Once you have decided to get dental implants to replace missing teeth, you might have more questions about it and its process. We will try to get more coverage about frequently asked questions in this post.
How do I know if I am qualified to get dental implants?
If you are in good state of health then dental implants will almost certainly work for you.
Habits such as heavy drinking or smoking can increase the number of problems associated with initial healing so it may negatively influence the long-term health of gum and bone surrounding each implant. Some dentists will decline to place implants if smoking cannot be reduced or given up altogether.
If you’re healthy and Dr. Reese has determined that you're a good candidate for implants, he will schedule the procedure to take place in our clinic or in a hospital he is affiliated with depending on your particular dental health needs and the amount of surgery that is required. This would most particularly depend on the type of sedation technique he will use during the procedure.
How much time will implant placement take?
There are several factors that will determine the length of time needed for an implant procedure.
- Your dental health
- The number of teeth involved
- Which teeth are replaced
- If there will be a tooth extracted prior to implant placement
Keep in mind that the surgery to place dental implants takes several hours, and more than one procedure may be needed. At our oral surgery center, there are some dental implant procedures that can be done in one visit.
How do I get Dental Implants?
Contact our staff at Indianapolis Dentistry Clinic to set up an appointment. During your dental examination, Dr. Reese will ask about your health history and other necessary information. He will be inspecting if you are an eligible candidate for a dental implant and will also ask you if you would like to be sedated during the procedure.
Dental implants are typically completed in a three-step process. Take note that this varies depending on several factors and whether or not you would need bone grafting for your jawbone.
1. Placement of the Implant into Jawbone
This is a painless procedure because the jawbone has no nerves. This maintains the integrity of your bone unlike dentures that will make your jawbone deteriorate or undergo resorption after time.
2. Small Posts are Placed to Attach Artificial Teeth
After the posts are bonded to the jawbone, small posts are inserted into the implant to which the new tooth will be attached.
3. Attachment of Crown
Your missing teeth are replaced by a prosthesis or dental crown.
The benefits of dental implants are more than a purely cosmetic improvement; they are an improvement to your oral health.
Appreciated that congeniality of the staff and Dr. Reese throughout the process. That is rare to experience. I felt comfortable with Dr. Reese and the information/counsel he provided. It is odd that I would say this, but I look forward to the implants and the resulting benefits." -Aarond, Brownsburg, Indiana
Have Your Dental Implants Placed by Dr. Reese
Dr. Reese has been placing dental implant procedures for over 25 years. You can browse his work on dental implants in this gallery. If you want to discuss missing tooth replacement options or have been told that you are not a candidate for implants, you can contact his office for a second opinion or call 317-882-0228 to schedule an appointment.