Implant Dentistry | Top Dentists in Chicago, IL

Fix Your Smile and Put an End to Missing Teeth

Losing teeth affects your daily activities and may lead to severe oral health issues. Tasks as simple as speaking or chewing become challenging, and the gaps in your smile may contribute to jawbone problems. Fortunately, dental implants from Contos Smile Center in Chicago, IL, provide a permanent way to restore your smile’s functionality with the best dental implants that look and feel like your own teeth.

Dr. Contos and our entire team are here to help you feel confident in your smile again. Call (773) 973-0531 to learn more.

What Are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are attached directly to the jawbone, offering a secure and permanent solution to missing teeth. Designed to mimic natural tooth roots, these dental implants require prevent concerns like jawbone deterioration and teeth shifting. Topped with a custom-made dental crown, the result is a natural-looking restoration tailored to match the shape, size, and color of your surrounding teeth.

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Benefits of Dental Implants

Embraced as the gold standard in restorative dentistry, dental implants provide a range of advantages:

Restores Smile’s Function & Appearance: Dental implants enable comfortable speaking, chewing, and smiling, restoring both function and aesthetics.
Durability & Longevity: Affixed directly to the jawbone, implants resist loosening or shifting and can last a lifetime with proper care.
Natural Appearance: The custom-made dental crown, the only visible part above the gumline, seamlessly blends with your natural teeth, enhancing your smile’s natural appearance.
Promotes Jawbone Health: Mimicking natural tooth roots, implants stimulate the jawbone, preventing deterioration and maintaining density for optimal oral health.

Candidacy for Dental Implants

Determining eligibility for dental implants involves assessing various factors:

Missing Teeth: Dental implants are an excellent solution for individuals dealing with the loss of one or more teeth.
Severely Decayed Teeth: Implants may be recommended for those with teeth extensively affected by decay, offering a permanent replacement.
Ill-Fitting Dentures or Bridges: If traditional dental prosthetics pose challenges, dental implants can provide a secure and stable alternative.
Irreparably Damaged Teeth due to Injury or Trauma: In cases of severe damage, dental implants offer a durable and natural-looking solution.

To be an ideal candidate, good oral health and sufficient jawbone density are essential. Dr. Contos will assess these factors during your initial consultation. If issues arise, supplementary procedures like a bone graft may be recommended to ensure a successful implant process. Schedule your consultation today.

The Dental Implant Surgery Process

Initial Consultation

The transformative process commences with an in-depth consultation with Dr. Contos. During this phase, your oral health is comprehensively evaluated. Dr. Contos assesses the condition of your teeth, gums, and jawbone to determine your eligibility for the procedure. Any underlying oral health issues are identified and addressed to pave the way for a successful implant process.

First Visit

The first substantive step involves the strategic placement of the dental implant fixture into the jawbone. Dr. Contos ensures a pain-free experience by administering a local anesthetic. Following the placement, a temporary crown is affixed over the implant site.

This temporary cover serves a dual purpose, shielding the area against bacteria while protecting during the critical healing period. Over the next three to six months, the process of osseointegration takes place, wherein the implant fuses securely with the jawbone, ensuring stability.

Second Visit

Post-healing, your return visit involves the attachment of the customized dental crown. Dr. Contos meticulously ensures a seamless fit, making any necessary adjustments. Once completed, you leave our Chicago office with a fully restored and natural-looking smile, ready to embrace the confidence that comes with it.

Aftercare for Dental Implants

Proper Oral Hygiene

Maintain optimal oral hygiene practices to preserve the health of your dental crown and contribute to overall oral well-being. Regular brushing, flossing, and rinsing are essential components of a robust oral care routine.

Routine Check-ups

Schedule biannual appointments at our Chicago office for routine cleanings and exams. These regular check-ups play a pivotal role in monitoring the condition of both your dental crown and overall oral health. Early detection of any issues ensures prompt intervention and preserves the longevity of your dental implants.

Addressing Discomfort

While discomfort post-surgery is generally manageable with prescribed medications, any concerns or unexpected discomfort during the healing process should be promptly brought to the attention of our experienced team. Timely intervention ensures your continued comfort and successful recovery.

Financing Dental Implants

Insurance Coverage

Our commitment to value begins with fair pricing and extends to our flexibility in our services and accepting a diverse range of insurance coverage. Contos Smile Center is an in-network provider with major insurance carriers, including UHC, Delta Premier, Guardian, Humana, Aflac, Aetna, and Principal. For those with out-of-network coverage, very often, the benefits are comparable to in-network benefits.

Outside Financing Options

Understanding that larger dental procedures may require additional financial support, we offer flexible payment programs through CareCredit and Lending Club. These programs enable you to spread payments over time, accommodating your budget with a monthly schedule fee. Details of these plans, along with the option to preregister online, are available for your convenience.

Dental Insurance Information

At Contos Smile Center, we collaborate with patients to maximize insurance reimbursement for covered procedures. Our team prepares and submits dental claims on your behalf, ensuring a seamless process. If you have any questions or concerns, our knowledgeable Financial Coordinator, Suzanne, can be reached at (773) 973-0531.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does dental implant surgery hurt?

No, dental implant placement doesn’t hurt. The dental implant procedure involves local anesthesia, ensuring a pain-free experience during the surgery. Any discomfort post-procedure is typically manageable with prescribed medications.

How long does dental implant placement take?

The duration of dental implant placement varies but can typically be completed in two appointments. The initial visit involves affixing the implant fixture to the jawbone, followed by a healing period of three to six months. The second visit includes attaching the customized dental crown and new teeth, resulting in a fully restored smile.

How many teeth can you have on one implant?

Dental implants can support individual crowns, meaning one implant for each missing tooth. However, implants can also anchor bridges or dentures, allowing for a full set of securely attached, functional teeth with as few as four strategically placed implants.

How much does most dental insurance pay for implants?

The coverage for dental implants varies among insurance plans. While some plans may cover a portion of the costs, others may not provide coverage for cosmetic dental implant procedures. During your consultation with your dentist or oral surgeon, you’ll receive a detailed breakdown of the costs associated with your treatment plan.

Restore Your Smile, Change Your Life

Dental implants offer a permanent and natural-looking solution for tooth loss, allowing you to speak, chew, and smile confidently. To explore if you’re an ideal candidate for this transformative procedure, contact our Chicago, IL, office at (773) 973-0531 to schedule a consultation. We welcome patients from Evanston, Skokie, Arlington Heights, and other Cook County areas.