Losing a tooth can affect more than your smile. It can make chewing uncomfortable, cause your remaining teeth to shift, and even lead to bone loss in your jaw. Over time, that bone loss can change the shape of your face, making you look older than you are.
Dental implants offer a permanent solution. Implants replace both the visible part of the tooth and the root. The result is a restoration that looks, feels, and functions just like a natural tooth.
At North Dental Professionals, Dr. Paul Chaiken has been placing and restoring dental implants for over 30 years. As an assistant clinical professor at Northwestern University School of Medicine, he brings advanced training and meticulous attention to detail to every case. Our restorative dentistry serves patients at both our Chicago office (5953 N Milwaukee Avenue in Jefferson Park) and our Skokie office (4905 Old Orchard Shopping Center).
Why Choose Dental Implants Over Dentures or Bridges?
Dental implants offer several significant advantages over traditional tooth replacement options. Here is how they compare.
- How They Affect Adjacent Teeth: Dental implants don’t affect your healthy teeth. The implant post stands alone in your jawbone. In contrast, a traditional bridge requires grinding down the healthy teeth on either side of the gap to support the bridge. Dentures rest on your gums and don’t affect adjacent teeth.
- Preserving Your Jawbone: When you lose a tooth, the jawbone that supported it begins to shrink over time. This process, called bone resorption, can change the shape of your face and cause your remaining teeth to shift. A dental implant stimulates the jawbone just like a natural tooth root, preventing bone loss. Bridges and dentures do nothing to stop bone resorption.
- Stability and Security: Dental implants are permanent. They fuse with your jawbone and won’t slip, click, or move, so you can laugh, talk, and eat with total confidence. Traditional dentures can slip or move, especially when eating or speaking. Some patients require an adhesive to keep dentures in place.
- Lifespan: With proper care, a dental implant can last 20 years or more. The titanium post is designed to last a lifetime. A traditional bridge typically lasts 7 to 15 years before needing replacement. Dentures usually need replacement every 5 to 8 years.
- Eating Restrictions: Dental implants have no eating restrictions. You can enjoy all your favorite foods, including crunchy apples, chewy steak, and sticky caramel. Bridges may require avoiding extremely hard or sticky foods. Dentures come with some restrictions; soft foods are often recommended.
- Typical Cost Range (Per Tooth, Before Insurance): A single dental implant with a natural-looking crown typically costs between 3,000 and 6,000. A traditional bridge ranges from 2,000 to 5,000. A removable denture (full set) ranges from 1,300 to 3,000.
Note: These are estimated ranges. Your final cost depends on your specific case, the number of implants or teeth involved, and any preparatory procedures such as bone grafting or extractions. We will provide a clear, written estimate before any treatment begins.
The Dental Implant Timeline: From Consultation to Final Restoration
Getting a dental implant is a process that takes several months. Here is exactly what to expect at each stage.
First Visit: Consultation and Treatment Planning (Approx. 60 minutes)
Dr. Chaiken begins with a thorough examination. He will:
- Review your medical and dental history
- Take digital X-rays or a CT scan to assess your jawbone density
- Examine your gums for signs of disease
- Discuss your goals and answer your questions
If you have insufficient bone density, Dr. Chaiken may recommend a bone graft (see below). If you have gum disease, that will need treatment first.
Preparatory Procedures (If Needed)
- Bone Grafting: If your jawbone is too thin or soft to support an implant, a bone graft can build it up. This involves adding bone material to the area. Healing typically takes 4-6 months before an implant can be placed.
- Tooth Extraction: If the damaged tooth remains, it will need to be removed. We often place a bone graft at the same time to preserve the socket.
- Gum Disease Treatment: Healthy gums are essential for implant success. If you have gum disease, we will treat it before moving forward.
Second Visit: Implant Placement Surgery (Approx. 60-90 minutes per implant)
Once your mouth is ready, Dr. Chaiken places the titanium implant post into your jawbone.
- Pain management: Local anesthesia completely numbs the area. You won’t feel pain during the surgery. For anxious patients, we offer nitrous oxide (laughing gas) or oral sedation.
- The procedure: Dr. Chaiken makes a small incision in your gum, drills a precise hole in your jawbone, and places the implant post. He then sutures the gum closed over or around the implant.
- After surgery: You may experience mild swelling and discomfort for a few days. Over-the-counter pain relievers (ibuprofen or acetaminophen) usually manage this effectively.
Healing Phase: Osseointegration (3-6 months)
During this period, your jawbone grows around the implant post and fuses with it. This process is called osseointegration. It’s what makes dental implants so strong and stable.
- You can eat normally during this time, but stick to softer foods for the first week or so.
- We may place a temporary restoration if the missing tooth is in a visible area.
Third Visit: Abutment Placement (Approx. 30 minutes)
Once the implant has fully integrated with your bone, Dr. Chaiken uncovers the implant and attaches a small connector piece called an abutment.
- Pain management: Local anesthesia numbs the area. This is a minor procedure.
- Healing: Your gums need about 2-4 weeks to heal around the abutment.
Fourth Visit: Final Restoration Placement (Approx. 45-60 minutes)
Dr. Chaiken takes impressions of your implant and surrounding teeth. A dental lab fabricates your custom crown, bridge, or denture.
- Restoration options: A single crown for one missing tooth, a bridge for multiple consecutive missing teeth, or a denture for an entire arch.
- Color matching: The restoration is custom-shaded to perfectly match your natural teeth.
- Placement: Dr. Chaiken permanently attaches your restoration to the abutment. You walk out with a complete, functional smile.
Total timeline summary: 4-9 months (including healing) or longer if bone grafting is needed.
