Dental Implants in Greenfield, IN
Our smile can be one of our best qualities, but missing or damaged teeth can leave us feeling shy or like we need to cover our mouth before smiling or laughing.
At Cornerstone Dental Arts, we know how important it is to feel good about your teeth, and that’s why we’re so proud of the dental implant procedure we can offer you here. From start to finish, the entire process takes place in our Greenfield dentist’s office, using state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment to ensure the best fit and placement of your tooth implants.
What are Dental Implants?
When you hear “dental implant,” you probably think of the artificial tooth you’ll see in place of your missing tooth. And that’s how the term is often used. But technically, a dental implant refers to the artificial root that will be implanted in your jaw. After that is when a replacement tooth, such as a dental crown, is secured to the implant.
Once complete, a dental implant replaces both the root and the tooth for a result that will look and feel like your natural teeth.
Dental implants come in several forms:
Single tooth replacement
A dental implant may replace a single missing tooth with a dental crown placed on the implant.
Replacing multiple teeth
Dental implants may replace multiple teeth, sometimes with an implant-secured dental bridge.
A full arch of teeth
Implants may replace a full arch of teeth with the implants functioning as the base and the removable implant dentures snapping onto them.
Benefits of Tooth Implants
Dental implants are durable tooth replacements that provide a long-lasting solution. Because of the strength of the artificial tooth and how secure the implant becomes once healed, dental implants will look and feel like your natural teeth.
A dental implant doesn’t require any specialized care; you simply brush and floss your teeth as usual.
Because a dental implant replaces the root of the missing tooth, it helps preserve the jawbone. Not only will an implant help prevent further bone loss, but new, healthy bone will also grow around the implant.
The Dental Implant Process
At Cornerstone Dental Arts, we will perform the entire implant procedure from diagnosis to placing the implants to placing the dental crown, dental bridge, or denture right here in our Greenfield, IN, office.
The dental implant process includes multiple steps over several months, and you will appreciate the consistency of care provided by our expert team.
- The process begins with Dr. Neeb, DDS, evaluating your overall dental health and assessing your jawbone’s ability to support implants.
- If necessary, we will perform a bone graft or sinus lift.
- Next, the dental implant is placed. A little while later you may receive a temporary crown or denture.
- The bone is allowed time to heal and grow around the implant, the way it would around a natural tooth’s root.
- Finally, your artificial teeth are fixed in place to the implant.
The Cornerstone Dental Arts Difference
At Cornerstone Dental Arts, you benefit from our state-of-the-art tools, including cone beam computer tomography. This tool gives us a full understanding of your tooth and bone positioning to determine the best placement for the implants. (Don’t worry, just like an X-Ray, the process is painless.)
Comparing Tooth Implants to Other Teeth Replacement Options
Flipper
A flipper (or partial denture) is only a temporary fix for a missing tooth and must be removed before sleep each night.
Dental Bridge
Dental bridges may require modifying healthy teeth to create attachment points for the bridge, whereas a dental implant does not impact the healthy teeth surrounding it.
Unlike an implant, a dental bridge may still allow an area of the jawbone to deteriorate.
The teeth the bridge is attached to may also suffer from tooth decay, requiring additional dental work or replacement.
Traditional dentures
Traditional dentures can slip and require special care. They generally do not last as long as implants.
Like a dental bridge, traditional dentures do not prevent additional bone loss the way dental implants do.
Leaving a missing tooth
While it may be tempting to ignore a missing tooth, this can be detrimental to your health. In addition to the cosmetic impact, a missing tooth may cause problems, including difficulty chewing and even implications for your speech.
When you’re missing a tooth, it can force your other teeth to work harder, leading to additional stress and possible damage. Leaving a space in your mouth can also lead to your other teeth shifting their positions. Over time, missing teeth can contribute to bone loss.
Am I a Candidate for Implant Dentistry?
Our dentists will work with you to help you decide if implant dentistry is the right choice for you.
Ideal candidates for implant dentistry:
- Are adults, so their jawbones are fully mature
- Have good overall health
- Have healthy gums, free of periodontal disease
- Have enough healthy jawbone to support implants
Some people may need additional preparation to become a candidate for implants. If this is your situation, Cornerstone Dental Arts can help. Our dentists can perform bone grafts or sinus lifts if there isn’t already enough bone to support implants.
How Much Do Dental Implants Cost?
Your dental health is essential to your overall health and wellbeing.
Ignoring the problem of missing teeth can become costly over time in terms of your health, self-esteem, and future dental care options.
A missing tooth or teeth can wreak havoc on your mouth when left untreated. Your other teeth may shift, causing everything from cosmetic issues to difficulty chewing. You can also experience bone loss in the area of the missing tooth, which over time can affect your appearance. This bone loss can also make it challenging to get implants later, potentially reducing your dental healthcare options.
Without a comprehensive solution, you may face years of discomfort and worsening dental health.
Dental implants are a long-term solution to the problem of missing teeth and should be considered an investment in your dental health rather than a quick fix.
While it may be tempting to choose a less expensive option in the short term, remember that some of those less costly options, such as traditional dentures or dental bridges, will not last as long as implants. When well cared for, implants can last a lifetime. Dentures or bridges are not permanent solutions and may need to be repaired or replaced in as little as 5-10 years.
Dental implants are a highly customized procedure. The overall cost will depend on the amount of preparatory work required and how many implants are needed.
Let us answer all of your questions about implants, including potential costs for your situation, during a consultation. Get in touch with us today.
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