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Everything to Know About Dental Implants

Written By Smile Arts Dental on May 10, 2023

Implants

Our dentist, Dr. Alex Balaban, might recommend that you undergo a dental implant procedure if your teeth are damaged and need to be extracted, or if you’re missing more than one tooth. Dental implants are replacement tooth roots, on which natural-looking, lifelong dental prosthetics are permanently implanted. Each prosthetic is colored to look like your surrounding natural teeth, so that no one will even be able to tell that they aren’t real. If you’re considering dental implants in Carmel, IN, discover what to expect. 

What Are the Benefits of Dental Implants? 

The advantages of getting dental implants rather than dentures or a removable bridge are:

  • Increased comfort 
  • Ease of speech
  • More natural-looking appearance
  • Ease of maintaining oral health
  • Less difficulty chewing and eating
  • Longer lasting and more durable results
  • Lower maintenance
  • Higher convenience 

What to Expect Before, During, and After the Procedure

Before our dentist schedules your dental implant procedure, he will evaluate your overall health to confirm you’re a good candidate. Your gums and jawbone need to be strong and healthy enough to support the dental implants. During the procedure, you will be under general anesthesia. Our oral surgeon will remove anything that’s left of your damaged tooth. He will then drill into your jawbone to create spaces for the placement of the dental implants. Once they are placed, you’ll need to wait several months for the bone to grow and heal around the implants. You’ll then visit our dentist again for the placement of the abutments, which is what your tooth implants are attached to. A couple weeks later, when your gums have healed and your implants are ready, our dentist will attach them to the abutments. After the procedure, you might experience minor swelling and pain. You can take over the counter anti-inflammatories and may be prescribed antibiotics.

Caring for Your Dental Implants

Once your implants are placed, you will need to maintain excellent oral hygiene. Brush your teeth twice per day, floss once per day, and drink plenty of water. Even though your prosthetic teeth can’t get cavities, you can develop bacteria and infections if you don’t brush properly. Be sure to visit our dentist every six to 12 months for dental exams and cleaning, and follow his advice for aftercare. 

Learn More About Dental Implants in Carmel, IN

If you would like to know if you’re a good candidate for dental implants in Carmel, IN, come see us at Smile Arts Dental. Dr. Alex Balaban has over 15 years of experience in dentistry, and specializes in general, cosmetic, and restorative dental procedures. We do in-house dental implants and dental crowns. Call us today at (317) 575-1995 or schedule an appointment online.


Posted In: Implants