Thanks to technological advancements, dentists can now maximize function and optimize oral health using restorations that last longer and deliver life-looking outcomes. One such innovation — dental implants — provides a predictable, reliable, and long-lasting solution for patients with tooth loss. 

With extensive experience in implantology, Dr. Kevin Kellerman, along with Dr. Caroline Connolly, Dr. Jessica Wen, Dr. Jesse Snyder, and Dr. Ashton Stewart, places high-quality dental implants for patients in Glen Carbon, Illinois, and the surrounding areas. Kellerman Dental specializes in both dental implant surgery and restoration to ensure all your implant needs are cared for under one roof.

Dental implants explained

A dental implant is a prosthetic tooth root surgically gently placed under your gums to support or replace one or more permanent teeth. We use a medical grade titanium implant that fuses with the bone to form a solid foundation to anchor your new replacement tooth.  The final result is a strong replacement tooth that functions and looks like your natural teeth. 

What to expect from dental implant treatment

Your implant journey starts with a comprehensive oral assessment. We inspect your bone strength to determine its suitability to support an implant. We also want to address gum disease, cavities, and other problems that may hinder your implant treatment. 

If you have a clean bill of health, your implant treatment involves the steps below.

• Pre-surgery procedures: Patients with insufficient jawbone may need bone grafting to add volume and density to their bone. Also, if you have a severely damaged or decayed tooth you need to replace, it must be removed first to create room for an implant.
• Implant surgery: After numbing your mouth, an implant is gently placed below the gumline to a precise and accurate length and position. We then place a temporary healing cap that sits at or near the gumline and is comfortable to wear.
• Integration and healing: Your implant requires 4-6 months fuse to the bone below the surface of the gums. This process is called osseointegration. This stage is the most crucial step of the implant treatment, so follow your dentist’s instructions to the letter regarding length of time necessary to wait for implant osseointegration to minimize the chances of the body rejecting the implant.
• Crown placement: We place a natural-looking crown on your implant to restore your tooth to it’s natural shape, contour, and color. This tooth will restore your chewing function and esthetics.

Benefits of dental implants

Dental implants provide a life-changing experience for people with missing or failing teeth. With implants, people with tooth loss regain comfort and confidence to smile, eat, laugh, and enjoy life.

Here are the advantages of replacing your teeth with dental implants.

• They look, feel, and function like natural teeth
• They stimulate your jawbone to prevent bone loss
• They restore your ability to speak and eat confidently
• They prevent the nearby teeth from tilting or shifting  into the toothless gap
• They restore your self-confidence
• Dental implants have a success rate of over 95%, and typically last for life
• Implants are versatile to replace one, several, or all teeth in patients of all ages
• They require minimal maintenance

Don’t let missing or failing teeth limit your life. Our dental team provides long-term solutions to overcome tooth loss. Please call (618) 228-3100 to talk to Kellerman Dental about dental implants, including eligibility, benefits, and cost. 

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