Time to Smile Again with Dental Implants

By: Dr. Rajan Sharma

teeth-straightening-procedures

Have you ever been afraid to smile because you were not proud of your teeth? You are not alone. As we age, many changes occur in the body and teeth that do not reflect the real you. In addition, non-age-related accidents may cause the loss of a tooth. Our dentists and their teams at EON Clinics understand and are here to help. We specialize in single, multiple, and even “All on 4” dental implants. “All on 4” simply means the placement of an entire upper or lower set of teeth on four implants. Often, these are the perfect solution to replace older, traditional dentures.

Many of our patients are not aware of the latest innovations and new technology to transform their smile. You may live with a missing tooth or ill-fitting dentures, having lost teeth due to accidents, gum disease, or even internal resorption. For many, the ideal solution is a dental implant.

What Are Dental Implants?

While the words “oral surgery” may conjure up unsavory images, the process of getting dental implants is relatively pain-free and simple. If you’ve ever had a cavity filled, you’re familiar with the magic of the numbing medicine that prevents you from feeling any pain during the procedure.

Imagine a natural tooth with an exposed top and roots underneath the gum. Dental implants, sometimes called tooth implants, are just a way to replace that missing tooth with an artificial, permanent one. The “roots” of the dental implant consist of a single titanium screw post that is inserted into the jawbone and allowed time to heal, or fuse into the natural bone. The top of the tooth is called a crown and is specifically made for you to match any of the adjacent natural teeth.

Unlike old-fashioned dentures, which need to be removed each night for cleaning, your dental implants are permanent. The titanium screw post fuses to your natural jaw bone, making implants extremely durable.

Over three million Americans have gotten dental implants already, and the number is increasing by over half a million every year. But don’t take our word for it! According to WebMD.com, there are several major benefits to dental implants:

  1. Convenience. Instead of a removable traditional denture, full upper or lower dental implants are not removable. They eliminate the need to take them out each night for cleaning. And no adhesives are required!
  2. Enhanced oral health. In the past, replacing a missing tooth meant destroying one or more adjoining teeth by drilling them down to a small nub, which was then crowned and used as a “bridge” over the missing tooth. Dental implants can stand alone and don’t require any modifications to other teeth.
  3. More comfortable eating. Older removable dentures often slide around when eating and prohibit eating certain foods, like corn on the cob or apples. Dental implants perform just like your own teeth, allowing you to eat all your favorite foods with confidence and comfort.
  4. Permanent solution. You will no longer waste valuable time or money on teeth whitening, fillings, or crowns once you have dental implants.
  5. Improved cosmetic appearance and function. You will have the opportunity to choose the exact shade and shape of your new smile.

How Long Does The Process Take?

The short answer is, “it depends.” In general, one or more tooth implants usually take approximately six months. That doesn’t mean you have appointments every week! The titanium rod for the implant is put in during a single visit, usually taking less than thirty minutes, then a temporary tooth is fashioned on top of it, where it stays for six months to allow it to fuse to the jaw bone. In some cases, if a tooth needs to be removed or a bone graft implanted, it may take an additional three to four months. During that waiting period, you can be perfectly comfortable with your temporary crown, although you should stay away from those chewy caramels just in case. The approximate timeline for your individual procedures will be presented at your initial appointment.

Pricing and Financing

Let’s face it. Getting dental implants is not an inexpensive option, but it is the best one. It is an investment that will last a lifetime, and is well worth the cost. Because dental insurance doesn’t typically cover the cost of dental implants, we offer financing options to make them affordable with monthly payment plans. Some even offer no interest financing if choosing a twelve-month payment plan. At EON Clinics, we’ve partnered with four lenders for you to choose from: Lending Club, CareCredit, GreenSky, and Proceed Finance. Another option is to use funds you’ve saved in an HSA, or Health Savings Account.

Why Choose EON Clinics For Your Dental Implants?

Quite simply, we are experts at what we do. Our goals are to make sure you have a thorough understanding of the process, timeframe, and financing options, and to exceed your expectations with your results. Unlike many other practices, EON Clinics provide all your needs at one location. You don’t have to make separate appointments and find different offices for an oral surgeon, prosthodontist, or imaging. And by having our own onsite dental implant laboratory, we have 100% control over the look and feel of your new smile! Furthermore, because we are family-owned, we are not limited by corporate mandates or quotas.

Get Started Today

Beginning your dental implant journey with EON Clinics is easy. With locations in Munster Indiana, Oakbrook Terrace, Schaumburg, Skokie, Illinois, and Waukesha, Wisconsin, there is bound to be one close to you. Whether you’re needing a single tooth replacement or a full set of upper and lower replacements, we strive to make the process understandable and transparent. At your first appointment, you’ll receive a complimentary 3D CT scan, a comprehensive evaluation, financing options and our personalized recommendations. There is no obligation in exchange for receiving this information. You will then have all the resources you need to start your journey.