Dental implants are a great restorative treatment option for patients who want to replace one or more missing teeth. Implants consist of a titanium post, abutment, and dental crown. During treatment, the titanium post is surgically inserted into the jawbone and fuses with bone tissue over a period of 3 to 6 months. An abutment connects the titanium post to the dental crown, which covers the implant like a cap.
Dr. Benjamin Stevens offers dental implants and other restorative treatments to patients at Beautiful Smiles in Greenwood, IN. He works with patients one-on-one to find the best dental solutions that address their specific needs. If you want to know more about implants, learn the answers to frequently asked questions about dental implants below:
Dental Implant FAQs
What are the benefits of dental implants?
Dental implants offer multiple benefits to patients who are missing teeth including durability, longevity, and improved oral health. Placing dental implants into the jawbone can prevent common problems that arise from missing teeth, such as shifted and overcrowded teeth, tooth decay, speech issues, and a misaligned bite.
Are dental implants painful?
During the dental implant procedure, we utilize anesthesia to numb the treated area. Although you may feel some pain after the procedure, it should not feel excessive. Please contact Dr. Stevens if you are in pain several days after the procedure, and he will help you assuage your pain or sensitivity.
Can you receive dental implants after a tooth extraction?
Sometimes Dr. Stevens can perform a tooth extraction and dental implant procedure on the same day in his office. However, this is not the case for all patients. Alternatively, waiting too long to place a dental implant can make the procedure more difficult to perform. It is important to replace a missing tooth or teeth soon after extraction to prevent shifting and overcrowding teeth as well as tooth decay and gum disease. Because it is difficult to clean between crooked and overcrowded teeth, plaque and bacteria can build up on and around the teeth and gums. Replacing missing teeth sooner than later prevents dental problems down the road.
