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Dental Implants – Carmel, IN

Truly Comprehensive Tooth Replacement

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For patients who don’t want to just replace their missing teeth, but rather look and feel like their teeth never went missing in the first place, Dr. Springhetti highly recommends dental implants. Thanks in part to his time spent at the prestigious Dawson Academy, he’s able to provide all phases of implant care to help our patients rebuild their smiles in a way that can be trusted to last a lifetime. If you’re ready to enjoy a full and healthy set of teeth again, he’s ready to give it to you with dental implants in Carmel, IN, so contact us today.

Why Choose Springhetti Dentistry for Dental Implants?

  • Dentist with Extensive Oral Surgery Experience
  • Entire Procedure Provided Under One Roof
  • Strong Relationships That Lead to Better Care & Better Results

What is a Dental Implant?

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Your teeth are comprised of two main parts—the crown you can see, and the root below the gum line. Most other dental prosthetics only bring back the crown, but implants actually replace the root as well. A small titanium post is positioned within the jawbone where it acts as an artificial tooth root and gives a patient’s new teeth a strength and stability that far surpasses traditional bridges and dentures. The implant roots can be used to support a variety of restorations, including single crowns, bridges, and even full dentures.

The 4-Step Dental Implant Process

Dentist pointing to a dental implant model

Thanks to Dr. Springhetti’s extensive oral surgery experience, our dental implant patients are able to get absolutely everything they need in our Carmel, IN dental office. Dr. Springhetti can surgically place implants into the jaw, attach them to restorations, and even provide sedation to ensure the entire process is as comfortable as possible. Most other dental offices break up the procedure between different specialists and locations, but with us, you get a one-stop shop that offers world-class quality from beginning to end. Here are the four main steps you can expect.

Initial Dental Implant Consultation

Couple meeting a receptionist

The first step when getting dental implants is to attend an initial consultation. At this time, we will examine your smile to determine if you are a good candidate for the procedure. Some patients need preliminary procedures completed before they are able to replace their teeth with dental implants. This can include gum disease treatment, bone grafting, or a sinus lift. If any of these procedures apply to you, we will help you to get them scheduled. Once your gums and jawbone are in good shape, we can move on to planning the rest of your treatment. We will also go over the timeline and cost.

Dental Implant Surgery

Dentist performing surgery

At Springhetti Dentistry, we are proud to complete the entire dental implant process in-house, including the dental implant placement procedure. After numbing the area with a local anesthetic, Dr. Springhetti will make an incision into the gum tissue and strategically insert the dental implant(s) into the jawbone. Then, the gums are closed and protective caps are placed over the ends of the implants to protect them throughout the healing process.

Dental Implant Osseointegration & Abutment

Digital illustration of a dental implant

Over the next three to six months, the osseointegration process takes place. This is when the titanium implant fuses to the jawbone, allowing for additional stability and longevity. Once this process is complete, you will need to undergo another small procedure where abutments are attached to the ends of the implants. Impressions will also be taken so your custom restoration can be made at the dental laboratory.

Delivery of Dental Implant Restorations

Woman smiling in the dental chair

When your restoration is ready, it will be sent to our practice from the dental lab. At this time, you can return to the dental office so Dr. Springhetti can attach your restoration(s) to your dental implant(s) via the abutment(s). If everything looks and feels great, you will be free to show off your new smile to the world!

Benefits of Dental Implants

Woman sharing flawless smile

Dental implants are the best tooth replacement option out there. Because of their unique way of replacing the roots of the missing teeth, they allow for a wide range of benefits that you can’t get from traditional dentures or dental implants. Here are just some of the benefits that recipients of dental implants can experience every day, in their health, and long-term.

Day-to-Day Benefits

Woman eating a salad

Central implants look and feel just like real teeth, so you shouldn’t notice much of a difference in your everyday life. Here are some of the benefits you can enjoy every day.

