Replacing Missing Teeth With Dental Implants
Losing a tooth changes more than your smile. It can affect how you chew, how you speak,
and how well your jawbone holds its shape over time. If you are considering dental implants
in Downers Grove, IL, Jackson Family Dentistry is here to walk you through the process,
including the trade-offs, so you can make a decision you feel good about for years to come.
First, an important point: your natural teeth are worth saving. We explore options like
fillings, crowns,and root canals before recommending an extraction. When a tooth truly can’t be saved, dental implants are often the most natural-feeling way to replace it.
What Are Dental Implants?
A dental implant is a small titanium post placed in the jawbone where a tooth root used to be.
Over several months, the bone bonds to the post in a process called osseointegration. A
connector called an abutment then holds a custom crown that matches your natural teeth.
Implants can also anchor a bridge or secure a denture so it no longer slips.
Dental Implants at a Glance
Every tooth replacement option involves some give and take. Here is an honest look at what
implants offer and what they ask of you.
| Feature | Benefit | Trade-Off to Consider |
| Titanium post in the jawbone | Helps maintain bone where the tooth was lost | Requires minor oral surgery and months of healing |
| Stand-alone replacement | Neighboring teeth are left untouched | Higher upfront cost than a bridge or partial denture |
| Fixed, stable bite | Chew and speak with confidence | Needs daily cleaning to prevent peri-implantitis |
| Long-term solution | Can last many years with good care | The crown may need replacing, and some implants fail |
Before: Planning Your Implant
Your visit starts with a thorough exam and on-site cone beam 3D (CBCT) imaging for precise
implant planning. Instead of impression trays, we use a digital iTero scanner, so there is
no impression material at all. If your jawbone has thinned since the tooth was lost, you may
need a bone graft first, which adds a few months to the timeline.
During: Placing the Post
Implant placement is done with local anesthesia so the area is fully numb. For patients who
feel anxious, we offer nitrous oxide, the only form of sedation we provide. Most people are
surprised by how manageable the appointment feels.
After: Healing and Your New Tooth
Expect some soreness and swelling for a few days. Healing time varies. Some implants can be
restored sooner, while others need several months before the final tooth is placed. Once it
has healed, we take another quick digital scan to design your final crown.
5 Trade-Offs to Weigh Before Choosing Dental Implants
- It is a surgical procedure. Placement involves minor oral surgery and a healing period of
several months, or longer if grafting is needed. - The upfront cost is higher. Implants generally cost more initially than a bridge or partial
denture. On the other hand, a traditional bridge requires permanently reshaping the teeth
on either side of the gap, and an implant does not. - Peri-implantitis is a real risk. This infection of the gum and bone around an implant works
much like gum disease and can lead to bone loss or implant failure. Smoking, poorly
controlled diabetes, plaque buildup, and missed cleanings raise the risk. - Implants are not guaranteed for life. Most work well for many years, but some fail, and
the crown on top can wear, chip, or loosen and may eventually need repair or replacement,
like any dental restoration. - Not everyone is a good candidate. Uncontrolled health conditions, heavy smoking, certain
medications, or limited bone can make another option the better choice.
If an implant isn’t the right fit, we’ll talk through bridges and dentures with the same candor.
Experienced, Comfortable Care
Your dental implants are planned and placed by Eric G. Jackson, DDS, MAGD. He is a Master
of the Academy of General Dentistry (MAGD), an honor held by fewer than 1% of dentists
worldwide, and a Fellow of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists. A nine-time
Chicago Magazine Top Dentist, Dr. Jackson believes patients deserve the whole story,
including clear explanations, realistic expectations, and zero pressure.
Dental Implant FAQs
Does getting an implant hurt?
The area is numbed during the procedure, and nitrous oxide is available. Most patients
describe recovery as mild soreness that over-the-counter pain relievers can manage.
How long does the whole process take?
From consultation to final crown, most cases take several months. Bone grafting can extend
that timeline.
Do you accept insurance?
We are out of network with all insurance companies but do accept insurance payments, and
we offer payment plans. Our team is happy to help you understand your coverage.
How do I care for an implant?
Brush twice a day, clean carefully around the implant with floss or a water flosser, and
keep up with regular cleanings so we can catch early signs of peri-implantitis.
Find Out If Dental Implants Are Right for You
If you’re missing a tooth or facing an extraction, let’s talk through your options honestly.
Call Jackson Family Dentistry at (630) 963-6750 or request an appointment online to schedule a consultation for dental implants in Downers Grove, IL. Have questions about insurance or payment plans? Our friendly
team is glad to help before your visit.
