Dental Implants

Today, dental implants are the standard of care for a number of reasons. Implants provide a foundation for new teeth where natural teeth are missing or have been extracted to regain the normal function of the tooth without the use of a bridge or denture. Bridges or dentures can cause further deteriorate of the teeth and bone.

Benefits of Dental Implants

There are many appealing benefits to receiving dental implants:

• The implant will grow to the existing bone and act as an artificial tooth root.
• New implants will support your teeth firmly and safely.
• Dental implants are stronger than natural teeth and cannot get cavities.
• Implants will reinforce your remaining natural teeth making them last longer!
• Your new implant is esthetically pleasing.
• You will no longer be in pain while talking or eating.
• Dental implants will prevent progressive bone loss.

A tooth’s structure has two main sections, the root, and the crown. The root is below the gum line and the crown acts as a natural tooth. Dental implants will replace the root and act as an anchor in the jawbone. Our ABOI board certified dental implant specialist, Dr. Christopher Pottorff will place you under regular dental anesthetic and sedation before surgically placing the implant into the jaw. Depending on the number of implants being placed, the procedure will take anywhere from 1-3 hours.

After that, the dental implant will be left untreated for a period of 3-6 months. During this time, the bone will grow around the implant in a process called osseointegration. In order to be successful, the implant cannot move during the healing process. This process will be different than the “implants or teeth in a day” procedure.

Dr. Christopher Pottorff will utilize a removable temporary crown to allow for chewing and to preserve the cosmetic appearance of your smile.

Once healed, your dental implant surgeon, Dr. Pottorff will attach the tooth to the implant and take an impression or scan just as he does for a conventional crown or “cap”. Shots or drilling will not be needed during this phase.

There are two types of implant crowns

Whenever possible, Dr. Pottorff will recommend the screw-retained implant crown. The abutment or “post” is fused together as one and the entire crown is screwed into place. Dr. Pottorff will place a filling material through an access hole on the top, which will eliminate the need for cement that can lead to implant failure.

Cement-retained implant crowns will have two parts and are similar to conventional crowns or caps. An abutment or “post” will be screwed into the top of the implant and the crown will be cemented to the abutment. Due to implant positioning, this will sometimes be the only option. However, Dr. Pottorff will determine which implant is best for you during your initial consultation.

In the end, this will result in a fully-functional implant that is comfortable, cosmetically pleasing, and will allow you to resume normal activities.

Contact our Dental Implant Dentist

Contact Advanced Dental & Implant Care in Algonquin today and our staff will gladly schedule your consultation!

We also service patients in surrounding neighborhoods such as Huntley, Carpentersville, Crystal Lake, Barrington, Lake in the Hills, West Dundee, Woodstock, Elgin, and South Elgin.

To learn more about the advantages of implants and how to properly care for dental implants, read out blogs.

Please take the time to read Dr. Pottorff’s dental implants patient reviews.