How Implant Restorations Work
Think of a dental implant as the foundation of a house. It needs to be strong and stable before you can build on top of it. After surgical placement, the implant goes through a healing period called osseointegration. During this time, your bone grows around the titanium post, fusing with it to create a solid anchor. This process typically takes three to six months, though the timeline varies based on individual healing and bone quality.
Once the implant has integrated with your bone, Dr. Karina Golubyants or Dr. James O’Carroll can begin the restoration phase. A small connector piece called an abutment attaches to the implant, and your custom crown, bridge, or denture secures to that abutment. This modular design allows for adjustments if needed and makes future maintenance straightforward.
Types of Implant Restorations
Single Tooth Crowns replace individual missing teeth without affecting the surrounding healthy teeth. Traditional bridges require grinding down adjacent teeth for support, but implant-supported crowns stand independently. The crown is custom-crafted to match your other teeth in size, shape, and color, creating a seamless appearance.
Implant-Supported Bridges replace multiple consecutive missing teeth using fewer implants than individual teeth. For example, three missing teeth might only need two implants supporting a three-unit bridge. This approach provides excellent stability while reducing the number of surgical sites and overall treatment cost.
Full-Arch Restorations transform an entire upper or lower jaw. Whether you’re dealing with complete tooth loss or failing teeth that need extraction, full-arch implant restorations in Des Plaines offer a fixed solution. Depending on your situation, four to six implants can support a complete arch of teeth. These restorations don’t slip or require adhesives like traditional dentures, giving you confidence while eating and speaking.
The Restoration Process
Your first appointment involves a comprehensive evaluation. Digital X-rays and scans show the position of your implants, the surrounding bone structure, and how your bite comes together. These images guide the design of your restoration, ensuring proper fit and function.
Impressions capture the exact relationship between your implants and surrounding tissues. Modern digital scanners often replace traditional putty impressions, making the process faster and more comfortable. These precise measurements go to a dental laboratory where skilled technicians craft your custom restoration.
Shade selection happens during this phase too. Natural teeth aren’t uniformly white—they have subtle variations in color and translucency. Your restoration gets matched to your existing teeth or, if you’re replacing all your teeth, you can choose the shade that suits your preferences.
A temporary restoration may be placed while your permanent one is being fabricated. This allows you to function normally and maintain the appearance of your smile during the waiting period. When your final restoration is ready, you’ll return for fitting and adjustment. The team checks your bite, makes sure the restoration fits properly, and ensures you’re comfortable with how everything looks and feels.
Materials Matter
Most implant restorations use either porcelain or zirconia. Porcelain closely mimics the appearance of natural tooth enamel, reflecting light similarly and blending beautifully with surrounding teeth. It’s strong enough for everyday use but can chip if subjected to extreme force.
Zirconia is incredibly durable and works well for people who grind their teeth or need restorations in high-stress areas. It’s slightly less translucent than porcelain but still provides excellent aesthetics. Many patients can’t tell the difference between zirconia restorations and natural teeth.
For full-arch restorations, hybrid materials combine a metal or zirconia framework with porcelain or composite teeth. This design provides strength where it’s needed most while maintaining a natural appearance.
Caring for Your Restoration
Implant restorations require similar care to natural teeth. Brushing twice daily and flossing remove plaque and food particles that can cause gum inflammation around the implant. Special floss threaders or water flossers help clean hard-to-reach areas beneath bridges or around abutments.
Regular dental visits allow the team at Apple Family Dental to monitor your restoration and the surrounding tissues. Professional cleanings remove buildup that regular brushing misses. The dentist checks for any signs of loosening, wear, or complications that need attention.
Avoid using your teeth as tools. Opening packages, chewing ice, or biting hard objects can damage restorations just as they damage natural teeth. If you grind your teeth at night, a nightguard protects your investment.
Benefits of Implant Restorations in Des Plaines
Implant restorations preserve your jawbone. When you lose teeth, the bone that once supported them begins to deteriorate from lack of stimulation. Implants transfer chewing forces into the bone, maintaining its density and preventing the sunken facial appearance that often accompanies tooth loss.
The stability these restorations provide changes daily life. You can eat foods you enjoy without worrying about dentures slipping or avoiding certain textures. Speaking feels natural because nothing moves around in your mouth. The confidence that comes with a complete, functional smile affects everything from professional interactions to personal relationships.
Start Your Restoration Journey
If you have dental implants that need crowns or you’re considering implants as a tooth replacement option, Apple Family Dental in Des Plaines provides expert restoration services tailored to your needs. The team combines technical skill with attention to detail, creating restorations that restore both function and appearance. Contact the office to discuss your options and take the first step toward completing your smile.