Dental Implants — Chesterton, IN
A Better, Longer-Lasting
Way to Replace Teeth
When looking for tooth replacement solutions, your primary concern will probably be to fill in the empty space in your smile so that you can eat all your favorite foods and smile without embarrassment. However, the roots of the teeth that are normally hidden under the gums also need to be considered; without them, your new teeth can’t stimulate the jawbone to help it retain its density or maintain the face’s overall shape. With dental implants in Chesterton, IN, we can replace the roots along with the visible portions of a tooth, letting you enjoy the benefits of a grin that has been fully repaired. If you want to learn more about dental implants in Chesterton or think you might be a candidate for the procedure, contact our friendly team at Advanced Dental Concepts today for a FREE consultation.
Why Choose Advanced Dental Concepts for Dental Implants?
- We Partner with Local Experts for Optimal Results
- Replace Any Number of Missing Teeth with a Variety of Options
- Flexible Financing & In-House Wellness Plan for Affordable Care
What Are Dental Implants?
A dental implant consists of three main parts: the post, the abutment, and the restoration. The dental implant post is small and screw-shaped, and it is often crafted out of titanium. Titanium is well-known for being a biocompatible material, and it’s used in other medical procedures like hip and shoulder replacements. Once the titanium post is inserted into the jaw, the surrounding bone tissue will heal around it, holding it in place and providing a reliably strong, long-lasting foundation just like the roots of a natural tooth.
On top of the implant post is the abutment, which is a small connector piece. This attaches (and is covered by) the final restoration. Depending on how many teeth you’re missing, one or more implants can be used to support a custom-made restoration like a crown, bridge, partial denture, or full denture. The final result is an incredibly strong and lifelike replacement that looks, feels, and functions just like the real thing!
The 4 Step Dental Implant Process
Dental implants are one of the most popular options for missing teeth because of their amazing health benefits and strength. However, the surgical process is more involved than other dental treatments, which is why we’ve included a step-by-step guide for how dental implants work in Chesterton. Read on to satisfy your curiosity and learn what to expect when you choose dental implants at Advanced Dental Concepts.
Initial Dental Implant Consultation
It all starts with your consultation, where you’ll visit our office for an appointment with Dr. Hayes or Dr. Zhang. They will carefully examine the number of teeth that you’re missing, the condition of your overall oral health, and the strength of your jawbone. From there, they will be able to develop a personalized treatment plan that includes important information like estimated cost and the time it will take to complete your smile.
Dental Implant Surgery
For the surgical placement of your dental implants, we will refer you to a trusted local implant specialist. Their advanced training and technology will ensure you receive optimal results with the highest chances of long-term success. The process is relatively straightforward: First, they will numb your mouth to ensure you are completely comfortable. They may also offer some form of sedation dentistry as well. Next, your implant dentist in Chesterton will create a small incision on the gums to access the jawbone. A tiny hole is made to set the dental implant into. Once it’s in place, the gums will be sutured back up around it and you’ll be provided with a temporary restoration on top of the implant. This will help to maintain the shape of your gums during healing and give you a temporary replacement tooth.
Dental Implant Osseointegration & Abutment Placement
Next, you’ll begin a healing process called osseointegration, where the dental implant will fuse to the jawbone. This is possible because dental implants in Chesterton are made of titanium, which is a biocompatible and strong material. The time it takes to heal will vary, but you’ll need at least 3 to 4 months for the implant to completely fuse to the bone. While this seems like a long waiting period, it’s precisely what allows your dental implant to look, feel, and function like the rest of your smile. Once it’s in place, we will mount an abutment on top, which is a small connector that allows us to place the final restoration.
Delivery of Dental Implant Restorations
The last part of the implant process is where we will mount your permanent, custom-made restoration. After taking special impressions and images of your smile with your implant and abutment, we will create a dental crown, bridge, partial, or full denture that fits perfectly in place. Once mounted on the implant, it will seamlessly blend into the rest of your smile. One of the added benefits of dental implants is that they allow your restorations to mimic the way your natural teeth emerge from your gums. After your restoration is placed, all that’s left to do is to walk out of our office with a strong, beautiful, and complete set of teeth.
Benefits of Dental Implants
- Looks and Feels Natural– Not only will others find it extremely difficult to tell which teeth are dental implants and which are not, but even you will find it difficult once it fully heals. As you get used to your new diet, you’ll be shocked by how natural it actually feels to use.
- Strong Stability– Thanks to surgical placement, you can expect your implant to stay in place, regardless of the type of food you enjoy.
- Last Over 30 Years– When you practice regular oral care and stay committed to routine visits, it’s not surprising if your dental implants last for the rest of your life.
- Reliable Functionality– Eating your favorite foods and maintaining a diverse diet is not only easy, but enjoyable.
- Easy to Maintain– All you need to do is brush and floss as normal to keep your dental implants clean. Just make sure that you’re visiting our office at least once every six months.
Who Dental Implants Can Help
We offer several types of dental implants based on your pattern of tooth loss. For a single missing tooth, we can seamlessly complete your smile with a single implant crown. If you have multiple consecutive lost teeth, we may recommend an implant bridge to fill the gap instead of individual single dental implants. For those missing all or most of their teeth, an implant denture will provide the most stable and lifelike full smile replacement available.
Understanding the Cost of Dental Implants
Dental implants typically cost more than traditional restorations like crowns, bridges, and dentures upfront. However, patients often find that they’re actually the most cost-effective option because they can last for life, meaning they won’t need to pay for a replacement every five to fifteen years. The overall cost of the procedure can vary, but at Advanced Dental Concepts, we can provide an estimate during your FREE implant consultation and discuss your financial options, which might include dental insurance or CareCredit.
Are Dental Implants Worth the Cost?
The benefits of dental implants make them well worth the investment. Primarily, dental implants can last for a lifetime with proper care, which may even save you money in the long run from avoided replacements. They also allow you to eat, speak, and chew with the confidence of having a smile that looks, feels, and functions like your natural one.
Does My Dental Insurance Cover Dental Implants?
Usually, dental insurance providers don’t cover dental implants in Chesterton, however they may be able to cover certain aspects of the process. For example, your consultation, treatment of preexisting dental issues, and part of your restoration may be covered, but this will depend on your provider. At Advanced Dental Concepts, we are committed to providing our patients with quality dental care that is also affordable. If you have any questions, our front desk staff will be happy to help! Contact us today to schedule your initial consultation and learn more.