5252 E. 82nd St., Ste. 203 Indianapolis, IN 46250

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What are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are the most natural missing tooth replacement option. They provide improved smile aesthetics, structural support, and long-term oral health benefits. Dr. Amy Marckese offers dental implants in Indianapolis, IN. She utilizes state-of-the-art dental technology and the most progressive in both materials and techniques to provide patients with quality dental implant restorations.

A dental implant functions like a natural tooth, enabling patients to enjoy normal speech and a healthy diet without restrictions. Dental implants do not come loose like dentures and can last a lifetime if cared for properly. With proper dental care and good oral hygiene, a dental implant can last a lifetime.

dental implants can replace missing teeth in Indianapolis Indiana

Parts of the dental implant

A dental implant restoration is a prosthetic teeth replacement system. It is made up of several parts including the implant fixture, the abutment, and the dental restoration. After treatment, this type of restoration will resemble and function like a natural tooth.

Implant Fixture

An implant fixture is a titanium post that your dentist will surgically insert into the jawbone beneath the gum line. It is the part that will replace the missing teeth roots and provide a base to support the dental restoration. Most implants are made of titanium because this type of metal fuses with human bone and is very strong. The post resembles a screw with threads, and comes in a variety of lengths and diameters.

Once the implant fixtures are in place in the jawbone, it takes a few months for them to fuse with the bone. Depending on how many teeth you are missing, you may need between one and eight dental implants per arch to support a dental restoration.

Abutment

The next part of an implant restoration is the abutment. It acts as a connector piece between the implant fixture and restoration. There are many types of this small metal piece to accommodate the many types of dental restorations they need to support.

The abutment is a tiny metal piece that will attach to the implant once the implant has fully fused to the bone. After three to six months, your dentist will open back up your gums and attach one to each implant. You will need another few weeks of healing time after this procedure.

Dental Restoration

The final part is the dental restoration. This part will look, feel, and function like natural teeth. The type of restoration you need depends on how many teeth you are missing and where they are located. Your dental restoration will be a dental crown for a single missing tooth, a dental bridge for several consecutive missing teeth, or a denture when most or all of the teeth are missing.

We will create a dental crown, dental bridge, or denture that will match the size, shape, and color of your surrounding teeth. We will take impressions and measurements to ensure it fits perfectly in your mouth. Your new smile will be completely natural looking.

The Importance of Replacing Missing Teeth

Your teeth are made to work together to help you smile, eat, and talk. When you are missing even one tooth, these instinctive actions become difficult to do. Our dentist in Indianapolis, IN uses dental implants for both a cosmetic and restorative dental solution for missing teeth. Untreated, tooth loss can lead to complex dental concerns especially shifting of your teeth.

Patients who do not replace missing teeth are more prone to developing tooth decay, additional tooth loss, and even bone deterioration.

Your jawbone needs stimulation to stay healthy. Without the natural root structure to support the surrounding teeth and the jaw, the bone will begin to wear away and recede. As the jaw recedes it may make the face look withdrawn and prematurely aged. Dental implants will support the bone structure preventing deterioration or further damage.

Learn More About Dental Implants


Schedule a Dental Exam & Consultation

If you have missing teeth and are interested in getting dental implants near you, contact our dentist in Indianapolis, IN. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Amy Marckese today! Dr. Marckese will discuss your dental health, cosmetic goals, and budget concerns to determine if dental implants are right for you at your dental care consultation.