Are you missing one or more teeth? Dental implants from Hardin Cosmetic and Family Dentistry offer a permanent solution that looks, feels, and functions like natural teeth. Implants are restorative dental treatments that replace missing teeth at the root. Dr. Chris Hardin provides personalized implant treatment in Indianapolis to help you smile with confidence again.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are artificial tooth roots made of biocompatible materials (usually titanium) placed into your jawbone. These small, sturdy posts serve as a foundation for replacement teeth. Once in place, our dentist attaches a custom-made crown, bridge, or denture to the implant, creating a complete tooth replacement that’s both beautiful and functional.
Unlike other tooth replacement options, dental implants become a permanent part of your jaw through a process called osseointegration. This means the implant fuses with your bone to create a stable foundation for your new teeth.
Types of Dental Implants We Offer
At Hardin Cosmetic and Family Dentistry, we provide several implant options to meet your specific needs:
- Single-Tooth Implants: Perfect for replacing one missing tooth, a single-tooth implant consists of one implant post topped with a custom-made crown. This option preserves the health of your surrounding natural teeth and maintains proper spacing in your mouth.
- Implant-Supported Bridges: If you’re missing several teeth in a row, implant-supported bridges can replace them without needing an implant for each missing tooth. Two or more implants support a row of connected replacement teeth, providing better stability than traditional bridges.
- Implant-Retained Dentures: For patients missing most or all of their teeth, implant-retained dentures offer significantly improved stability and comfort compared to conventional dentures. Several strategically placed implants secure a full denture in place. Stable implants stop slipping and discomfort while allowing you to eat and speak with confidence.
- Mini Dental Implants: These smaller implants can be a good option for patients with limited jawbone density or as a solution to stabilize dentures. Mini implants require less invasive placement and often have a shorter healing time.
Benefits of Dental Implants vs. Traditional Restorations
Dental implants offer numerous advantages over other tooth replacement options:
- Long-lasting solution: With proper care, implants can last a lifetime, unlike bridges and dentures that typically need replacement every 5-10 years.
- Preserves jawbone health: Implants stimulate bone growth and prevent the bone loss that normally occurs after tooth loss.
- Maintains facial structure: By preventing bone loss, implants help maintain your natural face shape and avoid the sunken appearance that can occur with missing teeth.
- Natural function: Eat all your favorite foods without worry – implants provide nearly the same biting force as natural teeth.
- Improved comfort: No slipping, clicking, or gum irritation that often comes with dentures.
- No damage to adjacent teeth: Unlike traditional bridges that require grinding down neighboring teeth, implants leave your healthy teeth untouched.
- Easy maintenance: Care for implants just like natural teeth with regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups.
Are Dental Implants Right for You?
Most adults with missing teeth can benefit from dental implants. The ideal candidate for this procedure has healthy gums that are free from periodontal disease. You should also have sufficient jawbone density to support the implant posts, though if your jawbone has thinned over time, you might still qualify by undergoing a bone grafting procedure first.
Good overall health is important too, as certain medical conditions can affect healing after implant surgery. Successfull implant patients maintain a commitment to good oral hygiene practices, including regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups to ensure their implants last for many years. Even if you’ve been told you’re not a candidate for implants in the past, don’t lose hope. Thanks to advances in dental techniques and technology, many more patients can now benefit from this life-changing treatment than ever before. During your consultation at Hardin Cosmetic and Family Dentistry, we’ll evaluate your specific situation and discuss whether dental implants could be the right solution for restoring your smile.
What to Expect During the Dental Implant Process
Getting dental implants is a multi-step process that takes place over several months. When you choose Hardin Cosmetic and Family Dentistry for your implant treatment, your journey begins with a thorough initial consultation. During this visit, we assess your oral health, take X-rays, and possibly a 3D CT scan to get a complete picture of your dental situation. We’ll discuss your goals and determine if you’re a good candidate for dental implants.
After your consultation, our team creates a personalized treatment plan designed specifically for your needs. Some patients might need preliminary procedures like bone grafting or gum treatment to ensure successful implant placement. Once you’re ready for the implant procedure, we refer you to a local implant surgeon to carefully place the implant post into your jawbone. Most patients are surprised by how comfortable this procedure is with modern techniques and proper anesthesia.
Following implant placement comes the healing period, which typically lasts 3-6 months. During this time, your implant bonds with your jawbone through a process called osseointegration. You don’t have to worry about going without teeth during this period, as we can provide a temporary restoration while you heal.
Once healing is complete, we attach a small connector piece called an abutment to the implant. This important component serves as the base for your new tooth. The final step is placing your custom-made crown, bridge, or denture onto the abutment. Your new teeth are carefully designed to match your natural teeth in color, shape, and size, creating a seamless smile.
After your restoration is complete, we’ll schedule follow-up check-ups to ensure your implants are functioning properly and provide guidance on caring for your new teeth. Throughout the entire process, our team at Hardin Cosmetic and Family Dentistry remains committed to your comfort and satisfaction, answering any questions and addressing any concerns you may have along the way.
Start Your Journey to a Complete Smile
Don’t let missing 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 today to schedule your dental implant consultation. Let us help you rediscover the joy of a complete, beautiful smile with dental implants that look, feel, and function just like natural teeth.