Dental implants serve as titanium replacements of the natural tooth's anchoring roots. Dental implants are successful replacing missing teeth by mimicking nature as closely as possible.
Dental implants serve as titanium replacements of the natural tooth's anchoring roots. Dental implants are successful replacing missing teeth by mimicking nature as closely as possible.
Dental implants are designed to provide a strong foundation for replacement teeth that feel, look, and function like your natural teeth. If you have lost teeth you regain the ability to eat virtually anything you wish and you can smile with confidence, knowing that your teeth appear natural and that your facial contours will be preserved. The implants are small titanium posts that are surgically placed where teeth are missing. Your jawbone grows around the titanium, creating a secure foundation for replacement teeth. In addition, dental implants will help preserve your facial structure and prevent bone atrophy which occurs when teeth are missing.
At Implant Dentistry and Periodontics, we offer a wide assortment of periodontal and dental implant services which certainly include a variety of dental implant options. Our compassionate and caring team concentrates on a team goal of providing to you the absolute best quality for your healthy smile. We will work together in a peaceful, relaxed environment, and are dedicated to engaging your dental care as an especially important partner on your health team. If you would like to have an evaluation about the benefits of a dental implant, call our Indianapolis office at 317-574-0600 or our Fishers office at 317-842-2273 to schedule your appointment today.
The Benefits of Dental Implants
There are many benefits to having dental implants. The most important benefit related to dental implants is one you cannot even see and that is they preserve the natural integrity of your jaw. Also, by filling in the gaps where your teeth are missing, you can prevent other issues from developing. If left untreated long enough, large spaces will allow for the adjacent teeth to move, resulting in new gaps between other remaining teeth, and changes in the bite pattern. Dental implants will also improve your overall aesthetic appearance and return the self-confidence that comes with a healthy smile. Dental implants allow for the continuation of normal oral hygiene habits such as brushing and flossing. Here are a few benefits of dental implants:
- Maintains the integrity of jawbone density after tooth loss.
- Preserves the health of the adjacent teeth since there is no need for their support for a dental bridge.
- Replaces loose-fitting dentures or bridges.
- Distributes bite forces evenly throughout the mouth.
- They function and feel like natural teeth as the artificial root delivers pressure and temperature sensations.
- Improves your talking and speaking ability.
- Improves facial appearance by preventing sagging.
Are You a Candidate for a Dental Implant?
Losing a tooth can certainly be devastating, not only because it affects the perception of your smile, but also because it can lead to other problems that may affect your overall oral health. It is extremely important to replace missing teeth with dental implants sooner versus later to prevent health consequences such as:
- Jawbone atrophy and the deterioration of the bone
- The shifting and drifting of the neighboring teeth in the gap
- Alteration in the bite and alignment issues because of shifting teeth
- Jaw joint problems
- Difficulty in chewing and speaking properly
- Added stress on the remaining natural teeth
At Implant Dentistry and Periodontics, we offer a wide range of periodontal and dental implant services. Our caring and compassionate team has one collective priority and that is your smile.
Contact Our Team Today
The Dental Implant Placement Procedure
It usually takes several visits to Implant Dentistry and Periodontics and several months to complete the dental implant process. The process will begin with an evaluation when we will determine if dental implants are the best restoration option for you. We will focus primarily on evaluating what type of damage or decay your teeth have and if teeth will need to be extracted. After this has been determined, we will then perform an examination of your jawbone to make sure that the bone and structural integrity are strong enough to support an implant.
If your jawbone is not be strong enough, we will suggest a dental bone graft. Bone grafting has a high success rate and then provides the sufficient bone density to support a dental implant successfully. Here are the steps.
- Planning stage: This is the most important part of the process. A carefully thought-out treatment plan can be the difference between success and failure. Sometimes it may require us to use specialized imaging to visualize your bone condition and 3-D scanning to ensure precise post placement.
- Implant placement: Implant Dentistry and Periodontics will surgically place the dental implant in the ideal spot to allow the bone to grow around the implant.
- Healing: The jawbone around the dental implant will grow and integrate with the new titanium implant in a matter of a few short months.
- Temporary restoration: If the dental implant is in a visible area, we will place a temporary restoration for aesthetic purposes while the site heals.
- Abutment placement: When healing is complete, the dental implant abutment or extension is placed to connect the dental implant to the porcelain crown.
- Porcelain crown: Once our dental lab fabricates the new porcelain crown to exact specifications, we bond the crown to the abutment. That is the final step, and you are good to go.
Suggestions on Dental Implant Aftercare
The initial healing process after your dental implant placement may take a few weeks, so it is beneficial to stick to a diet of softer foods, and then gradually introduce harder foods into your diet. As your discomfort subsides, you can gradually return to your normal eating habits.
Once you are completely recovered, the most important thing is to continue to practice good oral hygiene habits and take care of your dental implants. Maintaining these consistent oral hygiene habits is essential to preventing any additional disease from developing. Be sure to brush twice daily for at least two minutes each time you brush. Continue regular flossing habits and consider introducing an antimicrobial mouth rinse into your routine.
Along with these at-home habits, it is also important that you continue scheduling checkups at Implant Dentistry and Periodontics. Visiting us twice a year will allow us to conduct deep cleanings and monitor the overall state of your oral health, practicing preventative dentistry.
Earning your Trust with High Quality Periodontal Care
When you visit the caring team at Implant Dentistry and Periodontics, you will be engaged with a very professional yet friendly staff that has the most advanced dental technology at our disposal. We are considerate and thoughtful when it comes to listening to your dental goals, and we will design personalized treatment plans for you that works within your budget and desires. Our team is focused on adding value back into that special personal asset, your smile, so every one of our dental services are performed with your best interests and oral health in mind.
At Implant Dentistry and Periodontics, we hope you will always feel relaxed, comfortable, and restful in our clinic, and to always feel confident in our abilities and services. Scheduling an appointment for a potential dental implant is an important first step towards being proactive in your oral health and regaining your healthy smile. To schedule an appointment, call our Indianapolis office, 8801 North Meridian St., Ste 103, Indianapolis, at 317-574-0600 or our Fishers office, 9885 E. 116th St, Ste 300, Fishers, at 317-842-2273.