Replace Missing Teeth With Dental Implants in Valparaiso

The first step of dental implant therapy is a thorough examination. Dr. Drone will need to evaluate the condition of your teeth, jawbone, gums, and appearance of your teeth, and review your medical history. In our office, patients will have a CT scan to evaluate the health of the jawbone, a digital impression of the existing teeth, and photographs. Our team of laboratory technicians will help design the final outcome with Dr. Drone so we can meet the expectations of each patient. In addition, each patient will be examined by either the oral surgeon or periodontist. Our dental implant specialty team will evaluate each patient and custom-design your implant treatment plan to meet your specific needs.

Tooth loss results in deterioration of the jawbone, and many times patients will need an additional procedure called a bone graft to provide better support for the dental implant. This procedure is very common, safe, and is needed for a multitude of reasons. If your bone is too narrow or fragile, our team of oral surgeons may recommend a bone graft prior to implant placement. Bone grafting stimulates your healthy bone to regenerate. The healing process takes about 3 to 4 months to ensure a stable foundation. It is a routine and kind procedure when planning for dental implants.

After the treatment plan is finalized, you will have the oral surgeon or periodontist place the implant into the jawbone. The surgeon will make a small incision in your gums and insert the surgical guide onto the existing teeth. The guide is used for the precise placement of the implant into the jawbone. Your implant will be ready to restore after approximately 3-4 months of healing.

When the implant is fully integrated into the bone, Dr. Drone will use our state-of-the-art digital impression scanners and make an impression of your implant. Our team of talented laboratory technicians will be designing your custom abutment and life-like restoration. The dental restoration will perfectly match your bite and the color of your existing teeth. The implant prosthesis is designed to appear and function like your natural teeth. It is more common for the dental implant restorations to be permanently secured to your dental implants, but some patients have removable implant dentures where the denture snaps onto the implant for a more secure fit, and yet the patients can detach the dentures if needed.

Proper oral hygiene care is essential in maintaining the health of your implant restoration. Inflammation can occur without proper oral hygiene, routine annual examinations, and professional cleanings, so we can keep your mouth healthy. Every patient will be provided with implant care instructions, and our team will demonstrate all the necessary hygiene techniques for you to maintain your new implant restorations.