533 W. North Avenue Suite 200 Elmhurst, IL 60126
533 W. North Avenue Suite 200 Elmhurst, IL 60126
The dental implant procedure typically lasts between 30 to 60 minutes for one implant and just 2 to 3 hours for multiple implants. However, the actual time and number of appointments required will vary depending on your specific needs. At our Elmhurst location, we take pride in providing precise, personalized care for every patient.
Prior to surgery, our oral surgeon may prescribe antibiotics and offer options for comfort such as intravenous sedation or nitrous oxide—commonly known as laughing gas. These sedation options are discussed during your consultation to ensure you’re at ease throughout the procedure. In all cases, a local anesthetic will be administered to numb the area where the implant will be placed.
Once anesthesia is in effect, the oral surgeon makes a small incision in the gum to expose the bone. Using specialized instruments, a space is carefully created, and a titanium implant is gently inserted. In some cases, the top of the implant remains visible through the gum, while in others, it’s better for healing to cover the implant entirely with gum tissue.
Healing after implant surgery is a critical phase and varies from patient to patient based on the quantity and quality of bone present. For some, implants may be restored immediately after placement, while others will heal over several months. Our oral surgeon will provide comprehensive follow-up care and clear guidance for your recovery and next steps.
Once the initial healing is complete, a healing cap or abutment (support post) is attached to the implant. This encourages gum tissue to shape properly around the implant and keeps the implant accessible for restoration. In some cases, we take impressions during the original procedure, so your crown is ready once healing is complete.
Depending on your situation, one to four follow-up appointments may be needed to monitor healing and prepare for the final restoration. If necessary, a soft tissue graft may be recommended to strengthen the gum area and improve cleaning and aesthetics. This involves moving a small amount of gum tissue from one part of your mouth to another—usually a brief and minimally invasive procedure.
Dental implants are often placed several months after a tooth extraction. However, in some cases, an implant can be placed immediately after a tooth is removed. While immediate placement may carry slightly more risk, it can eliminate the need for a second surgical appointment.
If infection is present or the bone structure is compromised, immediate placement may not be feasible. When a tooth has been missing for an extended period, adjacent bone can shrink due to lack of stimulation. In fact, up to one-third of your jaw’s thickness can be lost within one year of extraction. In such cases, we often recommend bone grafting to restore the area before implant placement.
Typically, one implant is placed per missing tooth. However, for larger molars and back teeth—which usually have two to three roots—placing a larger implant may be necessary. At Advanced Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, we customize every treatment plan to ensure maximum support and long-term success.
For more complex tooth replacements or support for dentures and bridges, additional implants may be required. Your oral surgeon will review your specific needs during your consultation to determine the best configuration.At Advanced Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery in Elmhurst, our team brings excellence and personalized attention to every step of your dental implant journey. From initial consultation through to final restoration, you’ll receive cutting-edge care using industry-leading technologies. Visit our Dental Implants page to learn more.
If you’re also considering procedures like wisdom teeth removal or need guidance on anesthesia options, we provide these services with equal precision and care.