Dental Implants
Dental implants are a reliable and permanent solution for tooth replacement, offering natural function and appearance.
Dental Implants in Bedford, Bloomington, Geist, and Greenwood, IN
Dental implants are specialized posts of titanium alloy that are surgically placed into the jawbone to replace individual missing teeth and partial dentures or support full all-on-4 implants. These posts act as an artificial root for a crown when used to replace individual teeth. Dental implants stabilize bone levels, prevent loss, and provide better long-term support, function, and aesthetics.
Compared to other restoration methods, such as dental bridges, dental implants require less adjustment or shaving of surrounding teeth. They also offer more flexibility and a more natural feeling than dental bridges, or partial or complete dentures.
We’re proud to offer dental implants at all four of our Indiana locations. Schedule online today at Bloomington, Bedford, Geist, or Greenwood.
How Much Do Dental Implants Cost?
At Bloom Dental, we provide high-quality affordable dental care so our patients can always receive the treatment they need. The cost of dental implants can vary based on the materials used, insurance coverage, and other factors such as whether bone grafts are required. Our office is always happy to provide you with estimates on the cost of a procedure after your initial consultation.
We know many patients are concerned about cost, payment plan options, and insurance coverage when considering dental implants. Our staff is happy to work through these concerns with you so you can get the care you need. Many patients make use of the external payment plan providers we partner with which you can learn about below.
Learn About External Payment PlansDental Implant Process at Bloom Dental
- Consultation & Exam: We’ll start with a comprehensive exam, including dental X-rays, to evaluate if dental implants suit you, discussing potential treatment paths.
- Tooth Extraction & Bone Grafting: Necessary extractions are planned following the treatment blueprint, necessitating some downtime to prepare the site for implantation. Bone grafting, if required for implant support, will also be conducted, needing a few months for healing.
- Implant Placement: With the site prepared, we’ll proceed to implant placement, embedding the implant in the jawbone and securing it with a healing cap. Regular check-ups follow this stage to monitor healing.
- Implant Healing: Post-implantation, the process of osseointegration begins, where the jawbone integrates with the implant, forming a sturdy foundation for the artificial tooth. This stage generally lasts around three months.
- Abutment & Crown Placement: After the healing phase, we attach the abutment (the connector piece) and the crown (the replacement tooth), completing the restoration process.
Call the location nearest you for a consultation! Bloomington, Bedford, or Greenwood.
Common Questions About Dental Implants
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How long do dental implants last?
Dental implants are designed to last a lifetime. Proper care of the crown, the artificial tooth attached to the implant, can make it last between 10 and 30 years. However, there is a slight chance of complications and implant failure due to certain medical conditions. At Bloom Dental, we provide post-op instructions and a maintenance care contract serving as a warranty on the implant, as long as the contract is followed.
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Are dental implants painful?
Dental implant procedures are not typically painful. The most uncomfortable part of the process is typically the extraction of any teeth that implanted crowns will replace. However, anesthesia is used during the extraction to minimize pain, and recovery usually only takes a few days. Any discomfort experienced during recovery should also be manageable using over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen.
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How do I know if I need a bone graft?
If you have lost one or more teeth and have not replaced them for a while, you may need a bone graft to support an implant. This is because missing teeth can cause gradual bone loss over time, leading to insufficient bone for an implant. It's essential to have an examination by a dental implant specialist to determine whether a bone graft is necessary. If you notice changes in your jaw shape over time, it may also indicate oral bone loss.
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Are there any aftercare instructions for dental implants?
Immediately after dental implant placement, you should be careful not to disturb the placement site. This means no chewing near the implant. It also requires very careful cleaning for several weeks to a month after placement. The dental implant takes several months to fuse to the jaw so the fewer disturbances during that period the better. If you have a temporary denture to replace your missing dentition, the denture must not rub on the surgical site.
After implantation, and extraction or grafting if required, you may experience typical discomforts associated with any oral surgery. These can include swelling, pain at the site, and minor bleeding. Below are some specific recommendations for the first 2 weeks after any procedure during this process to ensure proper healing and recovery.
Pain Management. Ibuprofen reduces pain and swelling and is highly recommended after surgery.
Oral Hygiene. Gentle brushing is important to keep the recovering area clean and to avoid irritation from overly aggressive brushing. Warm salt water rinses can also help keep the area clean and reduce pain and swelling.
Minor Bleeding. After oral surgeries, it’s common to have a small amount of blood in your saliva for a day or two. Gently biting on a gauze pad for 30 minutes can help with this. If bleeding continues for more than a few days, contact our office.
Swelling. Besides ibuprofen and saltwater rinses, periodically using an ice pack on the cheek near the affected area can help.
