Missing a tooth? We have the permanent solution that feels like your own.
Are you tired of dealing with a gap in your smile? Maybe it makes you self-conscious, or it’s hard to eat your favorite foods. At Hardin Cosmetic and Family Dentistry in Indianapolis, we want you to know there’s a better option.
Dental implants are a modern way to replace missing teeth for good. They don’t just sit on top of your gums. They actually become a permanent part of your smile, working and feeling just like the teeth you were born with. Dr. Chris Hardin provides dental implant services along with other restorative dental treatments that replace missing teeth in Indianapolis.
Dental Implants in Indianapolis, IN
An implant is like a tiny, super-strong titanium post that Dr. Chris Hardin gently places in your jawbone. Over a few months, your own bone grows tightly around it in a natural process called osseointegration. Once it’s secure, we attach a beautiful, custom-made crown on top that’s made to match your other teeth perfectly. The result is a complete tooth that’s fixed in place, so no slipping or fuss.
We Have a Solution for Every Smile
No matter how many teeth you’re missing, we have an implant option designed for your situation. The types of dental implants we can offer include:
- A Single-Tooth Implant for One Missing Tooth: It fills the gap without needing to alter or put crowns on the healthy teeth next to it.
- An Implant-Supported Bridge for Several Missing Teeth in a Row: It uses just a few implant posts to hold a bridge of replacement teeth. It’s much more stable than a traditional bridge and protects your natural teeth.
- Implant-Retained Dentures for Many or All Missing Teeth: They’re a game-changer! A few implants can securely anchor a full denture, so you can talk, laugh, and eat without worrying about embarrassing slips or sore spots.
- Mini Dental Implants for Those with Less Jawbone: These are a smaller, less invasive option. Mini implants can provide stability without the need for major bone grafting.
Why Choose an Implant over Other Options?
Choosing an implant is an investment in your comfort, health, and confidence. Here’s why they’re worth it:
- They’re Built to Last: With good care, the implant itself can last a lifetime. It’s a one-time solution that saves you from replacements every few years.
- They Keep Your Jaw Healthy: The implant acts like a natural root, telling your body to keep your jawbone strong. This prevents the bone loss and “sunken” look that can happen with missing teeth.
- They Feel Completely Real: You can eat anything you want with full confidence and strength. No more avoiding your favorite foods!
- They’re Easy to Live With: There’s no special glue or messy cleaning. You just brush, floss, and see us for regular check-ups, just like with your natural teeth.
- They Protect Your Other Teeth: Unlike other options, implants stand on their own. We don’t have to grind down your healthy teeth to make them work.
We know this is a big decision, and our team is here to make you feel informed and at ease. Dr. Chris Hardin and everyone at our Indianapolis office are dedicated to providing personalized and gentle care.
Are Dental Implants Right for You?
Most healthy adults are great candidates. We look for a few key things to make sure you’ll have the best, longest-lasting result. First, you’ll need healthy gums. Gum issues like disease, abscesses and other infections can make implants fail.
Second, you need enough strong jawbone to hold the implant securely. Don’t worry if you’ve lost some bone in your jaw over time. We have a common, safe procedure called bone grafting that can rebuild that foundation.
Being in good overall health helps your body heal beautifully after the procedure. The most important thing you bring to the table is a commitment to taking good care of your smile with daily brushing, flossing, and regular visits to see us.
Even if you were told you weren’t a candidate before, modern dentistry has changed the game. At your consultation at Hardin Cosmetic and Family Dentistry, we’ll carefully review your unique situation to see if implants are your path to a complete and healthy smile.
Your Implant Journey in Indianapolis
We know the process can seem like a mystery, so we want to walk you through every single step. It’s a journey that takes a few months, but we’ll be with you from start to finish.
Step 1: Your Personal Consultation & Plan
It all starts with a worry-free conversation. We’ll listen to your goals, examine your mouth, and take some pictures or a gentle 3D scan of your jaw. This is our way of designing a personalized plan just for you. If you need a little prep work like a bone graft, we’ll explain exactly why and how it helps.
