SPECIALIST-LED DENTAL IMPLANTS IN SKOKIE

Dental Implants, Thoughtfully Planned Around You.

Led by Dr. Scott Drucker, a board-certified periodontist and implant surgeon, our team coordinates surgical and restorative care to create a personalized plan for your smile.

Dr. Scott Drucker reviewing dental images with a patient at Crown Dental Club

Begin with what is missing

What Are You Trying to Replace?

An implant is a small anchor placed in the jaw. For one missing tooth, it supports a replacement tooth called a crown. For several missing teeth, implants can support a bridge or a full set of replacement teeth.

01One Tooth

A Single Implant & Crown

One Replacement Tooth

Illustration of a single implant crown between two intact natural teeth

For a missing front tooth or molar, one implant can support a crown, the visible part you bite with. It replaces the missing tooth without shaving down neighboring teeth to use as supports.

02Several Teeth

An Implant-Supported Bridge

Connected Set of Replacement Teeth

Illustration of a three-tooth bridge supported by two implants, with no implant beneath the middle tooth

When several teeth in a row are missing, implants can support a bridge across the gap. You may not need an implant for every tooth; separate implants and crowns may suit other spaces.

03Most or All Teeth

Two approaches: removable or fixed

A Removable Implant Denture

Removable · You take it out to clean

Illustration of a removable lower overdenture lifted above four implant attachments

Also called an overdenture, this option connects to implants for added stability. You remove it daily for cleaning. It is designed specifically for your needs.

Fixed Full-Arch Teeth

Fixed · Removed by your dental team

Frontal illustration of a fixed upper full-arch tooth-only bridge supported by six implants

A full upper or lower set of teeth attaches to several implants. It stays in place permanently; only your dental team removes it when needed. Often called All-on-4 or All-on-X, this approach uses the number of implants your anatomy and restoration require.

Explore All-on-4 & All-on-X →

The right choice starts with what can be preserved, the available bone and gums, your bite, and your preferences for fixed or removable teeth.

Before a tooth is removed

Sometimes an Implant Can Be Placed the Same Day.

When a tooth cannot be saved, we plan its removal and replacement together. Some sites allow an implant right away; others need healing or bone grafting first.

Placing the implant and choosing your temporary tooth are separate decisions. Here is how they fit together.

THE FOUNDATION

Immediate Implant

An implant is placed at the same visit the tooth is removed. This depends on the bone available after extraction and whether the site is suitable.

Immediate placement does not automatically mean a temporary crown can be attached that day.

FIXED DURING HEALING

Immediate Attached Temporary Crown

When the new implant is stable enough in the bone and conditions allow, we screw a temporary crown directly onto it.

It stays in place, so there is nothing to put in or take out each day. You will still need to follow eating and hygiene instructions while the implant heals.

REMOVABLE DURING HEALING

Immediate Removable Temporary

We plan ahead so you can leave with a full smile, even when a temporary crown cannot be attached to the implant.

Options include a flipper—a small removable denture—or a clear retainer with replacement teeth built in. The clear option looks like an aligner over a full set of teeth when worn.

After Healing

Final Restorations

Once the implant and surrounding tissues have healed, we deliver your final crown, bridge or other replacement teeth, checking their fit, appearance and bite.

A foundation for your replacement teeth

What If There Is Not Enough Bone Or Gum Tissue?

Not every implant needs a bone graft. We start with the planned position of your replacement teeth, then assess whether the bone and gum tissue can support that plan. If more support is needed, site development means preparing that foundation before or during implant treatment.

Bone Grafting

Graft material can help maintain or rebuild bone in an area where a tooth is missing or being removed. It also may be necessary at the time of implant placement.

Ridge Augmentation

Rebuilding the width or height of the jaw ridge may create room for a planned implant.

Sinus Augmentation

In the upper back jaw, a sinus lift can create space to develop bone beneath the sinus. Sometimes the sinus lift can be completed at the time of implant placement, and other times it requires its own procedure prior to implant placement.

Gum Grafting

Healthy gum tissue helps support healthy implants. If there is not enough tissue around a planned or existing implant, we may recommend gum grafting to support its long-term health.

Learn about Crown’s surgical care →

Preserve first. Plan together.

The Goal Isn’t Simply to Place an Implant.

First, we consider whether your natural teeth can predictably be maintained. When an implant is appropriate, we plan the surgery and the replacement teeth together.

Implant position, bone and gums, bite, appearance, and access for cleaning all shape the plan. Your general and restorative dentists coordinate with our specialists as your care requires.