Bone Grafting: What If You Don’t Have Enough Bone?
If you have been missing teeth for a long time, your jawbone may have deteriorated. This doesn’t mean you can’t get implants. A bone graft can rebuild the bone to create a strong foundation.
A bone graft means adding bone grafting material (either synthetic or from a donor source) to the area where bone is missing. The procedure is done under local anesthesia, so it isn’t painful. Most patients report mild discomfort afterward, similar to a tooth extraction. Over several months, your body replaces this material with natural bone.
A bone graft typically adds 4-6 months to your overall timeline before the implant can be placed. Dr. Chaiken will evaluate your bone density during your consultation and let you know whether a bone graft is necessary.
Dental Implant Costs and Insurance Coverage
Here is what you can typically expect to pay per procedure (before insurance):
- Single implant with crown: 3,000−6,000
- Implant-supported bridge (3-4 units): 6,000−15,000
- Implant-supported denture (per arch): 15,000−30,000
- Bone graft (if needed): 500−3,000 per site
- Tooth extraction (if needed): 200−600 per tooth
Note: These are estimated ranges. Your final cost depends on your specific case, the number of implants needed, and your insurance coverage.
Does insurance cover dental implants? Many dental insurance plans now cover a portion of implant treatment, though coverage varies widely. Typically, plans cover 30-50% of the cost up to an annual maximum. Our team will verify your benefits and provide a written estimate before any treatment begins.
We also offer third-party financing through CareCredit, which provides low- and no-interest payment plans. Ask our front desk team for details.
Caring for Your Dental Implants
Dental implants don’t need special maintenance beyond good oral hygiene:
- Brush twice daily with a soft-bristle toothbrush. Pay special attention to the area where the crown meets the gum line.
- Floss daily around the implant. Use regular floss, floss threaders, or a water flosser.
- Avoid biting hard items like ice, hard candy, or nutshells. While implants are strong, the crown can chip or crack.
- If you grind your teeth at night, ask Dr. Chaiken about a custom night guard to protect your implant and natural teeth.
- Continue seeing us every six months for checkups and professional cleanings. Dr. Chaiken will examine your implant to ensure it remains secure and healthy.
With proper care, your dental implant can last 20 years or more. The titanium post itself is designed to last a lifetime.
Patient Review
Dental Implant FAQs
Am I a good candidate for dental implants?
Most healthy adults who have lost one or more teeth are candidates. You need enough jawbone to support the implant and healthy gums. During your consultation, Dr. Chaiken will assess your oral health and let you know if implants are right for you. Age isn’t a barrier. Many patients in their 70s, 80s, and beyond successfully receive implants.
Does getting a dental implant hurt?
The surgery is performed under local anesthesia, so you won’t feel pain during the procedure. You may feel pressure or vibration, but not sharp pain. Afterward, most patients experience mild soreness and swelling for a few days, which over-the-counter pain relievers can manage. Most patients say it’s much easier than they expected.
How long do dental implants last?
The titanium post is designed to last a lifetime. The crown (the visible part) may need replacement after 10-15 years due to normal wear. With good oral hygiene and regular dental visits, many patients never need to replace their crown.
What is the success rate of dental implants?
Dental implants have a success rate of over 95% in healthy patients. Success depends on good oral hygiene, regular dental visits, and avoiding smoking (which significantly increases the risk of failure).
Can I get a same-day implant?
In some cases, if you have enough healthy bone and the tooth is being extracted at the same appointment, we may place the implant immediately. This is called immediate implant placement. Not all patients are candidates. Dr. Chaiken will let you know if this is an option during your consultation.
What if I have been missing teeth for years?
You may still be a candidate for implants. If you have bone loss, a bone graft can rebuild the jawbone to support the implant. Dr. Chaiken will evaluate your situation during your consultation.
Can I get implants if I smoke?
Smoking significantly increases the risk of implant failure because it impairs healing and reduces blood flow to the jawbone. If you smoke, we strongly encourage you to quit or reduce smoking before implant treatment. We can discuss strategies to help you prepare.
Why Choose North Dental Professionals for Your Dental Implants?
- 30+ years of experience. Dr. Chaiken has placed and restored thousands of implants. He has the expertise to handle both simple and complex cases.
- Assistant clinical professor at Northwestern. Dr. Chaiken teaches restorative dentistry at Northwestern University School of Medicine. This means he stays at the forefront of implant techniques and materials.
- Collaborative approach. We work with trusted oral surgeons to place implants, while Dr. Chaiken handles the restorative phase. You get the best of both worlds: surgical precision and restorative artistry.
- Anxiety-free sedation options. Nervous about implant surgery? We offer nitrous oxide and oral sedation to help you relax.
- Two convenient locations. We serve patients across the northside of Chicago and the northern suburbs from our Jefferson Park and Skokie offices. Our Chicago office is conveniently located at 5953 N Milwaukee Avenue in Jefferson Park, with free parking in our lot. Our Skokie office is located at 4905 Old Orchard Shopping Center, Suite 535, near the border with Evanston.
Replace Your Missing Teeth Today
Don’t let missing teeth affect your health, your appearance, or your confidence. Dental implants offer a permanent, natural-looking solution that can restore your smile for a lifetime. We welcome patients from Edison Park, Norwood Park, Jefferson Park, Forest Glen, Park Ridge, Niles, Morton Grove, Glenview, and Wilmette. Patients from all north shore communities and across Chicago are welcome.
Call our Chicago office at 708-274-4192 or our Skokie office at 224-298-7907. You can also request an appointment online. Dr. Paul Chaiken and the team at North Dental Professionals look forward to helping you smile with confidence again.