Dental Implants in Chicago, IL

The Gold Standard in Tooth Replacement

When it comes to replacing a missing tooth, or multiple missing teeth, no solution comes closer to replicating the look, feel, and function of a natural tooth than a dental implant. At Smile Era Dental, we provide advanced dental implant treatment for patients across Chicago's northwest side and surrounding communities.

What sets Smile Era Dental apart in implant care is our investment in in-house CBCT 3D imaging technology, allowing Dr. Philip to plan every implant placement with surgical-level precision before a single incision is made. This level of pre-surgical detail means safer procedures, more predictable outcomes, and better long-term results for every implant patient.

If you are living with one or more missing teeth and wondering what your options are, a dental implant consultation at Smile Era Dental is the best first step.

Schedule Your Implant Consultation Today

What Is a Dental Implant?

A dental implant is a small, precision-engineered titanium post that is surgically placed into the jawbone to serve as an artificial tooth root. Over a period of several months, the implant undergoes a process called osseointegration, fusing directly with the surrounding bone tissue to become a permanent, stable part of the jaw structure.

Once osseointegration is complete, a small connector piece called an abutment is attached to the top of the implant post. A custom-fabricated dental crown, precisely matched to the color, shape, and size of the surrounding natural teeth, is then placed on the abutment to complete the restoration.

The result is a three-part restoration, implant post, abutment, and crown, that functions and appears virtually identical to a natural tooth. From the outside, it is completely indistinguishable from the real thing. From the inside, it feels and functions like one too.

Dental Implant Options at Smile Era Dental

Dental implants are not a one-size-fits-all solution. Depending on how many teeth you are missing and your individual clinical situation, different implant-based restorations may be recommended.

Single Tooth Implant

The most common implant scenario, replacing one missing tooth with a single implant post topped by a custom crown. The implant stands completely independently of the neighboring teeth, preserving them fully and providing a restoration that is completely natural in both appearance and function.

Best for: Patients missing one tooth anywhere in the mouth.

Multiple Tooth Implants

When two or more non-adjacent missing teeth need to be replaced, individual implants can be placed at each site, each supporting its own crown. This approach preserves maximum bone at every missing tooth site and avoids the need to compromise any healthy neighboring teeth.

Best for: Patients missing multiple non-adjacent teeth.

Implant-Supported Bridge

Ideal for replacing multiple adjacent missing teeth, an implant-supported bridge uses dental implants instead of neighboring teeth for support, providing a stable, fixed solution while preserving healthy teeth.

Best for: Patients missing two or more consecutive teeth who want a fixed restoration.

Implant-Supported Dentures

For patients missing most or all of their teeth, implant-supported dentures attach to a small number of implants for improved stability, comfort, and chewing ability while remaining removable for cleaning.

Best for: Patients with full or near-full tooth loss who want significantly improved denture stability without the cost of a fully fixed solution.

Full-Arch Fixed Implant Restoration

Using four or more implants, a full-arch restoration replaces an entire arch of teeth with a permanent, non-removable prosthesis that looks, feels, and functions like natural teeth.

Best for: Patients with full tooth loss or those requiring full-arch extraction and replacement who want the most functional, permanent, and natural-feeling solution available.

Dr. Philip and Dr. Thomas will discuss all applicable options during your consultation and help you identify the solution that best fits your clinical situation, goals, and budget.

The Dental Implant Process at Smile Era Dental

Getting dental implants is a multi-stage process that unfolds over several months. Understanding the full timeline helps patients plan confidently and set appropriate expectations.

CONSULT

This is the first step in the full arch process. During this appointment, you will meet with your Dr. Kurt O. Bally DMD FICOI to discuss your needs and options for dental implants. The consultation will typically take about an hour. This first and free visit is $525 value.

STEP 1

STEP 2

RECORDS

Your dentist will take a series of records, including dental x-rays, 3D scans, and photographs. These records will be used to create a treatment plan and to fabricate your dental implants.

