Dental Implants – Crown Point, IN

Initial Dental Implant Consultation

To get started, we’ll schedule your tooth replacement consultation. During this first visit, we’ll discuss all of your treatment options, not just dental implants, so you have all the information you need to make an informed decision about the best tooth replacement method for your unique situation. If we determine that dental implants are the best option, we may need to perform a number of preparatory treatments like tooth extractions and bone or soft tissue grafts. Then, we’ll begin the process to surgically position your dental implant posts.

Dental Implant Surgery

Following your treatment planning and preparation services, one of our partnered specialists surgically places the dental implant posts. This process is actually more conservative than many patients assume. A small incision is made in the soft tissue. Then, the implant post is precisely positioned into the jawbone.

Dental Implant Osseointegration/Abutment

Once the implants are in place, it can take three to six months for the implant posts to fuse with the gum line. This process, known as osseointegration, is how the implant posts mimic the lost roots of missing teeth and recreate your smile. Following the osseointegration process, we attach connector pieces called abutments that affix the replacement teeth to the dental implants. When the abutments are in place, we’ll capture bite impressions and design your replacement teeth.

Delivery of Dental Implant Restorations

When we receive the replacement tooth or teeth from our lab, you’ll come into our dental office in Crown Point for the final stage in your tooth replacement process. We’ll affix your dental crown, bridge, or denture to the implant posts, recreating your healthy, beautiful smile.

Day-to-Day Benefits 

We use our teeth every day for basic tasks like eating and speaking. For that reason, it makes sense that you’d want something that’ll allow you to enjoy these benefits with ease. Dental implants will grant you the freedom to live your day-to-day life with ease thanks to the following advantages:

• Boost of Confidence. There’s no risk of “slippage” with implant-supported teeth. You can eat, talk, and smile without having to worry about your teeth moving!
• Easier Maintenance. Caring for dental implants is as easy as caring for your natural teeth. All you have to do is brush, floss, and rinse your mouth like you normally would.
• Ability to Eat Most Foods. Because of their unique placement inside the jawbone, dental implants can withstand the chewing of virtually any food!

Health Benefits

Aside from improving your daily quality of life, dental implants offer incredible health benefits. Some of those include:

• Jawbone Preservation. Dental implants are surgically inserted into the jawbone, providing it with internal support. It helps prevent the bone loss that’s common after tooth loss.
• Protection for Natural Teeth. The placement of dental implants won’t require the remaining natural teeth to be significantly altered in any way.
• Improved Overall Health. Studies have shown a correlation between tooth loss and an increased risk of multiple diseases. Since dental implants resemble natural teeth, it’s reasonable to believe they can help lower such risks.

Long-Term Benefits

By choosing to get dental implants in Crown Point, you can reap many short-term and long-term benefits, such as:

• High Success Rate. Believe it or not, dental implants have an impressive success rate of about 90-95% even 20 years after they’re placed.
• Natural-Looking Appearance. Implant-retained teeth are so seamlessly attractive that most people can’t even tell the difference between their presence and real, original teeth.
• Long-Lasting Results. Dental implants are designed to thrive for decades. In fact, many patients are able to enjoy them for the rest of their lives.

Who is a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?

Not every patient is a good candidate for dental implants right off the bat, which is why the implant consultation is such a crucial part of the journey towards restoring your smile. At this initial visit, our team will capture X-rays and our implant dentist in Crown Point will conduct a thorough visual examination of your mouth and discuss your medical history with you. Based on our findings, we’ll be able to outline all of your tooth replacement treatment options with you.

Here are a few qualities that we look for in a patient who’s a good candidate for dental implants:

• Sufficient jawbone density
• Realistic expectations of the procedure
• Missing one or more teeth
• Having any existing medical conditions treated (like autoimmune diseases)
• Dedicated to maintaining good oral health

Even if you don’t meet all of the requirements listed above now, that doesn’t mean that you can’t get dental implants. Before some patients can move forward with their implant surgery, they may require a preparatory procedure, such as a bone graft, gum disease therapy, or a sinus lift, to make sure that the foundation of their smile can support the implant posts.

Missing One Tooth

An all-ceramic dental crown is the perfect fit for individual dental implants. Its placement will fit right in alongside natural teeth and won’t require any damaging alterations like a traditional bridge would.

Missing Multiple Teeth

Implant-supported dental bridges can replenish multiple teeth in a row. Instead of relying on the support of dental crowns, two implants will be inserted into the jaw on either side of the affected gap to serve as “anchors,” securing the new teeth safely and sturdily in place.

Missing All Teeth

Implant dentures can be effectively used to replace several or even all of your teeth at once. Multiple options are available, including removable overdentures, hybrid dentures that are fixed permanently, and All-On-4, where a new, full arch is anchored with four strategically placed implants. All-on-4 dental implants is an especially great option for patients who don’t want to undergo a bone graft procedures before their procedure.

