Dental Implants and Oral Surgery Specialists in Central Indiana
Missing a tooth isn’t just bad for your looks; it can be bad for your health as well! Healthy teeth play an important role in the body from head to toe. When you are missing one, your jawbone deteriorates, your self-esteem suffers and so does your diet, which negatively affects the health of your entire body. Dental implants look, feel and function just like natural teeth and are widely recognized as the best replacement method.
The Miracle of Osseointegration (How Dental Implants Work)
Our bodies are truly amazing — their ability to coexist with a variety of native and foreign materials means that our treatment options, as oral surgeons, are constantly expanding. “Osseointegration” refers to the fusing of bone with an artificial material. Its origins date back to the 1940s and 50s, when Swedish physician Per-Ingvar Branemark discovered that titanium fuses so well with bone that it is nearly impossible to remove! Since then, the biocompatibility of titanium has proven itself to be amazingly reliable over and over again.
Are you ready to replace your missing teeth and restore your smile?
“Don’t be afraid to Smile.”
For years I’d felt like a part of my body was missing — because my teeth were. My dentist told me that dental implants would make me feel and look a lot better. OK, I said. Now, I’m thrilled. I can smile, eat anything, and enjoy a good laugh with my friends.
What is a dental implant?
Dental implants are made of titanium. A completed dental implant includes three pieces: the implant itself (a titanium screw that is placed in the jawbone), the abutment (a connector between the implant and crown) and the crown (the part that is visible and looks like a tooth). Our doctors will place the implant and the abutment, and the crown will be completed by your general dentist.
Time is of the Essence
You may be surprised to hear that your jawbone is a lot like a muscle, in that it must be stimulated regularly in order to maintain its volume. Therefore, when a tooth is extracted (or falls out naturally), the jawbone begins to deteriorate almost immediately. In fact, studies show that within a year of tooth loss, there is a 25% decrease in bone width. Thankfully, dental implants can take the place of natural teeth to provide the stimulus needed by the jaw. If done early, this greatly reduces the need for bone grafting down the road.
1. Normal
2. Tooth Loss
3. Healed Bone
4. Implant Placed
5. Healing
6. Implant Restored
How much do dental implants cost?
While the upfront cost is often more than that of alternatives such as bridges and dentures, dental implants outlast those approaches by several decades. This increased longevity makes implants the more affordable choice in the long run. For further information, visit our dental implants cost page.
Dental Implants: The Process
- Consultation and Treatment Plan: During the initial phase of the dental implant process, imaging is gathered along with your medical and dental histories to give us a clear picture of your current health. We will then explore your treatment options with you to formulate a plan that ensures that both your health goals and budgetary needs are met.
- Extraction: The next step is to have the tooth in question extracted. In some cases, we may be able to place the implant at the same time of extraction. In others, bone grafting will be required prior to implant placement (see next step).
- Bone Grafting: It is fairly common for the jawbone to lack the mass needed to accept an implant. In this case, a bone graft will be performed first to strengthen the target area. Bone grafting is typically followed by several months of healing before the implant can be placed.
- Dental Implant Surgery: During the implant procedure itself, a titanium screw is inserted into your jawbone. You will be anesthetized for comfort during the surgery, which takes about 1-2 hours.
- Osseointegration: After placing the implant, we cover it with the surrounding soft tissue and let it sit for 3 months in order to fuse with the bone.
- Final Restoration: After osseointegration is complete, an abutment is placed on the implant to connect with the final crown restoration. Typically, the final restoration is done by a general dentist.
Dental Implants Presentation
To provide you with a better understanding of dental implants, we have provided the following multimedia presentation. Many common questions pertaining to dental implants are discussed.
For more information, please visit our dental implant FAQs page.
At Indiana Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Associates, we are proud to offer a safe, comfortable and affordable dental implant experience to our patients with the help of cutting-edge technology and utilization of the latest techniques. Call us at Administration Office Phone Number 317-913-2363 to get started on your journey — we are here with the support, guidance, and expertise you deserve.
Patient Reviews for Dental Implants
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Indiana Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Associates
Patient Review
Dr. Schier far exceeded my expectations. He and the staff were efficient without sacrificing person-ability and attention to my needs as a patient. What more could you ask for.. Great work by everyone
- Jeff M
Patient Review
Dr Pruitt and his staff have always been amazing to work with! They are all kind, caring, knowledgeable, and do great work. I HIGHLY recommend them for any of your oral surgery needs!
- Kelly H
Patient Review
Excellent experience given I was a tad nervous about getting an implant. Dr Montefalco was great about answering all my questions from first visit until end of surgery. I was completely comfortable through the surgery and had to ask afterward if I actually had had any painkiller injections. Minimal numbness and afterward. All instructions clear and easy to follow. If I ever have to have future oral surgery, it will be with him or Dr Davis.
- Stephanie S
Patient Review
I would HIGHLY RECOMMEND IOMSA to my friends who have more involved dental needs like dental implants. Everyone there is highly professional and pleasant to deal with. My questions were answered very thoughtfully by Ashley and Dr. Tancredi. Also too, Angela, the young lady who processed my payment/checkout, was very professional and answered my questions about insurance billing very well too.
- Kevin S
Patient Review
At the risk of causing Dr. Montefalco's head to swell a bit, the man is my first and trusted pick for ANY serious dental procedures. He got the broken implant out. That in itself was something! I doubt he could assemble a more conscientious and cordial staff either. I thank all of you.
- David M
Patient Review
Dr. Bojrab and the staff at the Fishers office are the best! They provide exceptional service with a genuine concern for their patients. I can't thank them enough for everything they have done for me.
- Scott S
Patient Review
I've been a patient of Dr. Kapp's for many years. From the beginning, I've found his technical expertise and comforting ability to be first rate. Moreover, I've found his dental evaluations and suggestions to be very beneficial. Beyond the doctor himself, I've also found his staff to be well-trained, efficient, courteous, and friendly. This office is a model for good dentistry in doing the job and putting the patient at ease. I would highly recommend them to other people needing their services.
- Heydon B
Patient Review
I had broken an front tooth. My dentist recommended the offices of Dr. Potter.My 1st visit was to extract the rest of my tooth. Which was a pain free experience..even the shot in the roof of my mouth was less painful than previous shots that I have had. Next visit was for the dental implant. That too was pretty much pain free. Then, a follow-up and now awaiting the crown. My experience with this office couldn't have been better. Thank you Dr. Potter & staff
- E Jeff R
