PLACEHOLDER]
Dentures
Dentures.
