What are dental implants, and how do they work?

Implants are artificial tooth roots — typically titanium or zirconia — surgically placed in the jawbone. They fuse with bone over time and support a crown, bridge or denture that looks and functions like natural teeth.

Who is a suitable candidate for dental implants?

Ideal candidates have good general health, healthy enough gums and enough bone to hold the implant. Gum disease or bone loss does not automatically disqualify you — grafting and periodontal treatment often come first.

Is the dental implant procedure painful?

Most patients report minimal discomfort during placement. Local anesthetic is used, and IV sedation is available if you prefer to sleep through the procedure.

How long do dental implants last?

With proper care they are designed to last decades, often a lifetime. Regular check-ups, good oral hygiene and healthy habits matter for longevity.

Are dental implants covered by insurance?

Coverage varies by plan. Some contribute toward part of the cost; others do not. Bring your card to the consultation and we will check benefits against the written plan.

Dental Implants

A permanent replacement for a missing, failing or decayed tooth.

Call 630-912-2700 Request an appointment

Missing or failing teeth affect more than appearance — biting and chewing become difficult, and bone recession gradually changes the shape of the face. Our implants restore the tooth and the root beneath it, so function and structure return together.

Videos

From Dr. Gromov and patients.

Barbara — immediate dental implant testimonialYouTube (opens in a new tab)

Biting and chewing restored
An implant replaces the root as well as the crown, so everyday chewing returns without relying on neighbouring teeth.
Natural look and feel
Custom restorations are made to match the teeth either side — titanium or ceramic posts with an abutment and crown, bridge or denture.
Bone support preserved
The implant stimulates the jaw, limiting the bone recession that follows a missing tooth and helps preserve facial shape.
Does not depend on adjacent teeth
Unlike a traditional bridge, healthy neighbouring teeth do not have to be cut down for support.

What a dental implant is

A dental implant has three parts: a titanium or ceramic post placed in the jawbone, an abutment, and a restoration (crown, bridge, denture or full-arch prosthesis). Together they mimic the look, feel and function of a natural tooth — and provide the bone support a missing root no longer can.

Whether the problem is a missing, failing or decayed tooth, the impact goes beyond discomfort: biting becomes harder, and self-consciousness when talking, laughing or smiling is common. An implant addresses the root cause as well as the gap.

Options by how many teeth are involved

Single tooth: One implant and crown fill a single gap so neighbouring teeth do not drift and chewing stays balanced.
Multiple teeth: Several missing teeth can often be replaced with fewer implant posts supporting a bridge — a lasting alternative to removable partials.
Implant-supported dentures: Removable dentures that clip to implant posts for stability without adhesive, while still allowing removal for cleaning.
Full-mouth implants: A fixed full arch on four or more implants for extensive tooth loss — see Full-Arch FP1 / All-on-4 when that is the plan.

Why implants are preferred when they are possible

Implants do not rely on healthy adjacent teeth the way a bridge does. They reduce the risk of bone recession and sunken facial features because the post acts like a root in the jaw. With proper planning and care they are a long-term solution for a new, functional smile.

Permanent foundation in the jawbone
Customised to your bite and smile
Compatible with single, multiple or full-arch plans

Common questions

What are dental implants, and how do they work?
Implants are artificial tooth roots — typically titanium or zirconia — surgically placed in the jawbone. They fuse with bone over time and support a crown, bridge or denture that looks and functions like natural teeth.
Who is a suitable candidate for dental implants?
Ideal candidates have good general health, healthy enough gums and enough bone to hold the implant. Gum disease or bone loss does not automatically disqualify you — grafting and periodontal treatment often come first.
Is the dental implant procedure painful?
Most patients report minimal discomfort during placement. Local anesthetic is used, and IV sedation is available if you prefer to sleep through the procedure.
How long do dental implants last?
With proper care they are designed to last decades, often a lifetime. Regular check-ups, good oral hygiene and healthy habits matter for longevity.
Are dental implants covered by insurance?
Coverage varies by plan. Some contribute toward part of the cost; others do not. Bring your card to the consultation and we will check benefits against the written plan.

Before and after

After
Reveal before and after — Upper left implants and crowns
Upper left implants and crowns
Three implants placed on the upper left, restored with individual crowns.Before: Before treatment: missing teeth on the upper left. After: After treatment: implants restored with individual crowns on the upper left.

Photographs are of actual ImplantWIDE patients and are published with their consent. Individual results vary; the outcome shown is not a guarantee of the result any other patient will achieve. Treatment suitability is determined by clinical examination.

Want to know if this fits your case?

Call or book a consultation. Dr. Gromov will tell you what you need — and when the answer is less than you expected.

Call 630-912-2700

Mon–Fri · 9am – 5pm

From Dr. Gromov and patients.

Biting and chewing restored

Natural look and feel

Bone support preserved

Does not depend on adjacent teeth