A Routine Dental Procedure

The Indianapolis dental implants procedure is a safe and routine surgery. In fact, on average dental implant surgery has a 95-98% rate of success. Recent studies show that around three millions Americans have experienced a dental implant service. Surgeons are projecting the numbers to grow by more than 400,000 annually. Dental implants are certainly gaining popularity among residents of Indiana.

The surgery is not completed in one sitting. Rather, it happens over several months. Therefore, it is helpful for potential patients to become familiar with the entire process involved in a dental implant procedure.

During the initial patient consultation with Dental Implant Indianapolis, the dentist assesses the amount and density of the bones in the region. It may be necessary to do an ortopan or CBCT scan (3D ortopan) to make sure that there is adequate bone structure and to determine the position for the implant placement. Once the individual patient’s treatment plan is better understood, the surgeon can also determine the cost of the dental implant.

woman with dental implants

The dental implant procedure timeline required to complete the dental implant depends on a few contributing aspects. One such aspect is state of the jaw. The dentistry physician may require a bone graft if they need more jawbone to work with.This process must be completed and recovered prior to beginning with the dental implant procedure.

Contact us today to schedule your initial consultation to determine your individual dental implant timeline plan.

indianapolis dental implants procedure timeline
indianapolis dental implants procedure

indianapolis dental implants procedure xrays
dental implant crown

A Three-Step Dental Procedure

Indianapolis Dental Implant Procedure:
Phase #1

The very beginning of the dental implant timeline consists of the implantation of the base screw is placed into your jaw. That implant piece is then responsible for playing the role of the tooth root. To complete this placement, the dental surgeon will have to make a cut in order to open your gum to approach the bone. The implant is then precisely aligned with bone below the gums. Once the healing process is complete, the implant must be surgically opened again for the next phase.

Indianapolis Dental Implant Procedure:
Phase #2

Now, it is time for the surgeon to check if the implant base has successfully connected to the surrounding bone. After this, the surgeon places an extension on the dental implant root at a specific angle. These abutments come in a variety of forms and can be custom-made in the dental laboratory or procured from a manufacturer.

Indianapolis Dental Implant Procedure:
Phase #3

After the first two stages, the gums need to heal around the abutment, after which the stomatologist approaches the dental implant to perform the final stage of placing the dental veneers, also known as metal-ceramic or metal-free ceramic tooth crown. Then, it takes between one to two weeks to complete this healing process.

Indianapolis Dental Implants Procedure: Complications and Risks

The success rate of dental implants is quite high, between 95%-98%. However, with any surgical procedure, it is important for patients to understand the risks involved. Although rare, below are some of the potential problems that can arise during the dental implant process.

Problems Related to the Dental Implant Structure

Several structures make up the whole of a dental implant. A prosthesis that acts as the tooth replacement, the fixtures placed on the bone, and the abutment which anchors the dental implant firmly in the mouth. Abutments are constructed of strong materials such as titanium or gold, but they can still break.

In addition, the screws attaching the abutments can also break. You need to notify your specialist immediately should you notice any part of the implant showing damage. Also, as you chew, you can damage the crown on top of the implant. As a precaution, your dentist can install a night guard to protect your implant during night grinding.

Problems During The Healing Period

The survival rate of an implant depends much on maintaining healthy gums and bone. That is why taking steps for good oral health are even more important during healing. There are an array of issues that could affect the implant’s ability to stay anchored on the bone. An implant can become loose during healing, and usually, an occurrence of this does not cause pain or any infection.

This problem is generally more common with implants located near the molars in the upper jaw or sites with bone grafting. Notably, patients with unmanaged diabetes and habitual smokers are also more likely to have dental implant problems.

The Risk Of Infection

Any surgical procedure involves the risk of infection. Dental implants are no exception. Implant peri-implantitis is an example of a condition resulting in loss of bone anchoring the implant. The treatment of such conditions involves extracting the implants and then proceeding to add bone graft and stitch the area before restoring the implant. Again, maintaining proper dental care will help to prevent these issues.

woman pointing at teeth

Management of the Dental Implant

Dental implants have a high success rate. However, proper home after care measures are necessary. Always keep in mind that implants could develop different problems over time, as stated above. Therefore, it is vital to have a realistic discussion with your dentist on the potential outcome before committing to dental implants. Also, endeavor to maintain excellent oral hygiene to ensure the best outcome. In addition, be sure to visit your dentist regularly to manage and detect any potential dental implant risks proactively.

Your Indianapolis Dental Implants Questions Answered

Why do dental implants fail?

Although rare, there is potential for a dental implant to fail. Generally this happens due to poor overall patient health or poor oral hygiene. Smoking can also be a factor for implant failure risk.

Are dental implant procedures painful?

Surgeons complete dental implants under local anesthetic to prevent pain.Afterward, patients can expect minor tenderness and swelling. Common over the counter pain medication help treat this.

Can dental implants removable?

While dental implants roots are considered permanent teeth, they are removable, if needed. Removing a dental implant is a relatively quick dental procedure with little discomfort to the patient and minimal damage to the surrounding bone.

Can dental implants change face shape?

Tooth loss has the potential to change the structure of your face and jaw as well as make you look older than you are. Adding a dental implant in the place of a lost tooth actually helps to prevent changes to your face shape caused by lost teeth.

What are dental implants made of?

Dental Implants are made of titanium, a very strong and lightweight metal. Allergies to this material are extremely rare. It is also used in other types of medical implants as well as surgical equipment. It is a common metal also used in products ranging from scissors to spaceships.

Start Your Indianapolis Dental Implants Procedure

In conclusion, dental implants are a common and safe procedure and natural look to replace missing teeth. While the cost may be hard to swallow, changes to your smile can have many positive impacts on your life.

If you have any more questions about the Indianapolis dental implants procedure timeline, our team at Indianapolis Dental Implants is here to help. So, contact our office today with any questions or to make your appointment.