Have you been informed you need to have a tooth extracted? Are you already missing one, several, or even all of your teeth in the upper or bottom row? Are you interested in a permanent tooth replacement option? We are happy to offer dental implants for our patients missing one or more teeth and are interested in restoring their smile and replacing their missing teeth. Are you already wearing dentures or a bridge? Not sure if dental implants near you would be the best option? We invite you to schedule a consultation with our Park Ridge dental office. We would be happy to evaluate your smile, discuss your options, and decide whether you are a candidate for implant dentistry.

What Are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are durable, artificial tooth roots—typically made from biocompatible titanium or zirconia—that are surgically placed into the jawbone to replace missing teeth at their foundation. As they heal, the implants fuse with the surrounding bone in a process called osseointegration, creating a secure, long-lasting anchor.

Once integrated, an implant can support a custom crown, bridge, or full denture. Because implants function like natural tooth roots, they offer exceptional stability, help preserve jawbone health, and allow replacement teeth to look, feel, and function much like the real thing. Many of our Park Ridge patients appreciate how seamlessly implant-supported restorations blend into their smile.

How Dental Implants Replace Natural Teeth

Dental implants have become one of the most trusted options for tooth replacement. At our Park Ridge practice, they are used to restore a strong, stable bite and natural-looking appearance for patients with one or more missing teeth. Each implant consists of the implant post, the prosthetic tooth or teeth, and a connector piece called an abutment, which secures the two components together.

The implant post is surgically inserted into the jawbone to replace the natural tooth root. The prosthetic restoration may be a crown, bridge, partial denture, or full denture depending on how many teeth need to be replaced and the overall condition of your oral health.

Why Patients Choose Dental Implants

Tooth loss can impact your comfort, health, appearance, and confidence. Many Park Ridge patients choose implants because they offer the closest experience to having natural teeth again. Their benefits extend beyond filling a space—they help restore function, stability, and long-term oral wellness.

  • Secure: Implants bond with the jawbone through osseointegration, creating exceptional stability without adhesives or fear of slipping.
  • Functional: They allow you to comfortably chew foods like apples, corn on the cob, and steak while speaking clearly and confidently.
  • Comfortable: Because implants stay firmly in place, they eliminate the gum irritation, gagging, dry mouth, and shifting often associated with removable dentures.
  • Convenient: Implant restorations remain fixed in your mouth, so you brush them just like natural teeth and maintain normal checkups.
  • Long-Lasting: With proper care, implants can last decades—often a lifetime—while the restoration typically lasts 10–15 years or longer.
  • Preserves Jawbone Health: Implants stimulate the bone like natural roots, helping prevent bone loss and maintaining healthy facial structure.
  • Natural Appearance: Custom-made restorations blend seamlessly with your smile for realistic, natural-looking results.
  • Protects Adjacent Teeth: Implants don’t require altering healthy neighboring teeth the way a bridge often does, helping keep your overall smile stronger.

The Dental Implant Process

Before treatment begins, Dr. Kuchta will evaluate your oral health at our Park Ridge office to ensure that implants are the right option for you. If any preliminary care—such as addressing gum inflammation—is needed, we’ll take care of that first so your mouth is fully prepared.

When you’re ready, we’ll refer our Park Ridge patients to a trusted specialist for the surgical placement of the implant. Because implants are designed to last for many years, we want to ensure placement is handled with exceptional precision.

After surgery, the next steps depend on how stable the implant is at the time of placement. Some patients receive a temporary tooth the same day, especially with treatments like All-on-4. Others receive a small healing cap that protects the area and allows the gums to contour properly. In certain cases, the implant may be covered by the gums to keep it secure during the early healing phase.

Over the next three to six months, the implant will fuse naturally with the jawbone. Once integration is complete, we’ll attach the abutment and place your final custom restoration, giving you a strong, functional, and natural-looking replacement tooth.

FAQs About Dental Implants

Patients often have the same first questions when considering replacing missing teeth with dental implants. The answers below can help you determine the best option for you.

Most patients report very little discomfort during the procedure. Your implant surgeon will numb the area or offer sedation options to keep you comfortable. Afterward, mild soreness is normal for a few days, but most people return to regular daily activities quickly with minimal downtime.

Often, yes. Many Park Ridge patients who were previously told they lacked bone have still qualified for implants. Modern techniques allow strategic placement in stronger areas of the jaw, which means bone grafting isn’t always necessary.

You’ll begin with soft foods to protect the implant during early healing. As the implant integrates with your bone, you’ll gradually return to firmer foods. Once your final restoration is placed, you can comfortably enjoy a wide variety of foods again.

Yes. Implant-supported crowns, bridges, and dentures are custom-designed to match the shape, shade, and proportions of your natural teeth. Most people—even close friends and family—won’t be able to tell the difference.

With proper preventative dental care, implants can last for decades—often a lifetime. The restoration attached to the implant may eventually need replacement due to normal wear, but the implant itself is built for long-term stability.

Restore Your Smile With Confidence

If you’ve been living with missing teeth, discomfort, or the daily challenges of removable dentures, now is the perfect time to explore a more secure and natural solution. Our Park Ridge dental team is here to guide you through every step of the implant process—from evaluation to your final restoration.

We’re committed to helping you regain comfort, function, and the confidence that comes from a complete, healthy smile. To schedule your consultation, call us at (847) 696-3240. We look forward to helping you restore your smile and quality of life.