Frequently Asked Questions

Find your question.

Tap any category to jump to that section. All answers are reviewed and approved by Dr. Advani.

About the Practice

Who we are, where we're located, what makes us different

• What makes the Advani Implant Institute different from other dental practices?+

  Three things: our hospital-based location inside Ascension Alexian Brothers Medical Center, our specialization in advanced atrophic-jaw and full-arch implant cases, and our use of X-Nav dynamic surgical navigation as the default approach. Most general dental practices place a few implants per month — Dr. Advani performs implant surgery weekly and teaches these techniques to other dentists nationally through the Institute's CE program.
• Where exactly are you located?+

  Inside Ascension Alexian Brothers Medical Center at 800 Biesterfield Road, Eberle Medical Building, Suite 660, Elk Grove Village, IL 60007. About 30 minutes from O'Hare International Airport. Free patient parking is available in the medical building.
• Are you accepting new patients?+

  Yes. We're actively accepting new patients for implant consultations. Initial consultations are complimentary and typically scheduled within 1–2 weeks of the request. Urgent cases (acute pain, fractured implants, infection) are accommodated same-day or next-day when possible — call directly for these.
• Do I need a referral from my dentist to come here?+

  No. While we work closely with referring general dentists, you can self-refer at any time. Many patients come to us directly after researching options. Some patients are referred by their general dentist for complex cases — we coordinate care with the referring office throughout treatment.
• Can my regular dentist still see me for cleanings and routine care?+

  Yes — and we encourage it. The Advani Implant Institute focuses on surgical implant procedures and complex cases. Routine cleanings, preventive care, and general dentistry are best handled by your existing general dentist. We provide the surgical care; your regular dentist handles ongoing maintenance.

About Dr. Advani

Credentials, training, and surgical experience

• What are Dr. Advani's credentials?+

  Dr. Vishal Advani earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) from Columbia University College of Dental Medicine — one of the most rigorous Ivy League dental programs. He holds dual undergraduate degrees from the University of Hartford (B.S. Biology, B.A. Chemistry, highest honors). He is an Associate Fellow of the American Academy of Implant Dentistry (AAID) and a Diplomate Candidate of the American Board of Oral Implantology / Implant Dentistry (ABOI/ID). He has over 15 years of practice experience and 1,000+ hours of advanced continuing education in implantology.
• How many implants has Dr. Advani placed?+

  Dr. Advani has placed over 1,000 dental implants across more than 15 years of practice. The volume of complex cases he sees each week is part of why his outcomes for atrophic-jaw and full-arch reconstruction patients are so consistent. Surgical fluency is a function of repetition combined with deliberate technique refinement.
• Does Dr. Advani teach other dentists?+

  Yes. The Advani Implant Institute hosts a small-group continuing education (CE) course series for general dentists who want to learn full-arch surgery, X-Nav dynamic navigation, and biological tissue preservation techniques. Live patients (often the attending dentist's own patient) are treated under Dr. Advani's direct supervision. The discipline of teaching forces continuous improvement — every patient benefits.
• Is Dr. Advani's spouse also a dentist?+

  Yes — Dr. Shivani Desai Advani is also a practicing dentist. Both serve the Elk Grove Village community.

About the Procedures

What we do, who's a candidate, what to expect

• What's the difference between All-on-4 and All-on-X?+

  All-on-4 is the most common configuration: four implants supporting an entire arch of teeth. All-on-X is the broader category — the same concept, but with whatever number of implants is right for your specific anatomy (could be 4, 5, 6, or more). At our practice, the surgical plan is determined by your CBCT scan and bone quality — not by a one-size-fits-all template.
• How long does the implant healing process take?+

  Most implant cases follow a 3–6 month osseointegration timeline — meaning the implant fuses with your jawbone before the final permanent restoration is placed. During this period, you wear a fully functional provisional. Some atrophic-jaw cases with pterygoid or trans-sinus implants integrate faster due to the dense bone they engage. Single implants typically take 3–4 months.
• Will I have teeth the same day as surgery?+

  In most full-arch cases, yes. Your implants are placed and a provisional fixed bridge is delivered the same surgical visit — you walk out with a complete smile. The provisional functions like real teeth and remains in place during the 3–6 month healing window. Your final permanent prosthesis is delivered once integration is complete.
• How long do dental implants last?+

  The implant itself is designed to last a lifetime — most properly placed implants are still functioning 20+ years later in published clinical studies. The visible prosthesis (crown or bridge) typically lasts 10–20 years and may eventually need replacement, but the implant remains in place. Long-term success depends on routine maintenance and good oral hygiene.
• I was told I don't have enough bone for implants. Are you sure I'm a candidate?+

  Most patients told they aren't candidates by other practices actually are candidates here. The reason is technique: we offer pterygoid implants, trans-sinus placement, palatal approach, nasal/piriform anchorage, and other advanced techniques most general dentists aren't trained in. These reach native bone in different anatomical regions when the alveolar ridge has resorbed. A CBCT scan at consultation tells us exactly what's possible for your specific anatomy.
• What's the difference between a single implant and a bridge?+

  An implant replaces only the missing tooth and doesn't require touching adjacent teeth. A bridge requires reducing two healthy neighboring teeth to support the missing one. Bridges typically need replacement every 10–15 years; implants are designed to last a lifetime. For most patients with healthy adjacent teeth, an implant is the better long-term investment.
• Do you do wisdom teeth extractions?+

  Yes. Dr. Advani performs wisdom teeth extraction including impacted third molars under IV sedation when appropriate. Schedule a consultation to discuss your specific situation.

