Restore Your Smile with Dental Implants in Greenwood

Natural, lasting solutions for missing teeth- right here in Greenwood

Replacing a missing tooth has never been easier. A New Smile Family & Cosmetic Dentistry now offers tooth implant placement by Dr. Shane New to replace missing, damaged, or knocked-out teeth in our Greenwood, IN office.

What Are Dental Implants?

What are dental implants?

Dental implants are substitutes for missing tooth roots. They are placed in the jawbone, where they fuse with the surrounding bone and form a stable base to support crowns that replace the visible portion of a missing tooth. With dental implants, the entire tooth is restored, not just the portion visible above the gum line.

The dental implant resembles a screw. It is typically made of titanium or zirconia, both biocompatible and exceptionally durable. An abutment (a slender pin or fastener) is used to attach the implant to the restoration crown.

Benefits of Dental Implants

• Your smile is once again complete.
• You can eat all the foods you love.
• Dental implants are easy to clean without needing special tools.
• Dental implants can last 30 years or more and often last a lifetime.
• If a restoration is damaged, it can usually be replaced without disturbing the implant.
• Implants stimulate the jawbone, preventing bone loss.
• Implants help the jawbone support facial structure and prevent the sagging that is common with missing teeth and dentures.

Step-by-Step Procedure

For most patients, dental implant placement requires two surgical procedures. First, Dr. Shane places the implant in the jawbone. For 3 to 6 months after that, the implant will gradually fuse with the sorrounding bone.

At about the 12- to 16- week mark, we will take an impression of your mouth. This is used to design and fabricate your new crown. When the crown is ready, it is attached to the dental implant using an abutment to join them.

At this point, your final restorations are in place, and you can eat and drink normally. However, osseointegration (the fusing of the implant with the jawbone) will continue for several months. During this time, you should not notice any disruption of your routine.

Dr. Shane has undergone intensive dental implant training and can surgically place dental implants in your jawbone and attach the dental restoration (usually a crown). This eliminates the need for trips to multiple practitioners and additional expense.

Dental implant FAQs

• Who is a candidate for dental implants?

If you are missing a tooth or teeth and are looking for a permanent, fixed solution, dental implants may be right for you. You will need sufficient bone to support the implant and be willing to undergo the placement surgery. Individuals with a single missing tooth often choose a dental implant because it is more durable than a bridge and looks more natural.

If you have uncontrolled diabetes, a blood-clotting disorder, or some genetic conditions, implants may not be the right solution. We will review your oral and medical health during your consultation to determine whether a dental implant is right for you.

• Are dental implants painful?

The implant placement is not painful. We numb the area for your comfort. Most patients do not even remember the procedure. You will have some discomfort, swelling, and mild bruising for a few days following placement. This usually peaks around the third day and is gone by the end of the first week to 10 days. Over-the-counter pain relievers and ice packs are effective for controlling pain and swelling.

• How long do tooth implants last?

The implant is designed to last at least 30 years. For most people, they last a lifetime and become a part of the jawbone. The restoration or crown can last 20 years or longer. If the restoration needs to be replaced, this can be done without disturbing the implant.

• What’s the recovery time?

You should take a few days off from strenuous activity to relax and recover. By the fourth day, you will feel much better, and within 7 to 10 days, you will feel like your normal self.

• Will insurance cover implants?

It depends on your insurance plan and whether your implant is considered medically necessary or cosmetic. Dental insurances are increasingly covering at least part of the cost, but you should check with your provider to determine your coverage limits.

If you are missing a tooth and are interested in a tooth implant, please get in touch with us at A New Smile Family & Cosmetic Dentistry Office Phone Number 317-888-6684 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Shane. He will explain the process in detail and help you determine if dental implants are the best option for you.