Category: dental implants

All-on-4 Dental Implants

Dental Implants in Chicago

What is It, and Who is a Good Candidate?

Replacing an entire arch of teeth with All-on-4 Dental Implants is an excellent option for patients who are missing all or a significant number of teeth. All-on-4 bridges look, feel, and function as close to your natural teeth as possible.

University Associates in Dentistry’s (UAD) dental office in downtown Chicago has been a recognized leader in providing the All-on-4 implant approach since its introduction fifteen years ago. In addition, our doctors have participated in the research and development of the All-on-4 treatment—right here in our private practice.

ABOUT THE ALL-ON-4 DENTAL IMPLANTS PROCEDURE

  • The gold standard replacement for a full arch or row of unhealthy or missing teeth
  • 4-6 implants are strategically placed to support and retain the entire arch of teeth (upper and/or lower)
  • The implant placements and first set of teeth are done at the same time as the removal of the remaining teeth (which is why it’s called “teeth-in-a-day”)
  • Bone grafts are not needed
  • A stronger permanent set of teeth are provided after three months when the implants have fully healed and stabilized

Dr. Baer, Dr. Marcus, and Dr. Schelkopf are all recognized leaders in the field of dental implants and All-on-4 treatment, with published research, active lecturing, and consistent mentoring of other doctors on dental implant care. At UAD, our All-on-4 treatment is completed in one appointment and at once office—that includes the entire surgical treatment and the delivery of your new teeth.

WHO ARE GOOD CANDIDATES FOR ALL-ON-4 DENTAL IMPLANTS?

  • Missing Multiple Teeth – If you have failing bridges or multiple decaying or missing teeth along your dental ridge, you will benefit from this procedure.
  • No Oral Disease Present – Gum disease or other oral diseases pose a risk factor for implant failure. Treatment is required before undergoing implant surgery.
  • Ability to Support the Implants – You should have sufficient jawbone structure and gum tissue to support the dental implants.
  • No Smoking – Smoking can increase your implant failure rate up to three times. Patients who smoke must stop leading up to surgery and during the healing process.
  • Committed to Treatment – The procedure does require several visits to the oral surgeon and temporary changes to your diet and habits.
  • This treatment is the perfect route for getting back to smiling, functioning, and enjoying life without worrying about the discomfort of dental problems!

Conveniently for patients, our practice centralizes everything at a single office. So if you’re interested in learning more about the All-on-4 treatment or any other dental implant treatment options in the Chicago area, please set up a free consult at UAD’s all-in-1 practice! You can contact us to schedule a free consult by clicking here or giving us a call!

UAD phone number (312) 704-5511
We are located at 222 N LaSalle (in downtown Chicago)

4 Things to Know When Considering Dental Implants

Dental Implants in Chicago

University Associates in Dentistry Offers Single Tooth Replacement, Implant Bridges, All-on-4 / Teeth-in-a-Day

dental implants

Dental implants are today’s gold standard in tooth replacement, providing a solution that feels, functions, and looks just like natural teeth. Are you considering our dental office in downtown Chicago for Dental Implants? Here are four things to know before meeting with our team of implant surgeons and restorative doctors to discuss your procedure.

Am I a Good Candidate for Dental Implants? Most likely, if:

☑️ you have one or more teeth missing
☑️ you have a fully grown jawbone
☑️ you have healthy oral tissues
☑️ you have enough bone for the dental implant to be secured or can have a bone graft
☑️ you don’t have a medical condition that would affect bone healing
☑️ you’re willing to commit a few months to the process
☑️ you’re a non-smoker

Are Dental Implants Safe?

Yes, dental implants have been around for many years, and the technology continues to advance! Implants, which look and function like natural teeth, have an average success rate of near 100%. They’re one of the most reliable and safest ways to replace missing teeth.

What are the Risks of Dental Implants?

Although rare, some implants fail if there is not enough bone to secure the implant. At UAD, we always make sure there is enough bone present to reduce the risk. And if there is significant bone loss, bone grafting is used to increase bone density before an implant is placed.
Another possible risk is poor oral hygiene. Dental implants are no different from natural teeth when it comes to taking good care of them; both may fall out eventually if gum decay, tartar, or bacteria is present.

How Long is the Recovery after the Dental Implant Procedure?

There’s a varied healing period based on your health, how many teeth need replacing, and other factors. To note, the average implant process occurs in multiple steps, so you may require more than one healing stage. Generally speaking, the recovery process takes anywhere from six to 12 weeks.

Schedule a FREE Virtual Consultation Here!

