Missing teeth can affect more than your smile. They may make chewing, speaking, and socializing more difficult, and neighboring teeth can gradually shift into the open space. Dental implants in Libertyville, IL, offer a safe, long-term way to replace one or more missing teeth. Made with a biocompatible and safe titanium alloy, an implant replaces the missing tooth root and supports a custom crown, bridge, or denture. At Great Lakes Dental Solutions, Dr. Anshuman Soni evaluates your health, reviews your medical history, and uses 3D CBCT imaging to plan treatment around critical structures such as nerves and sinuses. The placement procedure typically takes 30 minutes to one hour, depending on your case, and is performed under local anesthesia.
What Are Dental Implants?
A dental implant is a small, threaded post that serves as an artificial substitute for the root of a lost or missing tooth. A dentist places a custom-made artificial tooth, also called a crown, to the extension of the post of the dental implant restoring the appearance of a natural tooth. This extension is called an abutment. After the implant heals and integrates with the bone, it supports a lifelike restoration.
A complete implant has three main parts:
- The implant post: Made from titanium alloy and placed in the jawbone.
- The abutment: A tiny connector that attaches to the implant post and serves as the foundation of the new artificial tooth.
- The restoration: A custom crown, bridge, or denture that replaces the visible tooth. It’s the new tooth that everyone can see.
Learn more about the dental implant services at Great Lakes Dental Solutions.
Discover the Long-Term Benefits of Dental Implants
Make an informed decision by looking beyond the immediate cosmetic improvement. Dental implants can support your oral health and daily confidence in several ways:
- Restore chewing function: Eat and enjoy a wider range of foods with a stable replacement tooth.
- Improve speech: Reduce the slipping and clicking that may occur with loose removable dentures.
- Preserve neighboring teeth: Replace the missing tooth without routinely reducing healthy adjacent teeth.
- Support jawbone health: Implants stimulate the bone in a way that resembles a natural tooth root.
- Provide dependable stability: Implant-supported teeth do not move like traditional removable dentures.
- Deliver long-term value: With excellent home care and regular dental visits, implants can last for many years and may last a lifetime. The crown or other restoration may eventually require repair or replacement.
Implants also have a high success rate when patients are carefully evaluated and follow their care instructions given by the dentist. Long term results depend on factors such as bone volume, gum health, smoking habits, diabetes control, oral hygiene, and regular follow-up care.
Start With a Complete Evaluation
Dr. Anshuman Soni begins with a comprehensive evaluation that includes:
- A review of your medical history, medications, lifestyle factors, and allergies
- An examination of your teeth, gums, bite, and jawbone
- A discussion of your previous dental treatment(s)
- 3D CBCT imaging to evaluate bone and map critical structures
- A review of tooth replacement options, including implants, bridges, and dentures
Some patients may need bone grafting before implant placement if they have experienced bone loss after tooth loss or extraction. Dr. Soni can discuss whether grafting or guided tissue regeneration may be appropriate for your situation.
Understand the Dental Implant Procedure
Your treatment plan will be personalized, but the process commonly includes these stages:
1. Prepare a Personalized Treatment Plan
Dr. Soni reviews your examination and imaging results. Together, you will discuss the recommended plan, restoration, timing, and expected investment with office manager.
2. Place the Titanium Alloy Implant
The procedure is completed under local anesthetic, so you should not feel the surgical area during treatment. Depending on the case, implant placement generally takes 30 minutes to one hour.
3. Allow Time for Healing
The implant needs time to bond with the jawbone. This process, called osseointegration, may take several months, typically 5 – 6 months. Your timeline depends on your health, bone quality, implant location, whether additional procedures are needed, and patient compliance.
4. Attach the Final Restoration
Once healing is complete, the abutment and custom crown, bridge, or denture can be attached. If you need a restoration supported by crowns or bridges, review our crowns and bridges service.
Plan for Comfortable Recovery
Many patients are concerned about pain. During placement, local anesthetic keeps the treatment area numb. Afterward, mild soreness, swelling, or tenderness is expected.
Patients commonly report discomfort around 2–3 on a 10-point pain scale on day two, and many manage it well with a Motrin and Tylenol combination when appropriate and used as directed. Your specific instructions may differ. Follow Dr. Soni’s recommendations and always confirm that over-the-counter medication is safe for you, especially if you have allergies, stomach or kidney concerns, take blood thinners, or have other medical conditions.
Call the office promptly if you experience worsening pain, fever, significant swelling, bad taste, pus and bleeding.
Choose our Experienced, Technology-Focused Care in Libertyville
Dr. Anshuman Soni has practiced dentistry since 2003. He completed the American Academy of Implant Dentistry’s comprehensive MAXI implant training course in 2009 and combines experience with modern diagnostic technology.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Implants in Libertyville, IL
Are dental implants better than dentures or bridges?
Implants may offer improved stability, jawbone support, and longevity compared with removable dentures or traditional bridges. However, the best option depends on your oral health, bone structure, medical history, personal preferences, number of missing teeth, and budget.
Are dental implants made of titanium?
Most dental implants are made from medical-grade titanium alloy. These materials are strong, safe, and biocompatible, allowing the implant to integrate with the jawbone.
How long does implant placement take?
The placement procedure typically takes 30 minutes to one hour, depending on the number of implants and the complexity of your case.
Is dental implant placement painful?
The procedure is performed under local anesthetic, so you should not feel pain during placement. Mild discomfort after treatment is common and can often be controlled with recommended medication.
How do I know if I am a candidate?
Schedule a complete evaluation. Dr. Soni will review your medical history, examine your oral health, assess contraindications, and use 3D CBCT imaging to determine whether implants are appropriate for you.
How long do dental implants last?
With proper brushing, flossing, professional cleanings, and regular examinations, dental implants can last for many years and may last a lifetime. The crown or other restoration may need replacement sooner due to normal wear.
How can I schedule an implant consultation?
Request an appointment with Great Lakes Dental Solutions, Call or Text at 847-984-2548. Email: info@greatlakesdental.net. Office address: 1418 South Milwaukee Avenue, Libertyville, IL – 60048 (located in Red Top Plaza next to Foss Swim School). Follow Great Lakes Dental Solutions on Instagram and Facebook for more updates.
We see patients from 6 months to 99 years, we accept patients with no insurance and are in network with many with dental PPO insurances. We accept payment via text, email, phone, Zelle, or cash. We do not accept personal checks. We offer CareCredit for financing your dental needs. We do not accept dental discount plans and state funded Medicaid plans at this time.
Dr Anshuman Soni, is a highly experienced general dentist who has been practicing since 2003. The office provides high quality dental care along with warm and knowledgeable staff is dedicated to making your visit a positive experience.
