Indianapolis Dental Implants

Dental Implants allow the replacement of a single tooth or multiple teeth without relying on any adjacent teeth for strength or support. Implants are generally considered the first alternative to bridges, partials, or dentures.

Of the many benefits dental implants afford, the ability to replace teeth without affecting or altering the adjacent teeth is the most obvious benefit.

Dr. Reese uses dental implant “posts” that are made of the same biocompatible metal (Titanium) that hip and knee implants are fabricated. This new post and crown can be used for replacement of a single missing tooth, or multiple implants may be placed to avoid a removable partial or full denture.

• Same day removal of nonrestorable teeth, with surgical placement of the implant and ‘temporization’ of an acrylic tooth to eliminate gaps in your smile.
• Same day mini implant placement and denture retention to secure your existing dentures.
• In-office, intravenous (IV) sedation in our own surgery suites to avoid hospital costs, yet allow you to safely sleep through the surgical procedures.
• Bone grafting to replace the missing jaw bone required for implant placement after years of tooth loss.
• Gum grafting to replace the shrunken gum tissue negatively affecting smile results in front tooth replacement.
• Sinus bone grafting to provide the required jaw bone for implant placement in the upper jaw.
• Some implants can be placed without the need for incisions or sutures, which reduces any post surgical swelling or tenderness!
  

HOW DO THEY WORK?

Dental implants can sometimes be placed at the time of tooth removal or more typically after the gum has healed after a tooth has been removed. There may need to be a gentle ‘peel back’ of the overlying gum tissue to allow a socket prepared in the jaw bone where the original tooth root was. After a healing period, the implant becomes rigidly fixed into place and supports a synthetic ‘crown’ or tooth to be permanently cemented on top for chewing and smiling.

IS IT PAINFUL?

Most of our implant patients are surprised at the uneventful healing period after having an implant placed. “It was easier than having the tooth taken out!” is a common description. If several implants are needed to be placed, or you are anxious and intimidated about dental treatment we can discuss one of several anesthesia/sedation options for your appointment.

CAN ANYONE RECEIVE DENTAL IMPLANTS?

Patients who have previously been told they are not a good candidate for dental implants need to have a second opinion. In many cases, we are able to place implants after grafting jaw bone back in place to provide the appropriate ‘bed’ for an implant to replace the tooth or teeth. Most dental implant patients are over 50 and 60 yrs. of age, but Dr. Reese has placed implants in patients as young as 17 and as youthful as 89! As with any surgery procedure, you must be in good or reasonable health, and the infection involved with gum disease must be controlled prior to implant placement.

WHAT IS THE SUCCESS RATE FOR DENTAL IMPLANTS?

One of the earliest studies of dental implants found over 80% still in the mouth and functioning after 12 yrs. This study done in the 70’s and 80’s has seen improvement in techniques that have resulted in success rates of over 90% depending upon the conditions and maintenance of the teeth and mouth.

Various conditions affect the long term retention of implants. Your mouth, gums, and remaining teeth need to be examined and a treatment plan developed just for you to ensure a favorable outcome.

Dr. Reese has the advantage of placing and restoring the implant(s) all in his office. He has over 30 years of experience in implant therapy, and understands that the function, position, and restoration are all critical factors. Your expectations need to be understood so an appropriate treatment plan and design will meet your expectations. This is not always appreciated when one doctor places the implant and another doctor restores the teeth prior to discussing the outcome.

HOW LONG DOES THE PROCESS TAKE?

The actual implant placement typically takes less than one half hour. More time is needed if a ‘provisional’ crown must be custom made to replace the missing tooth, or more implants, grafting is needed, etc.

WHAT IS THE COST OF IMPLANTS?

Since dental implants are more involved than traditional bridgework, they are typically more expensive, but often more affordable over the long run. Actual costs vary with the needs and conditions. Dr. Reese will examine and determine the appropriate treatment and cost with a xray to determine actual cost for your specific needs.

At first glance, dentures or removable bridges can appear much less expensive than dental implants, given their lower upfront costs. However, the full cost – both financial and emotional – of these options can run much higher than dental implants, for several reasons:

• Initial costs vs. total costs. The initial price you pay doesn’t include the cost of replacing your dentures or bridges, which may be necessary as often as every 5 to 15 years. It also doesn’t include the ongoing maintenance costs, such as fixatives and adhesives.
• The convenience costs. Unlike your natural teeth or dental implants, you need to remove your dentures to soak and brush them, which can be a time-consuming hassle.
• The health costs. Without a tooth or implant, your jawbone will begin to deteriorate, which can change your facial appearance.
• The social embarrassment costs. Dentures can slip or click when you chew, laugh, talk or kiss.

From a purely financial perspective, dental implants are cost-competitive with other tooth replacement options over the long term. And when you also factor in quality of life and long-term oral health, dental implants clearly rank as the higher-value alternative.

* Information provided by AAID - see more at https://www.aaid-implant.org/