Dental Implants

Living with tooth loss can affect your comfort, confidence, and quality of life, but it doesn't have to be this way. Dental implants are a modern, long-term tooth replacement that restores your beautiful smile and offers numerous benefits.

Dr. Maureen Copeland is pleased to offer expert dental implant placement and restoration at our Round Lake, IL, dental office so you can have the entire process handled in one comfortable, familiar location.

How a Dental Implant Works

A dental implant consists of three pieces: a titanium implant post, a connector piece called the abutment and the tooth restoration. We place the implant post surgically in your jawbone, and it acts as a replacement tooth root. The abutment connects the implant to the restoration (crown, bridge, or denture) that completes your smile.

Dental Implant Benefits

Dental implants are a popular tooth replacement thanks to their many benefits: 

  • Long-term tooth replacement — An implant can last a lifetime with proper care, making it an excellent investment in your smile.
  • Prevents jawbone loss — Tooth loss leads to deterioration and breakdown of your jawbone. The artificial tooth root of the implant stimulates the jawbone to keep it strong and healthy while maintaining facial contours.
  • Stabilizes surrounding teeth — The implant crown fills the space left by the missing tooth, keeping surrounding teeth in place to prevent alignment issues and preserve your dental bite. 
  • Improved chewing function — Dental implants restore nearly full chewing function so you can eat the foods you love without discomfort.
  • Aesthetic improvement — Your tooth restoration fills the gap in your smile and blends perfectly with surrounding teeth for a seamless, natural appearance. 

Steps for Getting a Dental Implant

Getting a dental implant begins with a consultation with Dr. Copeland to discuss your tooth replacement options. She evaluates your dental health and uses advanced technology like 3-D cone beam CT scans to see if you are a candidate. 

If you are, the next step is placing your implant. Before beginning, Dr. Copeland uses a strong local anesthetic to numb the treatment area so you won’t feel any pain. During the procedure, she may use platelet-rich plasma (PRP) obtained from your blood to speed healing and improve long-term implant success.

Over the next 3–6 months, the implant, bone, and tissue around it fuse. This process is called osseointegration.

After healing, we attach a custom-crafted dental crown to the implant. If you are missing multiple teeth or require full-arch tooth replacement, Dr. Copeland may recommend an implant bridge or implant denture.

Considering the Cost of Dental Implants

Though implants' initial cost is higher than other options, their durability and benefits make them a great value. In some cases, insurance may cover a portion of the cost to make this long-term tooth replacement more accessible.

Take the First Step Towards Your New Smile

Is tooth loss preventing you from living your best life? We invite you to schedule an implant consultation with Dr. Copeland at our Round Lake, IL, dental office to learn more.