Improving Your Smile With Dental Implants Doesn't Need To Be Complicated
Lawrence G. Falender, DDS
Dr. Falender is a board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon. He has practiced oral and maxillofacial surgery, implant surgery, and laser surgery in Indianapolis, Indiana, since 1987. Dr. Falender is a graduate of Indiana University and received his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the Indiana University School of Dentistry.
He is an associate professor of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at the Indiana University School of Dentistry.Dr. Falender expertise in Cosmetic Dental Implants. Dr. Falender enjoys traveling, sports, music, and spending time with his family.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are small biocompatible screws made from surgical grade titanium that are placed into the jawbone where a tooth is missing. These implants act as artificial tooth roots to secure artificial teeth or attach to a denture to make it stay put while eating or talking. They are very strong, sometimes even stronger than natural teeth, and have a 95% success rate in the long-term. By far, most people who have received dental implants are very happy with them because:
- They look exactly like natural teeth and function as such
- There is no limitation on the types of food you can eat
- They preserve the facial structure
- You regain confidence in your smile
- They prevent deterioration and resorption of the jaw bone that happens when a tooth is pulled out of the jaw bone.
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How Much Does Dental Implant Cost?
Frequently Asked Questions
Dental implants are a tooth replacement option designed to look and function just like natural teeth. Dental implants are revolutionizing the way people think about tooth restoration; while before removable prosthetics were the only solution available, now there are a variety of dental implant-based treatments that offer patients a lifelong solution to tooth loss.
Dental implants are made up of three separate parts. The implant itself is a medical-grade titanium screw that replaces your natural tooth’s root. This screw naturally stimulates the bone surrounding the teeth, just like your tooth’s root would, which prevents bone loss and preserves the structure of your face and jaw. A connecting abutment attaches to the screw and secures your prosthetic tooth or teeth in place. The prosthetic teeth (also known as crowns) are custom made to mimic the appearance of your natural teeth. The secure three-part design allows patients to eat, smile, and speak comfortably without ever worrying about a prosthesis coming out of place.
The cost of receiving dental implants can depend on several factors. The number of teeth being replaced, the extent of bone loss that has taken place, and the need for additional procedures, such as dental extractions or bone grafting, must all be taken into consideration when undergoing dental implant placement. Sometimes, your insurance will pay for a portion of the dental implant procedure, but please keep in mind that this is not always the case. Despite some advertisements for “bargain” implants, the only way to get an accurate estimate of how much your procedure will cost is to schedule a consultation with an experienced oral and maxillofacial surgeon. The training and experience obtained by oral surgeons, such as Dr. Falender, allows them to accurately assess your needs and develop a treatment plan which addresses the long-term health of your mouth and dental implant.