If you have a lost tooth or multiple missing teeth, you may be able to replace them with a dental implant-secured dental restoration. Teeth implants can support dental crowns, dentures, and dental bridges to deliver a more stable and comfortable smile. Dr. Ben Ahlbrecht offers dental implants in Indianapolis, IN. This restorative dentistry solution is an effective option for patients who would like to restore their smile with the most natural function and aesthetics after tooth loss.
Why Choose Dental Implants?
Implants offer many benefits to patients:
- Restore damaged or decayed teeth
- Restore normal chewing and biting ability
- Have no dietary restrictions
- Are a conservative treatment option
- Prevent other teeth from shifting out of alignment over time
- Reduce the risk of gum infection and tooth decay
- Prevent further jaw bone loss
- Have a long-term success rate of 90-95%
Most dental implant patients enjoy their tooth replacements for life with no need for future replacement or repair. As an additional plus, the crown that caps off the implant looks and feels natural. Because of this, many patients forget that they have one or more dental implants.
Pre-Implant Procedures
There are a few procedures that can address concerns regarding the condition or stability of your bone and soft tissues prior to placing a dental implant. It is possible to augment areas of lost bone allowing more people to qualify for dental implants and enjoy a successful result.
Our dentist in Indianapolis, IN will work with a local specialist as needed to help you establish a healthy and stable oral foundation for placing one or more dental implants.
Bone Grafting
Patients who are not typical candidates for dental implants can benefit from a bone graft. Dental implants rely on bone tissue to support the titanium post. However, patients who have lost one or more teeth may not have tooth roots or enough healthy bone tissue. Some patients will need a bone graft procedure to prepare for a new restoration. This includes dental implants or an implant-secured bridge or denture.
There are different types of bone grafts. Your dentist may perform it after a tooth extraction to prevent jawbone atrophy and maintain the shape of the jawbone. Other grafting methods may reduce bone loss by transferring bone from the lower jaw.
Sinus Lift
A sinus lift may be necessary for some patients to create enough supporting bone to allow implant placement. The surgeon can perform this procedure using local anesthesia, nitrous oxide, and oral sedation. During treatment, your oral surgeon exposes the bone adjacent to the sinus so he can make a small opening. Then they gently move the membrane lining to make room for bone grafting material. After they place the graft, the incision is closed with sutures. A sinus lift can sometimes be completed in conjunction with the implant procedure.
The Dental Implant Procedure at North Meridian Dental Excellence
Prior to treatment, Dr. Ahlbrecht will conduct a full dental health exam. This is to determine if you are a good candidate for dental implants and the current state of your oral health. If you qualify for dental implants, Dr. Ahlbrecht will create a treatment plan to replace your missing teeth. It will include the number of tooth implants and their sizes, where they will go, the type of advanced dental restoration you will need, etc. Dr. Ahlbrecht works with top local specialists to perform the surgical phase of the implant process. After the implantation, he will follow up with you to monitor your healing. During this time, he will begin preparing your final dental restoration.
Implant fixtures require about three to six months of healing time. During this time, they will fuse with the surrounding jawbone. After that, the next step is to secure the abutments, or metal posts, to the implants. The last step in the process is to attach your custom dental restoration. This will be a custom porcelain crown if you are missing one tooth. If you are missing multiple teeth or a full arch of teeth, your dentist will secure a dental bridge or a denture. If a denture is being placed, we may work with you to complete all phases of treatment during one day using a process known as All-on-four.
All-on-four dental implants rely on advanced diagnostics and treatment planning. This can include tooth extractions, implant placements, and the attachment of a hybrid denture in one day of coordinated care.
FAQs
Do tooth implants feel like real teeth?
A dental implant restoration will feel and look like your natural teeth. Since the implants act as teeth roots, your new restoration will be very stable and durable. Your restoration will not shift around, causing slurred speech, or feel overly bulky like other types of replacement teeth.
How long does a tooth implant last?
A dental implant is a permanent solution for a missing tooth. If it is put in place properly and you practice good oral hygiene, it can last a lifetime. It is very important to visit your dentist every six months for routine dental health. Here, the dentist can make sure your implants are okay.
Do you leave tooth implants in all the time?
Once your dentist places your dental implants, you cannot take them out. The implant fixtures will fuse with the surrounding bone. You will not need to remove them for cleaning or any reason.
How many tooth implants will I need?
This depends on how many teeth you are missing and the type of restoration you need. A single missing tooth only requires one dental implant to secure a dental crown. However, if you are missing several or all of your teeth, you will need multiple dental implants. You need at least two implant fixtures to secure a dental bridge and a denture.
How do dental implants prevent bone loss?
When a tooth implant is inserted into the jaw bone, it acts as a tooth root. Tooth roots and dental implants provide enough stimulation to the bone for it to regenerate. Without a root or an implant, the bone will slowly deteriorate.
Schedule a dental exam at our Indianapolis office today. Call North Meridian Dental Excellence today at 317.204.7134. You can also schedule a consultation with one of our dentists on our website.