Preliminary Treatments & Implant Surgery

At your initial consultation, our team will outline each cost-determining factor of your dental implant treatment, including whether or not you require any preparatory procedures, like a bone graft, sinus lift, or periodontal therapy. Because Dr. Ornelas partners with dental implant specialists in the area, the payment process for treatment is more streamlined. After these preliminary treatments are complete, the dental implant surgery will incur its own separate cost.

Dental Implant Parts & Costs

When it comes to restoring your smile, you don’t have to worry about looking at alternative methods, no matter how many teeth are missing.

• Single Tooth Implant – Combining a titanium implant (post), metal abutment, and custom dental crown, a single tooth implant can restore your smile even if only one tooth is missing. This will likely be the cheapest option when it comes to implants.
• Implant Bridge – If two or more teeth are missing consecutively, an implant bridge can be placed. Using two implants, two metal abutments and a custom bridge prosthetic, you can see a fully restored smile.
• Implant Denture – Considered the most expensive of the three types, implant dentures are designed to replace an entire row of teeth using between four and six implants and a fully customized denture. However, when comparing the cost to traditional dentures over time, those that are secured with implants are actually more cost-effective.

The Long-Term Cost Benefits of Dental Implants

If you’re worried your investment will not go far, don’t be. Dental implants are considered to be far more superior to other methods of tooth replacement. The reasons are that they offer greater stability, functionality, longevity, and a more natural look and feel. But that’s not the greatest part about them. Only with dental implants will your oral health truly be restored. Mimicking the natural tooth root when placed, your jawbone will continue to be stimulated, preventing any possible deterioration or weakening over time.

Does Dental Insurance Cover Dental Implants?

Depending on your individual plan, your insurance company may or may not cover your implants. While certain aspects of the treatment may be covered (i.e., anesthesia, restoration, consultation), the surgery itself is less likely. However, more and more insurance companies are realizing the need for dental implants instead of the “want,” so if you need assistance in contacting your insurer, let a member of our staff know. They will be happy to work on your behalf to retrieve the information you need to make a confident decision about your dental health.

Making Dental Implants More Affordable

At Ornelas Family Dentistry, we offer several options to help you save throughout your journey towards completing your smile with dental implants, including our in-house dental savings plan that comes with a 15% off discount on all restorative services. In addition, Dr. Ornelas has set incredibly competitive pricing for this service and offers free consultations, so you can rest-assured knowing that you’re getting the high-quality care you deserve at a reasonable rate.

Bone Grafting

After a tooth is lost, the jawbone underneath it starts to break down. Of course, your body is perfectly capable of producing new tissue when required, but the problem is that without the stimulation that the tooth provided, the underlying area will be treated as if it’s no longer needed. In order to restore bone density to the areas in the jaw where it was lost, entirely new tissue needs to be transplanted.

During a bone graft for dental implants, we’ll typically use bone taken from elsewhere in your jaw, your hip, or another part of your body. If we need to, we can also apply tissue from a donor or use synthetic material. Whatever is used, the principle is the same: the graft is accepted by the body and encourages it to create new, living bone.

The initial recovery period after the dental implant procedure is about two weeks, but the jaw will typically still need time to create enough bone mass to support implant posts. This normally takes about three to six months, though the type of graft used, your body’s general healing capabilities, and the complexity of the procedure will play a role in determining the exact waiting time. There are cases where you could receive dental implants immediately after grafting, however. Dr. Ornelas will discuss your estimated treatment timeline with you.

Sinus Lifts

Because the sinus cavity is so close to the mouth, it often needs to be considered during certain oral procedures. In particular, it might get in the way if you need dental implant posts placed near the back of the upper jaw. It doesn’t help that there generally tends to be less bone quantity in this area. Under these specific circumstances, a sinus lift might be performed.

A sinus lift involves opening the gums and cutting a small circle into the bone so that we can gently lift the sinuses away from your mouth. After that, graft material will be placed in the space left behind. Thus, with one procedure we can raise the sinuses and create new bone that will support your dental implants. As with a normal bone graft, it will typically be some time before the mouth has healed enough to move on to the next phase of implant placement (normally about four months to a year). Your mouth will be numbed during the procedure, so you can expect to feel little to no discomfort.

What to Do Directly After Dental Implant Surgery

Once you’ve completed your dental implant procedure, you’ll likely feel groggy and tired. Be sure to plan on resting for the remainder of your day once you return home. For many cases, we’ll ask that you take your initial dose of prescribed pain relievers sometime before the effects of your local anesthesia completely wear off. You should also stay hydrated, but don’t use a straw. Try your best to avoid touching the implant site with your tongue or fingers.

Common Side Effects

The two most common side effects of dental implant surgery are soreness and mild discomfort. These can easily be managed by taking your pain medication as directed. You can also use a cold compress or carefully munch on cold foods to alleviate any soreness. This should naturally fade away after a few days.

