What Is a Dental Implant?
When a patient is missing one or more permanent teeth, Dr. Matt Pierce or Dr. Jim Heck may recommend dental implants in Greenwood, Indiana. A dental implant replaces missing teeth with the use of a titanium implant post and a dental restoration. Our dentists will surgically place the implant post in your jawbone, where it fuses with the bone. This makes the implant post a permanent replacement for the tooth roots. A dental restoration is attached to the dental implant post. This restoration can be a dental crown or a dental bridge.
How Do Dental Implants Work?
Our dentists will first surgically place the dental implant post in the socket of the missing tooth. When your jawbone heals, it will grow around the implant post, anchoring it in place. It will take about six to 12 weeks for your jawbone to heal. An abutment, a small connector post, is connected to the top of the implant post. Our dentists will then take impressions of your teeth so that your dental restoration can be constructed. When the dental restoration is complete, our dentists will check the fit and make any necessary adjustments. Then the restoration is attached to the abutment.
We encourage you to contact White River Family Dental and Implant Center today to learn more and to schedule your next appointment, at 317-881-4726.
Anterior Implant Full Porcelain Crown
Before
After
Dental implants are lasting, stable tooth replacements that can be used to replace one missing tooth, several missing teeth or complete arches of teeth. The dental implant post, which is a screw made of titanium, is surgically placed in the jawbone at the site of the missing tooth. It replaces the missing tooth root and ensures that your dental restoration is stable. A period of healing is then often required to allow the bone to begin to bond with the biocompatible post.
Following this healing period, our dentists will place the dental implant restoration, or replacement tooth, which fits on top of the implant post. Depending on which teeth are missing and your personal dental needs, your implant restoration might be a dental crown, dental bridge, or a complete or partial denture. Each dental implant restoration is custom made to fit your smile comfortably and aesthetically.
Replacing a missing tooth can restore your smile to optimal health, function and appearance. A dental implant is a great option for restoring your smile because the implant is designed to look, function and feel just like your natural teeth, and with proper care, it can last a lifetime. For more information about the benefits of implant dentistry and to schedule your implant consultation, please call or visit us soon.