PRE-SURGICAL CONSULT

This appointment is held before the surgery to discuss the risks and benefits of the procedure, as well as the recovery process. You will also have a chance to ask any questions you may have.

STEP 3

STEP 4

SURGERY

This is the procedure where the implants are placed into your jawbone. The surgery typically takes about 2 hours per jaw and is done safely with oral anesthesia. All patients leave with their new temporary teeth on the day of the surgery and will return within 1-2 weeks to have their first post-op visit and receive their fist implant prototype teeth. It is important to remain on a very soft diet after surgery and before receiving your first prototype.

PROTOTYPES

1-2 weeks after your surgery you will return to check your healing and receive your first set of implant prototype teeth that will be attached directly to your implants. We allow up to 3 versions of teeth during the healing process to ensure the dentist and patient is happy with the look and feel. As your implants heal your dentist will create a series of prototypes for your implant bridge. These prototypes will be used to test the fit and function of the bridge before it is permanently placed.

STEP 5

STEP 6

HEALING

The implants will need to heal for 4-6 months before the next step can be taken. Dr. Bally will also provide a night guard to help prevent excess pressure from going to your implants. As you heal you will remain on a soft diet.

PROTOTYPING AND VERIFICATION

Once the implants have healed, your dentist will create a final prototype of your dental bridge. This prototype will be verified to ensure that it is the correct size, shape, and color. Before authorizing the fabrication of your new zirconia implant smile.

STEP 7

STEP 8

DELIVERY

This is the appointment where your permanent dental bridge is placed. The procedure typically takes about 1 hour. It's a truly rewarding visit for everyone.

POST-DELIVERY CONSULT AND DOCUMENTATION

This appointment is held after your new zirconia implant smile is installed and your final night guard is given and instructions to maintain your smile are discussed. Final pictures, X-rays and video mark the end of your zirconia implant smile journey.

STEP 9

STEP 10

MAINTENANCE

Your zirconia implant smile will need to be maintained on a regular basis to ensure that it continues to function properly. This may include cleaning, adjustments, and checkups.

Consultation & Treatment Planning

We perform a comprehensive exam, review your health history, take CBCT 3D images, and create a personalized treatment plan.

Preparatory Care (If Needed)

Some patients may need periodontal treatment, tooth extractions, or bone grafting before implant placement.

Implant Placement

The titanium implant is carefully placed into the jawbone under local anesthesia using advanced guided planning techniques.

Healing & Integration

Over the next few months, the implant fuses naturally with the jawbone, creating a strong, stable foundation for your new tooth.

Final Restoration

Once healing is complete, a custom crown, bridge, or full-arch restoration is attached, restoring the appearance, function, and confidence of a complete smile.

Who Is a Candidate for Dental Implants?

Most healthy adults missing one or more teeth are good candidates for dental implants. Ideal candidates typically:

Have sufficient jawbone to support an implant
Have healthy gums free of active periodontal disease
Are in good overall health
Practice good oral hygiene and regular dental care

At Smile Era Dental, Dr. Philip and Dr. Thomas conduct a thorough evaluation, including CBCT imaging, to determine whether you are a suitable candidate for implants and whether any preparatory treatment is needed before proceeding.

Ready to Restore Your Smile for Life? Let's Get Started.

A missing tooth is not something you have to simply live with. At Smile Era Dental, dental implants offer a permanent, natural-looking, and life-changing solution — backed by the precision of advanced CBCT imaging and the expertise of a team that genuinely cares about your long-term outcome. Whether you're missing one tooth or many, we are here to help you find the path to a complete, confident smile.

Schedule Your Implant Consultation Today

New patients are always welcome. We accept most major PPO dental insurance plans.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Implants

The full dental implant process — from initial consultation through final crown placement — typically takes between three and nine months, depending on whether preparatory procedures such as extractions or bone grafting are needed, and on the individual healing rate during osseointegration. The osseointegration period alone typically takes three to six months. While this is a longer treatment timeline than a bridge or denture, the result is a permanent restoration — making the investment of time well worthwhile for most patients.

