Implant Restorations
In Shorewood

The term “dental implant” is often used synonymously with a single-tooth dental restoration using a dental crown. However, a dental implant is actually the small piece of metal that is placed into your mouth to function as an artificial tooth root. An implant restoration is any type of dental prosthesis that is placed on top of a dental implant to replace the crown of your tooth. This can include a dental crown, a permanent dental bridge, or an implant-supported denture.

Together, dental implants and restorations can restore one, several, or all of your missing teeth. Lake Bluff Dental offers a wide range of restorations to meet the needs of every patient suffering from tooth loss.

Your implant treatment process will depend on the type of restoration you need. However, the process always begins with the placement of one or more dental implants.

During the implant placement procedure, your mouth will be cleaned and numbed. Your oral surgeon will make small incisions in the gum and bone and surgically place each dental implant. Your gums and jaw will then need to heal for about 3-6 months until your dental implant completely bonds to your gum tissue and bone (this process is known as “osseointegration”). After this, Dr. Griffin will create and place your restoration.

This process also depends on the type of restoration you will receive:

• Single-tooth restoration (dental crown) – After your implant has been placed, Dr. Griffin and her team will create a crown that matches the shape, form and color of your existing teeth perfectly. After your dental implant has healed completely, you’ll come in for your restoration appointment. Dr. Griffin will check the fit of the crown she's created and attach it to the abutment. She can make slight adjustments from there, and once you're satisfied with your new crown the procedure is complete.
• Implant-supported bridge (All-On-4) – To begin the process, a minimal amount of implants will be placed into the upper, lower, or both arches of your teeth, depending on your case. Then, a provisional prosthesis will be attached, restoring your smile temporarily. You’ll wear this temporary prosthesis for about 6 months until your gums have completely healed. Dr. Griffin will then create a permanent set of implant-supported bridges, and attach them to your implants. Unlike implant-supported dentures, All-On-4 is a permanent, non-removable solution.
• Implant-supported denture – The procedure is similar to All-On-4. A minimal amount of implants will be placed in each arch of teeth, and you’ll get a set of temporary dentures to wear for the next 3-6 months as your mouth heals. Then, Dr. Griffin will take impressions of your mouth and use the information to create a permanent set of implant-supported dentures. These dentures will snap securely into place for a stable, yet removable replacement.