Dr. Scott Drucker

Dr. Scott Drucker

Periodontist & implant surgeon
Planning and care for the implants, bone and gum tissue that support your replacement teeth.

Dr. Paul Sung

Dr. Paul Sung

Prosthodontist
A specialist in designing, restoring, and replacing teeth, with attention to their fit, appearance, bite and everyday function.

Dr. Jennifer Mullarkey

Dr. Jennifer Mullarkey

General dentist
Experienced in restorative and cosmetic dentistry, with a focus on comfort, clear communication, and care tailored to your smile.

Dr. Michael Levi

Dr. Michael Levi

General dentist
Comprehensive dental care with a focus on overall health and everyday function.

A clear sequence

How Implant Treatment Works

01

Understand

We discuss your goals and examine your teeth and gums. CBCT imaging gives a three-dimensional view of the jaw, while TRIOS digital scans record your teeth and bite.

02

Plan

Decide what to preserve or replace, whether grafting is needed, and whether immediate or staged treatment fits. Design the replacement teeth alongside the implant positions.

03

Place & Heal

Place the implants and allow the bone and tissues to heal. A temporary replacement is provided when appropriate, with instructions for eating, cleaning and follow-up.

04

Restore

Fit the final crown, bridge, overdenture or full-arch teeth. Review your bite and cleaning routine, then continue regular professional maintenance.

Cost & Timing

A Personalized Treatment Estimate

Your treatment plan determines your cost. We’ll provide a personalized estimate that includes any necessary extractions, implants, grafting, temporary restorations, and final replacement teeth—and review the plan and fees with you before you decide.

How Long Will It Take?

Timing depends on your starting point. Extractions, grafting and healing may add stages; immediate placement may combine some visits.

Implants generally need several months to heal in the bone. We will explain what you can expect to wear during that time and when your final teeth may be ready.

Replacing a full upper or lower arch? Explore the full-arch pathway →

Common questions, clear answers

Dental Implant FAQs

How much does a dental implant cost?
The fee depends on the whole treatment: the implant, the connector and crown or other replacement teeth, plus any extraction, bone or gum treatment. Ask for a written estimate that identifies what is included. A single tooth, an implant bridge and a full arch are different plans; one advertised implant price does not describe them all.
Can an implant be placed the same day a tooth is removed?
Sometimes. Immediate placement means putting the implant into the site at the extraction visit. It depends on the bone, gum tissue, infection, implant stability and the planned tooth. Healing or grafting first may be more appropriate.
Can I have a temporary tooth while the implant heals?
Often there is a temporary option, but it may be removable or supported separately from the implant. A temporary tooth attached directly to a new implant is appropriate only in selected situations. We will discuss appearance, function and any eating restrictions before treatment.
Do I need one implant for every missing tooth?
Not always. Several missing teeth may be replaced with an implant-supported bridge: a connected set of replacement teeth held by implants. The number and position of implants depend on the length of the gap, bone, bite and restoration design.
What if I do not have enough bone?
The amount and location of bone matter more than a general label of “bone loss.” Three-dimensional imaging helps us assess the proposed implant sites. Bone grafting, ridge augmentation or a sinus lift may help in some cases; the need and timing depend on the final treatment plan.
What are my options if most or all of my teeth are failing?
First, we assess which teeth can predictably be maintained. Options may include saving selected teeth, replacing individual areas, an implant-supported removable denture, or fixed full-arch teeth. Explore All-on-4 and All-on-X care for a closer look at the fixed option.
Are implants permanent, and how long do they last?
Implants are intended for long-term use, but they are not guaranteed to last a lifetime. Gum and bone health, home care, smoking, bite forces and regular professional maintenance affect their outlook. The crown, bridge or denture can also wear and may need repair or replacement.
Will insurance help with implant treatment?
Coverage varies by plan and by the procedures involved. Our team can help review your benefits and explain the expected patient portion before treatment. A benefit estimate is not a guarantee of payment.
Reception at Crown Dental Club

Your next step

Start by Understanding Your Options.

Whether you are replacing one tooth or considering a larger plan, the first step is a conversation and a careful evaluation.

Request an Implant ConsultationOr call (224) 724-8600

Considering a Full Set of Fixed Teeth?

Explore the treatment, team and planning behind Crown’s full-arch care.

Explore All-on-4 & All-on-X →

Your implant consultation

Request an Implant Consultation

Tell us what you would like help with—even if you are not sure which treatment fits. Our team will contact you to arrange your consultation.

Submitting an inquiry does not commit you to treatment. Please do not include private medical information in the message field.

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