Arlington Heights Dental Implants

Dr. Brent A. Engelberg is a dentist and has answered some of the most common questions Bizymoms visitors have about Dental Implants.


Q. What are dental implants? 

A. Dental implants are most easily thought of as a replacement for the root of a tooth. They can be used alone to replace a single tooth, or in groups to replace multiple teeth or even a full arch of teeth. They are also used to support a denture.
 
Q. What are the benefits of dental implants? 

A. The advantages of dental implants are profound: minimal loss of bone (where bone would otherwise be lost over time), no decay, usually no gum disease, no need to treat adjacent teeth (as opposed to a bridge, for example), and if done correctly, esthetic benefits occur as well.

Q. How long does an implant last? 

A. The longevity of implants is dependent upon many things, including: the location of the implant within a patient’s mouth, the patient’s overall health, hygiene around the implant, smoking (bad for implants), and the patient’s bite scheme. The percentages of success of implants overall, however, FAR exceed any other treatment option in dentistry for tooth replacement. Some studies show over a 98% success rate over 10 years!  

Q. What are implants made of? 

A. Implants are made of titanium.  When people think of an implant to replace a single missing tooth—the most common reason to place an implant, there are actually "three parts" that are needed to give you a tooth in the end.  The first is the "implant" itself, which goes where the root of a tooth would have been below the gumline.  The second part is the "abutment" which is connected to the implant, and is like a tooth that has been shaped for a crown/cap.  The third and final part is the "tooth" itself, which is usually done like a crown/cap and cemented over the abutment.

Q. Who is a candidate for implants? 

A. Today, nearly all patients are candidates for implants, but depending on the amount of bone remaining in the area where the implant is to be placed, it might be more complex. In addition, very unhealthy patients (like uncontrolled diabetics) and heavy smokers are not good candidates for dental implants. Some medications that are used at high doses for systemic bone loss (osteoporosis) also need to review this with me prior to initiating a treatment plan involving implants.

Q. How are dental implants placed? 

A. Dental implants are placed in a variety of ways, depending on the purpose of the implant. If we are replacing teeth, we need to make sure that the implant is placed in a safe area of bone AND the area that will allow for an esthetic outcome. In some instances, a special guide can be made with a CAD/CAM machine that dictates exact placement of the implants so there is no "guess work."  In this way, the entire procedure is planned well before the actual surgery.

Q. How long does it take? 

A. Placing an implant is quite quick, but the planning takes a little time. There is a large "push" by implant manufacturers to have implants and teeth "in a day." This is usually a bad decision, in my opinion, as there are compromises to the final esthetic outcome.  There is ALWAYS a way to have a provisional or temporary set of teeth in place the day the implants are placed--this is important for most patients, and I provide this to my patients if they would like. Finishing the teeth in porcelain, however, usually happens several months later, as the implants have a much higher success rate if they are completed after some time "setting" in the bone.

Q. How can we contact Dr. Engelberg if we have further questions?

A. If you have further questions, please visit my website at www.ahsmiles.com for real before and after photos of cases that I have personally done (no "stock photography").  Additionally, my office can be called at (847)259-6988.  Please call for a consultation—I always welcome new patients to my practice!