  • Bite Force: Dental implanted teeth never slip out of place, allowing a patient to enjoy a wide variety of foods with complete confidence.
  • Easy Maintenance: All a patient has to do is brush and floss their teeth like normal to keep their implants looking and functioning like new.
  • Increased Confidence: Unlike other dental prosthetics, dental implants are self-supporting and don’t have unnatural-looking metal or acrylic attachments. This helps them restore the smile’s appearance as well as its strength.

Health Benefits

Man smiling at the dentist

In addition to daily benefits, your health will be positively affected by your dental implants. Here are some health benefits you can look forward to.

  • Improved Oral Health: Dental implants help to prevent additional oral health issues from arising, including gum disease and further tooth loss.
  • Improved General Health: Having excellent oral health will positively influence your general health. It lowers your risk of serious medical issues, including diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
  • Prevents Bone Loss: The jawbone naturally starts to shrink after tooth loss, and right now, dental implants are the only tooth replacement shown to stop and even reverse this process.

Long-Term Benefits

Woman talking on the phone

When you choose dental implants, you are making a long-term investment in your smile. Here are some of the benefits that you can experience for many years.

  • Long-Lasting: Thanks to the techniques and high-quality materials used to place implants, they have been shown to last anywhere from 30 years to life, which is many times longer than regular bridges and dentures.
  • Successful: Dental implants have an amazing success rate of over 95%. Dental implant failure is highly successful.
  • Save Money: You don’t need to worry about buying adhesives or soaking solutions when you have dental implants. They also don’t require frequent repairs and replacements. Dental implants also help to reduce your risk of additional oral health issues, saving you time, discomfort, and money.

Are Dental Implants Right for You?

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Basically, if you have missing teeth and want to get them back, dental implants are definitely an option for you with Dr. Springhetti. All a patient really needs to bring to the table is decent oral/overall health, and if either of these is lacking, Dr. Springhetti can provide assistance to change that. Once a patient is ready, they can choose to rebuild their smile in the following ways:

Animated rendering of implant supported dental crown

Missing Single Tooth

Rather than filing down and sacrificing two teeth to place a bridge that restores one tooth, Dr. Springhetti can use a single implant root to hold a porcelain crown. This crown won’t lean on the neighboring teeth for support or require them to be altered at all, and it will be designed to blend seamlessly with the rest of the smile.

Animation of implant supported fixed bridge

Missing Multiple Teeth

Several teeth can be brought back at once using just a small number of implants that attach a bridge or partial denture directly to the jawbone. These implant-retained prosthetics are much more stable than their removable counterparts, and they last longer as well.

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Missing All Teeth

We can replace an entire row of teeth using just four to six implants that provide the foundation for a full denture. Implant dentures are smaller and look more natural than regular ones, and they allow a patient to recover much more of their bite strength.

Animation of implant replacement tooth in grafted bone

Bone Grafts

Many patients with longstanding tooth loss have a jawbone that is too thin or brittle to adequately support dental implants. In the past, they would be forced to get a less reliable treatment, but not with Dr. Springhetti. He can use a bone grafting procedure to build up and strengthen the jaw right where it’s needed so a patient can safely get implants and enjoy the lifelong benefits.

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Sinus Lifts

A sinus lift is used to thicken the back of the upper jawbone so dental implants can be placed there. If the bone is too thin, when the titanium roots are inserted, they may accidentally pierce the sensitive sinus membrane located right above the jaw, and no one wants that! With a painless procedure that can be completed in a single appointment, Dr. Springhetti can gently “lift” the sinus membrane to make room for a bone graft that will enable a patient to get dental implants.

Understanding the Cost of Dental Implants

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Although many experts consider dental implants the ideal way to replace missing teeth, they’re the only restorations that involve oral surgery. As a result, they tend to be more expensive than alternatives like dental bridges or dentures.

It’s natural to have questions about the pricing of your dental implants, and we’ll do everything we can to make them as affordable as possible. Continue reading to learn more about how the rate is determined, and feel free to contact us for additional questions!