About Sedation & Safety

How sedation works, who monitors you, and why hospital-based matters

• Will I feel anything during my procedure?+

  No. Local anesthesia is used at every surgical visit to ensure complete absence of pain. For more complex procedures (full-arch, atrophic-jaw cases, or any patient who prefers it), we add IV moderate conscious sedation — meaning you're deeply relaxed, asleep through the surgery, and have no memory of it afterward. The combination of local anesthesia and IV sedation makes the experience genuinely comfortable.
• Who monitors me during sedation?+

  Monitoring is performed by Dr. Advani together with a Surgical RN and IV-certified clinical staff throughout the entire procedure — multiple sets of trained eyes on your vital signs at all times. For medically complex cases (significant cardiac, respiratory, or neurological history), a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) with extensive hospital, OR, and ICU experience is added to the surgical team for additional monitoring.
• Is IV sedation safe?+

  When properly administered with appropriate monitoring, IV moderate sedation has an excellent safety profile. Our setup — hospital-based location, multiple trained personnel monitoring throughout, immediate access to crash cart and reversal agents, optional CRNA for medically complex cases — exceeds the safety standards of typical office-based sedation. The risk profile is comparable to standard outpatient surgical procedures.
• Will I be unconscious during my procedure?+

  IV moderate conscious sedation isn't technically 'unconscious' — you can respond to verbal cues if needed. Practically, however, most patients sleep deeply and have complete amnesia of the procedure. You'll feel like you went to sleep and woke up, with no memory of what happened in between.
• How long until I can drive after IV sedation?+

  You cannot drive yourself home after IV sedation. A driver is required. Most patients are alert enough to walk independently within an hour of the procedure ending, but the sedation effects (some drowsiness, mild memory effects) continue for 12–24 hours. Plan to rest at home for the remainder of the day.

About Cost & Insurance

Pricing, financing, what insurance covers

• How much does treatment actually cost?+

  Single implants start at $3,500. Single-arch All-on-X is $16,985 (or $295–$425/month financed). Both arches together are $30,000–$32,000 (or $625–$755/month financed). All pricing is all-inclusive — no surprise add-ons. Full pricing details on our Financing page →
• Is the consultation really free?+

  Yes. Your initial implant consultation is complimentary and includes a CBCT 3D scan, examination by Dr. Advani, review of treatment options, and a written treatment plan with itemized pricing. There's no obligation to proceed. Many patients take the plan home, compare it elsewhere, and return when ready.
• Does insurance cover dental implants?+

  Most dental insurance covers a portion of implant treatment (typically 50% up to your annual maximum, which is usually $1,000–$3,000). Some plans exclude implants entirely. We verify your specific coverage in advance and apply benefits directly. Medical insurance sometimes covers IV sedation when medically necessary — we check this too.
• What financing options are available?+

  We work with three financing partners: CareCredit (0% interest plans available), Cherry (higher approval rates, flexible terms), and Proceed Finance (extended terms up to 84 months). Most patients qualify with at least one. HSA and FSA funds are also eligible for implant treatment.
• Why are large implant centers so much more expensive?+

  Many large national chains advertise low entry prices but add costs as treatment progresses — sedation, prosthesis upgrades, follow-up visits, 'complications.' Our pricing is all-inclusive: the quoted number is the actual total. Compare detailed treatment plans, not headline numbers — we're often substantially less expensive once everything is added up.

About the Consultation

What happens at your first visit

• What happens at the consultation?+

  You'll meet Dr. Advani, complete a detailed medical history, undergo a clinical examination, and receive a 3D CBCT scan that shows your bone, anatomy, and any pathology. Dr. Advani reviews everything with you on screen, explains your specific situation, and walks through your treatment options. You leave with a written treatment plan and itemized pricing.
• How long is the consultation?+

  Plan for 60–90 minutes. We don't rush — the consultation is the most important step in the entire treatment process. Patients regularly tell us this is the first time a dentist has actually explained what's going on in their mouth, why, and what the options actually are.
• Is there pressure to move forward immediately?+

  No. We never use high-pressure sales tactics. Patients regularly take their treatment plan home, compare it to other consultations, research their options, and return when ready. Some patients take weeks or months to decide. Some come back years later. The complimentary consultation is genuinely no-obligation.
• What should I bring to the consultation?+

  Photo ID, dental insurance card if you have one, a list of current medications, and any recent dental records or X-rays from previous providers (helpful but not required — we'll capture our own CBCT). If you have specific questions written down in advance, bring that list — it ensures nothing important gets forgotten during the appointment.
• Will I get a treatment plan the same day?+

  Yes. You leave the consultation with a written treatment plan, pricing breakdown, and financing options reviewed for your specific situation. Most patients also leave with insurance verification completed. There's no waiting period or follow-up call required to know what your treatment will look like.

Logistics & Travel

Hours, parking, traveling for treatment

• What are your hours?+

  Monday 9 AM – 6 PM, Tuesday 9 AM – 7 PM, Wednesday 9 AM – 5 PM, Thursday 9 AM – 7 PM, Friday 9 AM – 2:30 PM. Closed Saturday and Sunday. Phone hours match office hours. After-hours emergency contact information is provided to active surgical patients.
• Where do I park?+

  Free patient parking is available in the Eberle Medical Building parking structure connected to the office. Suite 660 is on the sixth floor — elevators are easy to find from the main entrance.
• I'm traveling from out of town. What should I plan for?+

  Many patients travel from across Illinois and the broader Midwest for treatment. We're 30 minutes from O'Hare International Airport. For full-arch surgery, we recommend planning a 2-night stay near the practice — surgery day plus one recovery day before traveling home. Multiple hotels within a 5-minute drive are appropriate. We can recommend specific hotels at consultation.
• Do you offer Spanish-language treatment?+

  Several team members speak conversational Spanish. For complex consultations or detailed treatment planning where language nuance matters, please request a Spanish-speaking team member when you book — we can accommodate with appropriate scheduling.