You may also experience occasional bleeding from the surgical site, as there will be a blood clot trying to form around the dental implant. You mustn’t disturb this process, that way you avoid bleeding. There might be some swelling in your mouth and face, but this will go away on its own eventually. However, if any of these symptoms persist or worsen, be sure to reach out to us.

Diet

Sticking to a diet consisting of soft and nutritious foods will be essential for your recovery process after your dental implant surgery. After about one week, you may gradually add more solid meals if you feel ready. Before then, here are several soft treats you might consider:

• Yogurt, pudding, and applesauce
• Smoothies and ice cream
• Pasta and scrambled eggs
• Soup and mashed potatoes

Health & Oral Hygiene

Make sure you begin brushing your pearly whites the morning after your dental implant procedure. Doing so will help clean your smile and keep your mouth free of debris and bacteria, which can cause infection in the implant site and lead to failure. To prevent irritating your soft oral tissues, try to practice the following precautions:

• Brush gently around the dental implant site
• Rinse with nonalcoholic mouthwash
• Avoid spitting and instead, let the mouthwash pour out

What To Do After Your New Teeth Are Attached

Although each person is different, you may feel that you’ve finished recovering after several days to a week. Even if this is so, you’ll need to wait for your jawbone to completely heal over three to six months for osseointegration to occur successfully. This is the process where your bone tissue will bond with the dental implant so that it serves as your new permanent root. Once this has finished, you’ll come back to our office so we can attach your restoration. You might expect some sensitivity in your gums for a few days, but this should go away when your mouth adjusts. Afterward, you can enjoy your fully restored smile for many years to come!

Making Oral Hygiene a Priority

Dental implants in Crown Point cannot decay; however, that doesn’t mean your natural teeth are exempt from potential cavities and infection. Also, your gums may be at risk for periodontal disease if not properly cared for. This is why brushing, flossing, and rinsing are essential. If any of these problems (i.e., tooth decay, gum disease) occur, it can negatively impact your dental implants and their lifespan.

Eating a Healthy Diet

Healthy foods are always a better option for your oral and overall health. Sugars and starches are fine in moderation, but you should be prepared to clean your teeth and gums to avoid the potential for decay and gum disease. Leafy greens, lean proteins, fruits and vegetables, and calcium-enriched foods will give your dental implants a better chance for a longer life than consuming foods and beverages that contain lots of sugar.

Breaking Bad Habits

If you are prone to biting your nails, eating ice, smoking, or using your teeth as tools, it’s time to quit. Any of these bad habits can cause significant damage to your real and artificial teeth. Trips to the emergency dentist will cause you to spend additional time and money trying to fix the investment made in your dental implants. Instead, find ways to give up these unhealthy habits. Sugarless gum, cessation groups and resources, and even finding the right tool for the job (i.e., opening a package) will protect your teeth from serious harm and allow you to continue enjoying your healthy smile.

Protecting Your Dental Implants

If you enjoy playing sports or worry that you might damage your dental implants because you tend to grind your teeth at night, it’s time to consider how a customized mouthguard can be a worthwhile investment. These oral appliances create a protective cushion between your teeth and alleviate additional pressure placed on your pearly whites. Not only will you reduce wear and tear to your tooth enamel caused by bruxism, but you’ll minimize your risk for serious injury should you sustain a hard hit while on the field, court, or track.

Scheduling Regular Dental Checkups

Meeting with your implant dentist in Crown Point every six months is necessary if you want your dental implants to remain firmly in place and free of serious problems year after year. These visits not only allow us to check for signs of decay, cavities, and gum disease, but they also give us the chance to evaluate your prosthetics and customized restorations for any minor or major damage. When caught early, we can use appropriate treatment to fix the problem and avoid more complex dental work in the future.

3D Cone Beam Imaging/3D CT Scanning

The 3D Cone Beam Imaging system is a state-of-the-art piece of equipment that takes a 360-degree scan of your oral and facial structures. Capturing hundreds of images, they culminate to create a single 3D image that allows your implant dentist in Crown Point to view the nerves, skull, teeth, gums, jawbone, and other facial structures. Not only does this provide the implant specialist with a full, clear image, but it serves as a road map for the proper placement of your dental implants when it comes to your oral procedure.

Digital X-Rays

Unlike traditional radiographs that emitted more radiation and produced low-quality images, those used today are digital, making them a safer option. Not only do they minimize radiation exposure, but they capture high-resolution images of your teeth and any gaps that may be present. This allows our team to pinpoint areas that require dental implant placement as well as identify if there may be any signs of gum disease or tooth decay that need to be addressed first.

Intraoral Cameras

Intraoral cameras are a great way for dentists to show you, the patient, what they see when looking in your mouth. Commonly used during dental checkups and cleanings, these handheld devices can take high-resolution images of your teeth, gums, and any existing restorative dental work. Transferred onto a nearby computer screen, Dr. Ornelas can discuss whether you will require tooth extraction or even periodontal therapy before receiving your dental implants in Crown Point. These preliminary treatments are often necessary to ensure the success of your new prosthetics.