Dental Implants

Advances in dentistry allow implants to provide a stable bite, making everyday activities feel natural and easy again. With proper home care and regular exams, your dental implants can last a lifetime, saving you both time and money in the long run. Among the many benefits associated with dental implants:

Preserve Bone Structure

When even a single tooth is lost, the body begins redirecting nutrients and minerals away from areas where it is no longer needed, such as the empty tooth socket. Implants, which act as artificial tooth roots, counteract this tendency by stimulating the jawbone and encouraging new bone growth. Unlike alternative treatments, implant-supported restorations stabilize and preserve your jawbone, preventing the "sunken face" look associated with missing teeth.

Enjoy Your Favorite Foods Again

Patients with missing teeth often have difficulty biting and chewing certain foods. By creating a stable connection between your jaw and the restoration, the implant posts allow you to bite and chew with confidence. Implant-supported restorations placed at our Fort Wayne dental practice can also improve your nutrition because you can enjoy foods that require more chewing, such as meat and vegetables.

Speak with Confidence

Unlike natural teeth, conventional dentures tend to slide out of place at embarrassing moments, causing clicking noises and rubbing on your gum tissue. Dental implant-supported dentures don't move because they are anchored to the jawbone, which makes speaking easier and more comfortable. No need for messy dentures adhesives.

Save Adjoining Teeth

With a traditional bridge, the teeth on either side of the gap in your smile must be altered to allow for the placement of crowns. In contrast, implant-supported restorations do not rely on other teeth for stability. In this way, dental implants can help you keep your other teeth healthy.

The first step if you are considering dental implants is to visit one of our Fort Wayne locations to speak with a dentist. During your initial consultation, we can use our advanced cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) machine as well as x-rays to take scans of your jaw and determine whether you can undergo implant placement. One of our doctors will also sit down with you to discuss your medical history, as well as your goals, needs, and budget. 

Good candidates for dental implants:

Are in good oral and overall health

Have sufficient bone density in their jaw

Can safely undergo implant placement surgery

Do not smoke or are willing to quit

Do implants hurt?

During implant placement, we offer nitrous oxide, oral sedation, and local anesthetic to ensure your comfort during the treatment process. We also use advanced technology that makes treatment more comfortable and recovery faster. After implant placement, it is normal to experience some mild discomfort. It is often easily managed using over-the-counter pain medications. However, your dentist can prescribe pain medication if you need it, and he or she will discuss pain management options with you.

How long do implants last?

Implants are made from high-quality titanium and, with proper care, are designed to last for decades and sometimes a lifetime. The longevity of the restorations you choose will vary based on the materials used. With proper care and oral hygiene, most restorations can last ten years or even longer. Our dentists can explain what you can expect during your consultation.

I am missing multiple or all my teeth. Aren't traditional dentures a cheaper option than implants?

Traditional dentures are a great option for some patients. However, traditional dentures do not stimulate new bone growth in the jaw and can actually hasten the deterioration of the jawbone. Dental implants, which are prosthetic tooth roots, are the only restorative dentistry treatment that can stop the bone atrophy that occurs following tooth loss. While traditional dentures might be a cheaper option up front, investing in dental implants now can save you time and money later.