Dental implants in Schaumburg, placed by a specialist.

Why an implant rather than a bridge or a denture

An implant replaces the root of the tooth as well as the crown, which is what makes it behave like a tooth rather than a substitute for one. A bridge relies on the teeth either side and requires cutting them down. A denture sits on the gum and moves.

The difference that matters most is invisible: the bone. A tooth root stimulates the jaw every time you bite. Remove it and the bone recedes, which is why long-term denture wearers see their face change shape. An implant keeps that stimulation.

• Custom-made to match the teeth either side
• Lasts decades with ordinary care
• Prevents the bone loss that follows a missing tooth
• Does not slip, and nothing has to come out at night

What the treatment actually involves

Consultation and 3D scan

A periodontal evaluation and a CBCT scan, so the plan is built on your anatomy rather than an average. You see the scan.

Placement

A titanium implant is placed into the jawbone under local anaesthetic, or under IV sedation if you would rather sleep through it. Often the same day as the extraction.

Osseointegration

Over roughly three months the bone fuses to the implant. This is the part that cannot be hurried, and it is what makes the result permanent.

The crown

A crown, bridge or denture is fitted to the healed implant. A digital impression is taken with a scanner rather than a tray of putty.

Am I a candidate?

Most people with one or more missing teeth are. The requirements are healthy gums, enough jawbone to hold the implant, general health good enough to heal well, and a willingness to look after it afterwards.

Bone loss is the usual worry and it is rarely a disqualification — bone grafting rebuilds the foundation first. People are told they cannot have implants far more often than it is actually true, frequently by a practice that does not place them.

What it costs

The honest answer is that it depends, and any practice quoting a single figure before examining you is guessing. What moves the number: how many implants are needed, whether grafting is required first, and whether the restoration is a single crown, a bridge or a full arch.

You get the figure in writing after the consultation, before anything is committed to. Financing, including 0% APR, is available — see financing and insurance.