Step 2: Placing The New Root
When you’re ready, we work with a trusted specialist who will gently place the small titanium implant post into your jawbone. With modern anesthesia and gentle techniques, most people are pleasantly surprised by how comfortable this appointment is. You’ll go home with simple aftercare instructions.
Step 3: The Healing Phase
This is the “quiet time” where the magic happens. Over the next few months, your jawbone will naturally fuse with the implant in a process called osseointegration. This makes the implant rock-solid. You won’t have a gap in your smile during this time because we’ll make sure you have a temporary tooth.
Step 4: Building Your Beautiful, Final Smile
Once healed, you’ll come back to our office. We’ll attach a small connector abutment to the implant. Then, we’ll secure your custom-made crown, bridge, or denture on top. This new tooth will blend in perfectly with your smile in color, shape, and size. Finally, you’ll have a complete, permanent smile that feels like your own.
Step 5: We’re Still Here For You
Our care doesn’t stop when your new tooth is placed. We’ll see you for follow-up visits to make sure everything feels perfect and give you tips on caring for your new implant. Our entire team is committed to your comfort and confidence every step of the way.
Patient Review
Dental Implant FAQs
Is the bone grafting procedure painful?
You’ll be completely numb during the procedure itself, so you won’t feel any pain. Afterward, any discomfort is usually mild, similar to how you might feel after having a tooth pulled. We’ll give you clear instructions to help you heal comfortably, like eating soft foods and using ice packs if needed. The short-term soreness is worth it to build a strong foundation that will support your new smile for a lifetime.
How much does a dental implant typically cost?
The total cost depends on your specific needs, such as how many implants you need and whether you require a bone graft first. While the upfront investment can be higher than other options, remember that implants last for decades, making them a great long-term value. We are an “out-of-network” provider, but can help you understand your benefits. To make care accessible, we offer flexible payment plans and financing options so you can focus on your health without financial stress.
How long does the entire process take?
The complete process typically takes several months, but it’s broken down into manageable steps. After your initial consultation and any needed prep work, the main healing period takes about 3 to 6 months. The good news is you’ll have a temporary tooth during this time, so you’re never left with a gap. While it requires some patience, this careful timeline is what ensures your implant is incredibly strong and secure for many years.
Will I be without teeth at any point during the implant process?
Absolutely not! We make sure you have a natural-looking temporary tooth the very same day we place the implant post. This temporary tooth lets you eat, smile, and go about your day with complete confidence while your jawbone heals.
You’ll only be without it for a very short time when you come in to get your beautiful, permanent crown attached. Your comfort and confidence are our top priorities throughout the entire journey.
Will smoking and tobacco affect my ability to get implants?
Yes, smoking and tobacco use can significantly affect the success of your implants. These habits reduce blood flow to your gums. This can dramatically slow healing and increase the risk of infection after surgery.
For the best possible outcome, we strongly recommend quitting or pausing tobacco use before and after your procedure. We’re here to support you and can discuss ways to help you through this. A healthy healing process is the key to a strong, lasting implant.
Can dental implants get cavities?
The implant itself and the crown on top can’t get a cavity like a natural tooth can. However, it’s still super important to keep the area clean to protect your gums and the bone supporting the implant. You clean them just like natural teeth. Brush twice a day and flossing daily, using tools like floss threaders or water flossers to clean around the base.
Regular check-ups and cleanings with us are also important. Dr. Hardin and out hygienists can spot any potential issues early and ensure your implants stay healthy for life.
Start Your Journey to a Complete Smile
Ready to explore a permanent solution for missing teeth? Don’t let lost teeth affect your confidence or health any longer. Call Hardin Cosmetic and Family Dentistry for dental implants in Indianapolis, IN, at 317-830-0073 or request an appointment online. Let’s talk about how we can help you eat, laugh, and live with confidence again.