Learn About Dental Implants

What Are Dental Implants And What Is Dental Implantology?

Dental Implantology is the science of the replacement of teeth that have been lost due to accident or disease.  A dental implant is a small titanium screw that is inserted into the jawbone to take the place of a missing tooth root.  The jawbone then bonds with the titanium in a process called osseointegration.  This process creates a strong foundation for the artificial teeth which are then secured to the top of the titanium dental implant.

Dental implants take the place of the missing tooth root. An implant is strong enough that two or three implants can support up to five crowns. When a tooth root is removed, the bone in the jaw immediately starts to resorb or deteriorate. This bone loss is similar to losing muscle tone when one does not exercise.  When bone availability is at a minimum, a bone grafting procedure can be done. This procedure allows the patient to regenerate a better quality of bone prior to the placement of a dental implant. If you have been told that you do not have enough bone to have dental implants, please call The Dental Implant Institute and talk with Dr. Cooper about the bone grafting procedure that will allow you to enjoy the advantages of dental implants.

What Are The Benefits Of Dental Implants?

Before the development of dental implantology, patients had to adapt to dentures, removable partial dentures, or bridgework. Patients often complained of not being able to chew food properly or eat many of the foods they enjoyed. Some would have pain and discomfort because of ill-fitting dentures due to bone loss.  Until recently, dental implantology only offered some relief by allowing a "snugger" fit of the patient's dentures. Now, dental implantology offers every patient the opportunity to have much of the "natural tooth function" restored.  Properly designed and placed, the dental implant will restore much of the chewing strength, appearance, and security of natural teeth.

When teeth are missing from the jawbone the bone begins to shrink over time.  This unhealthy bone loss can cause the jawline to recede and the facial structure to change.  Dental implants help to prevent this deterioration of the jawbone so that natural facial contours are preserved.  Unlike dental bridges, the placement of dental implants eliminates the need to grind down healthy adjacent teeth.  As a better alternative to bridgework, no healthy natural teeth are compromised.

What Are The Steps To Dental Implant Placement?

The first step is to call (317-577-2450) or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .  When you visit The Dental Implant Institute, you will receive personal attention from both Dr. Cooper and his staff. They will spend time with you, inquiring about your past medical history and other aspects of your lifestyle as it relates to your dental health care.  Every patient is unique, with different dental implant needs. The Dental Implant Institute meets the needs of their dental patients by offering a variety of types of dental implants best suited for each patient. The dental implant type is chosen after a thorough radiographic and clinical evaluation in consultation with the referring dentist. Our dental implants are scientifically designed and surgically placed as a support system for various dental applications.

Once the dental implant type has been chosen, then dental implant surgery is scheduled.  Dr. Cooper will then perform oral surgery to place the tiny titanium implants into the jawbone.  The dental implants then need to be left undisturbed for a period of time to allow a strong bond to form with the adjacent bone.  Following this bone remodeling period, abutments or small connector posts will be attached to the dental implants.  Impressions of your teeth are taken and artificial replacement teeth are fabricated in the appropriate shade to blend with your natural teeth.  The new artificial teeth are then attached to the dental implants.

As an oral implantologist and restorative dentist, Dr. Cooper has extensive training and unparalleled experience to oversee patient surgery and the restorative phase of dental implantology. We welcome you to call (317-577-2450) or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for a free consultation. During your consultation, you will receive an examination and have the opportunity to talk with Dr. Cooper and his staff about your needs and goals and if a dental implant is the right choice for you.

For More Information See Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Implants.