Dental Implants are the result of huge advances in dental care technology. Before implant dentistry, dentures and bridges were the only way to replace missing teeth- and both methods placed jaw and dental health at risk. Bridges can cause gum damage and speed decay in the anchor teeth, and dentures can actually cause bone to recede from the pressure on the jaw, leading to a poor fit and a weakened mandible (jaw bone). Thanks to implants, a healthy, aesthetically pleasing, and long-term solution is here. The professionals at Krause Dental are excited to offer their state-of-the-art implant services in the Westfield, IN area.

What is an Implant?

A dental implant refers to a small prosthesis, similarly shaped to a screw, which replaces the ‘root’ portion of the missing tooth. The synthetic titanium implant is surgically placed into the bone where the missing tooth was. This allows the bone to grow around the implant and lock it in place, a process called 'osseointegration.' This keeps the implant stable, your jaw healthy, and your new tooth firm and comfortable. The new crown is custom-made to match your other teeth, and is secured to the new synthetic root by an abutment, or connecting piece.

What Does the Procedure Involve?

The implant procedure involves minor surgery, and requires two or three appointments at the dental office. Appropriate anesthesia is used for these procedures; the exact sedation methods can be tailored to your medical and psychological needs. The first appointment involves placing the implant into the bone. After this, several months are typically needed to ensure the osseointegration process occurs correctly. Once the implant has been firmly secured in place, the next appointment will re-expose the implant site for attachment of the abutment and prosthetic crown. A third follow-up may be necessary to ensure the healing process is going well

What if I'm Missing Multiple Teeth?

No problem! Implants can be used multiple times in the mouth, either to replace several individual teeth, or even to provide an anchor for a whole set of dentures. How long implants last depends greatly on your oral hygiene habits and what sort of foods you eat, etc. With good care, implants are the longest lasting of all tooth replacement options, and can be a lifetime investment!

Keep in mind that not everyone is a candidate for dental implants, particularly smokers or those without appropriate jaw bone strength and density.

Ready for a bright, full smile and a healthy mouth? Stop worrying about your teeth and call Krause Dental for excellent services in the Westfield, IN area at (317) 399-9329!