Preliminary Treatments & Dental Implant Surgery

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Before proceeding with this treatment, you must consult Dr. Springhetti in Carmel to determine whether you’re a good candidate. He’ll update your medical history and examine your mouth to ensure no pre-existing issues, like cavities or periodontal problems, will interfere with the results. This may involve additional services, like tooth-colored fillings or gum disease therapy, which can increase your final invoice.

Dr. Springhetti will also verify whether your jawbone is sufficiently thick to support your new teeth. If not, an additional bone graft procedure can sometimes bulk it up enough to continue, though you’ll be responsible for the additional cost.

The Parts of Your Dental Implant

3D rendering of the parts of a dental implant levitating above lower arch of teeth

Dental implants consist of a support rod that’s embedded in your jawbone, an abutment to anchor the restoration, and the artificial tooth itself. These components can be made by different producers using various materials which can all impact the final amount due.

For example, the metallic post placed in your jaw is traditionally made of titanium, but zirconia can also be used, though it’s pricier. The type of prosthetics required can also impact the rate; if you’re receiving multiple implants to support a dental bridge or dentures, you can expect to pay more.

How Dental Implants Can Save You Money

Patient admiring the results of her treatment with mirror next to 2 dentists

It’s natural to wonder whether getting dental implants is worth the higher price you’ll pay upfront, but these teeth come with many benefits that can potentially save you money in the long term. For example, dentures and dental bridges tend to last about 5 to 10 years before needing repairs or replacement. Meanwhile, dental implants are resilient enough to last 15+ years with the right care, so you’re less likely to pay for costly fixes.

Furthermore, these restorations are easier to clean than the alternatives because they don’t rely on connection with your teeth or gums to remain in place. This reduces the risk of common dental problems, like tooth decay or gum disease, reducing the probability of undergoing expensive procedures to address them.

Does My Dental Insurance Cover Dental Implants?

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Many dental insurance plans don’t cover dental implants, though there may be some exceptions. It’s worth verifying your policy details to know what portions are included. Please let us know if you’re struggling to find the information or would like assistance with claims or paperwork. Our friendly office staff are familiar with different plans and are happy to help you maximize your available benefits.

Making Dental Implants Affordable

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Our team believes that everyone deserves access to top-quality dental care, and we understand that not everyone carries dental insurance. We don’t want your finances to keep you from rebuilding your smile. As a result, we proudly partner with CareCredit to offer flexible financial packages. You’ll be able to break down your total invoice into smaller installments that are paid out over a designated period if your application is approved.

Dental Implant FAQs

Does Getting Dental Implants Hurt?

We obviously want your treatment to be as comfortable as possible, so we’ll be sure to numb your mouth completely before beginning the surgery. It helps that the jawbone doesn’t have any nerve endings anyway.

However, it’s common to experience a little bit of discomfort during aftercare. This should be easily managed with either prescribed or over-the-counter pain medication taken as directed. A cold compress may also be useful in bringing down swelling. If things worsen, be sure to let us know.

How Successful Are Dental Implants?

It’s been found that around 95% of dental implants are still successful at 20 years. That success rate is provided that you take care of them to a basic extent—you should make sure to thoroughly brush and floss them each day, just like you would a natural tooth.

It’s also worth noting that success can vary based on where the dental implants are located in the mouth. Molars have to deal with much greater stress than the front teeth do, leading them to fail sooner.

How Can I Tell If My Dental Implant Is Failing?

The most obvious sign that a dental implant is about to fail is if it feels loose. This is an indicator of impending failure, and you should call us immediately if you notice this happening.

You should also be concerned if you feel like your dental implant may be infected. This includes them feeling swollen or inflamed. This is also a bad sign, and you should tell us if you feel like you might be dealing with an infection.

Am I Too Old to Get Dental Implants?

You’re never too old to get dental implants—studies have shown that, all else being equal, age has nothing to do with the success of the treatment. However, it is worth noting that older people are more likely to have oral health problems that compromise their ability to get and heal from dental implant surgery.