Implant placement is performed under local anesthesia — so you should not feel pain during the procedure, only pressure and vibration. After the anesthesia wears off, most patients experience mild to moderate soreness and swelling for a few days, which is easily managed with over-the-counter pain relievers and an ice pack. The vast majority of our implant patients tell us the procedure was far more comfortable than they anticipated. Most resume normal daily activities within one to two days.

Age alone is not a disqualifying factor for dental implants. Many of our most satisfied implant patients are in their 60s, 70s, and beyond. What matters most is overall health, bone volume, and gum health — not chronological age. Dental implants are not placed in patients whose jawbones are still growing, which is why they are typically not performed on patients under 18. Dr. Philip or Dr. Thomas will evaluate your individual suitability during your consultation regardless of age.

Dental implants have one of the highest success rates of any surgical procedure in dentistry — typically cited at 95% or higher over ten years in appropriately selected patients. Success rates are influenced by factors including bone quality, implant location, oral hygiene, smoking status, and systemic health. At Smile Era Dental, our use of CBCT imaging for precise pre-surgical planning contributes meaningfully to predictable, successful outcomes.

Often, yes — but bone grafting may be required first to build up the jawbone to a sufficient volume for implant placement. The extent of bone loss and whether grafting is appropriate for your situation will be evaluated precisely using our CBCT 3D imaging. Even patients who have been told elsewhere that they don't have enough bone for implants may find that bone grafting opens the door to successful implant treatment. A thorough evaluation at Smile Era Dental is the only way to know for certain.

Osseointegration is the biological process by which the jawbone grows into and fuses with the titanium surface of the implant post — forming a permanent, stable bond between the implant and the bone. This process takes three to six months because it involves genuine bone remodeling at a cellular level — the body is not being rushed; it is doing what it does naturally, just at its own pace. The strength and permanence of the final implant-bone bond is precisely what makes dental implants so durable — and that bond cannot be artificially accelerated without compromising its quality.

Peri-implantitis is an inflammatory condition — similar to gum disease — that affects the tissues surrounding a dental implant. It is caused by bacterial plaque accumulation and, if untreated, leads to progressive bone loss around the implant and can ultimately cause implant failure. The best prevention is consistent oral hygiene around the implant — brushing twice daily, flossing or water-flossing around the implant daily — combined with regular professional maintenance visits at Smile Era Dental. Early detection at routine appointments allows us to address any inflammation before it progresses.

Caring for a dental implant is very similar to caring for a natural tooth. Brush twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush, paying attention to the gumline around the implant crown. Floss daily using implant-specific floss, a floss threader, or a water flosser — all of which effectively clean the area between the implant crown and the gum tissue. Interdental brushes are also excellent for cleaning around implant components. Regular professional cleanings at Smile Era Dental using implant-safe instruments are also essential.

For most patients, a dental implant is the superior long-term solution — it preserves the jawbone, does not require alteration of neighboring teeth, lasts significantly longer, and functions most like a natural tooth. A bridge, however, is faster, less invasive, and generally less expensive upfront — making it an appropriate choice for patients who are not implant candidates or who prioritize a quicker, more economical solution. At Smile Era Dental, Dr. Philip and Dr. Thomas will discuss both options honestly during your consultation and help you make the decision that best fits your clinical situation, timeline, and budget.

Coverage for dental implants varies significantly between plans. Some PPO plans provide partial coverage for implant-related components — such as the crown placed on the implant — while coverage for the implant post and surgical placement is often limited or excluded. At Smile Era Dental, our team will verify your specific benefits in detail and provide a transparent cost breakdown before treatment begins. Call us at 773-594-0655 with any questions about your insurance coverage or out-of-pocket costs.

New Patients & Emergency Appointments Are Welcome

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