Please visit our smile gallery to see some of the world’s most beautiful smiles and hear stories and experiences from patients just like you! To note, a UAD payment plan and financing options are available for advanced dental care at our Chicago practice.

Schedule a FREE Virtual Consultation Here!

A Beautiful Smile at Any Age

Dental Implants in Chicago

Thanks to new developments in cosmetic dentistry, a dentist can now help patients of all ages achieve the smiles of their dreams. Porcelain veneers, teeth bonding, and teeth whitening are all perfectly suited to correct a wide range of flaws.

With age, the teeth can become discolored, worn, or chipped. Fortunately, treatments such as teeth whitening, dental implants, and veneers are safe and effective for almost everyone. While porcelain veneers correct external chips, gaps, and misalignments, teeth whitening can correct both internal and external tooth discoloration. If you are missing teeth, your dentist can place dental implants to restore your smile.

Do you want to find out more about your options for cosmetic dentistry ? Call the Chicago location of University Associates in Dentistry at (312) 704-551 to speak to a dentist today.

Fixing Chipped Teeth

Dental Implants in Chicago

Chipped Tooth in Chicago

A chipped tooth may be minor, but it can still cause dental complications. If you have received an oral or facial injury from any sports activities, be sure to contact your dentist. It is always best to be proactive and prevent further damage.

Your dentist can assess the amount of damage to your tooth and decide whether it needs to be fixed. He or she will also be able to identify further dental problems associated with the crack. In the worst case, a broken tooth can cause nerve exposure, which can be quite painful and lead to more complications. For these reasons, it is important to see your dentist for a damaged tooth. The severity of a chipped tooth can vary, as well as the treatment for such. Your dentist can repair a small chip with a filling or bonding, which is a tooth-colored resin that fills in the chipped space to look like your natural tooth.

The dentists at University Associates in Dentistry of Chicago specialize in cosmetic dentistry, as well as sports dentistry. We are prepared to restore any damage your teeth may sustain. For more information about our services, please call 312-704-5511 or visit us online.

Are Dental Implants Right for You?

Dental Implants in Chicago

Dental Implants in Chicago

Dental implants are an excellent treatment option for most patients who have one or more missing teeth. Implants are durable, tough, and discreet. Unlike dentures, they are permanently fixed in the mouth. The patient can eat and drink most foods as normal. Good quality implants look and feel almost exactly like natural teeth.

At University Associates in Dentistry, we offer both titanium and zirconium oxide implants. Zirconium oxide is a non-metallic, ceramic material. It is used by NASA because of its exceptional resilience and durability. Properly cared for, these implants should last a lifetime. Both kinds of implants can usually be fitted in under an hour, using local anesthetic only. This allows for short treatment and recovery times.

Implants are contraindicated if there is decay or disease present in the patient’s teeth or gums. You should first have a full dental check-up before undergoing treatment. To find out if you are a suitable candidate for dental implants in Chicago, visit our website or call us at (312) 704-5511 to book an appointment.

Strange Dental Implants Throughout History

Dental Implants in Chicago

Modern dental implants are comprised of titanium. The discovery that titanium is able to fuse with natural bone was made by accident in 1952. Since that time, dentists have continued to refine the materials and technique used to restore patients’ smiles. Although modern dental implants are an impressive innovation, implants have ancient roots. Throughout history, humans have used some strange materials to replace missing teeth.

Bamboo

In recent years, bamboo has been prized by homeowners as a sustainable, eco-friendly flooring material. That’s because bamboo can be harvested after just a few years of growth. The rapid growth rate of bamboo is perhaps one reason why the ancient Chinese decided it would make a good replacement for teeth. About 4,000 years ago, Chinese dentists carved the hard, durable bamboo into a tooth-shaped implant and then tapped it into the unfortunate patient’s jawbone.

Ox Bones

Ancient Egyptians relied on oxen. When they slaughtered an ox, they used every part of the animal possible. The hides were used to make furniture and the bones were used to make dental implants for missing teeth. The Egyptians held the oxen bone implants in place with gold wire. It’s unknown if the implants were placed before death or after it. It’s conceivable that the implants were placed after death, since great care was taken to prepare the bodies of the deceased for the afterlife.

Shells

In the 1930s, archaeologists were excavating an ancient Mayan site in Honduras when they discovered part of a human mandible. The jawbone was dated to about 600 CE, and is believed to be from a woman who died in her twenties. The jawbone had three dental implants made from tooth-shaped pieces of shells. Decades later, a researcher took radiographs of the mandible. He discovered that, based on the bone formation around the shells, these implants had been placed while the woman was still alive.

