Do you have empty spaces from lost teeth in your smile? Do Missing teeth prevent you from smiling your best?
Dr. Prendergast is an experienced restorative dentist in Fox Lake and works with patients to meet their tooth replacement needs using all types of dental implants. We will work with a local specialist to perform any necessary tooth extractions and to surgically place the dental implants.
Our dental care team will follow up after your procedure and Dr. Prendergast will place the crown, bridge or denture that will complete your new smile.
What Are Dental Implants?
A dental implant actually refers to a small, biocompatible titanium post that is surgically implanted in the jaw bone. This post will serve as the artificial root for the prosthetic tooth. The dental implant is restored with a dental crown if you are missing a single tooth, with a dental bridge if you are missing several teeth in a row, or with a denture if you are missing a whole row of teeth.
A dental implant is made up of 3 parts; the implant post, the abutment, and the prosthetic tooth.
Implant post – This is the bottom part of the dental implant that is surgically implanted into your jaw bone. It sits just below the gum line. It is cylinder-shaped and resembles a screw. It’s made up of bio-compatible titanium that will eventually fuse to the jaw bone creating a permanent and secure bond.
This titanium post will act as the tooth root. A periodontist will surgically place the dental implants, eventually supporting your new prosthetic tooth or teeth.
Abutment – This is a small piece that connects to the implant post. The specialist or Dr. Prendergast will connect the abutment to the implant post after it has fully fused to the bone. It usually takes around 3-6 months for it to fuse.
The abutment will screw right onto the implant post and will sit right at the gum line. This part will support the dental prosthesis.
Prosthetic tooth – The prosthetic tooth can be a dental crown for a single missing tooth. The dental crown is typically cemented or screwed onto the abutment. A dental bridge or denture will be used for multiple missing teeth. They can be secured to the abutment by simply snapping them into place.
The prosthetic tooth is the part that will look like a tooth (teeth) and will be color-matched to blend seamlessly with your natural teeth.
Types of Dental Implants
- Single tooth dental crown supported by a dental implant
- Dental bridges that are supported by dental implants
- Dentures that are supported by dental implants
Learn More About Dental Implants
- Dental Implants Overview
- Benefits of Dental Implants
- Dental Implants vs Dentures
- Dental Implant FAQ
- Cost of Dental Implants
- Types of Dental Implants
- Single Tooth Dental Implant
- Multiple Teeth Dental Implants
Schedule a Dental Exam & Consultation Today
Dr. Thomas Prendergast and his dental care team specialize in providing complete services for dental implant patients. The first step is to visit us for a comprehensive exam. If you are not a good candidate for this treatment, we can recommend other dental restorations for your specific needs. Give us a call at (847) 447-6637 or request an appointment online today.