University Associates in Dentistry is known as leading experts in dental implants in the Chicago area. Our dentists specialize in same-day dental implants, which lets you walk away with a complete, beautiful smile in just one appointment. If you have missing teeth, call us today at (312) 704-5511.

See How Titanium Implants Are Made

Dental Implants in Chicago


Titanium is the material of choice for today’s dental implants, thanks to its strength and light weight. Did you ever wonder how these implants are made? This video offers details.

Dental implants consist of a titanium post that is implanted in the jaw and allowed to fuse with the bone and a dental crown that mimics the appearance of your natural teeth. This video shows exactly how the posts are constructed before they are used in your dental treatments.

If you have missing teeth, contact University Associates in Dentistry to find out more about dental implants in Chicago. To make an appointment with one of our dentists, please call (312) 704-5511.

Can You Floss Your Dental Implants?

Dental Implants in Chicago

One of the advantages of dental implants is that you can care for them as you would your natural teeth. Unlike dentures, which have to be removed for cleaning, you can brush your dental implants just like your other teeth. One common question people have about implants has to do with flossing. Is flossing necessary—and safe—for a dental implant?

 

Flossing is an important part of your oral hygiene routine, and you shouldn’t skip your implant when you are flossing the rest of your teeth. There may be additional space between your implants and gums compared with your natural teeth, so be sure to get into that area with your floss. You can use regular floss or your dentist may recommend a special kind of floss that is easier to use with dental implants. This kind of floss is attached to a firm handle so that it is easy to get under the implants.

 

Your Chicago dentist at University Associates in Dentistry will help you learn how to keep your dental implants in top condition, so that they look and feel healthy. To find out more, call our practice today at (312) 704-5511.

Restore Your Smile with All-on-4 Implants

Dental Implants in Chicago

If you have missing teeth, dental implants are a popular way to restore your smile and reclaim your confidence. Although dental implants used to involve multiple appointments and many months of care before they were fully functional, now you can get a new smile in a single day with All-on-4 implants. This revolutionary solution for people with multiple missing teeth delivers fast, natural results that you’ll love to show off.

All-on-4 implants work using only four implant posts to secure an entire row of teeth. Your dentist can strategically place the posts where you are missing teeth and then attach a set of prosthetic crowns to the posts. Over time, the posts will fuse with the bone in your jaw, so your implants feel, look, and act like natural teeth, without the need for the kind of special care that dentures require.

University Associates in Dentistry provides All-on-4 dental implants in Chicagoland alongside our other general, cosmetic, and restorative treatments. To schedule an appointment for a dental consultation, call (312) 704-5511.

Here’s Why You Should Buy Tea Bags Before Having Dental Implant Surgery

Dental Implants in Chicago

dental implants chicago

Dental implant placement is often a multistep process, but some patients can receive their new teeth in just one appointment. Just like any other oral surgery, you can expect to spend a little time preparing for the procedure and getting ready for your recovery afterward. Your oral surgeon will give you detailed pre-operative and post-operative instructions to follow, which may include the use of a tea bag or two.

Bleeding After Dental Implant Surgery
It’s perfectly normal to experience slight bleeding after oral surgery. Up to 48 hours afterward, your saliva might look slightly pinkish. Before you leave the dental office, you’ll be asked to bite down gently on a sterile gauze pad, which your dentist will place at the surgical site. Do this for about an hour, or for as long as your dentist recommends. Know that spitting and rinsing can make bleeding worse. Never use a straw after oral surgery, as the suction can dislodge the blood clot and cause bleeding.

Using Tea Bags to Stop the Bleeding
If the surgical site is still bleeding after you’ve been biting down on the gauze for about an hour, your dentist may recommend that you use a tea bag. There’s no need to actually make a cup of tea. Just moisten the tea bag with a little cool water. Place it over the surgical site and bite down gently until the bleeding stops. Black tea seems to work best to stop the bleeding, as this type contains the most tannins. Tannins are bitter biomolecules that encourage the coagulation of the blood, which will halt bleeding. Tannins also help constrict the blood vessels, which limit blood flow to the area. Additionally, they offer some slight antibacterial benefits, although tea is not a substitute for taking prescribed antibiotics.

Here at University Associates in Dentistry , we pride ourselves on providing exceptional patient education and support. Our dental implant experts in Chicago have made it their life’s work to help our patients enjoy the beauty and functioning of a brand new smile. Get in touch today at (312) 704-5511, and find out how you can become our next success story!

University Associates in Dentistry