Dental Implants Fort Wayne, IN

At Holmes Family & Cosmetic Dentistry in Fort Wayne, IN, Dr. Ryan Holmes provides modern dental implant solutions that restore both function and beauty to your smile. Dental implants are the gold standard for replacing missing teeth, offering a permanent, natural-looking solution that can last a lifetime with proper care.

Dental implants are titanium posts surgically placed into your jawbone, creating a strong foundation for replacement teeth. Unlike bridges or removable dentures, which sit on top of the gums, dental implants go under the gums. The “tooth” placed on an implant appears life-like, because it comes through the gums just like the original did. Implants can replace any number of lost teeth.

Even people with no teeth can benefit from implants. They can replace their dentures with teeth that don’t move around when they talk and don’t need to take them out at night. Because we handle the entire process from implant placement to crown fabrication, there’s no need to refer you to another office.

When Is a Dental Implant Necessary?

Dental implants may be the right solution for you if:

• You have one or more missing teeth that affect your smile and confidence
• You find it difficult to chew certain foods because of missing teeth
• Your dentures are uncomfortable or don’t stay in place
• You want to prevent bone loss that occurs when teeth are missing
• You desire a long-term solution rather than temporary options
• Your remaining teeth have shifted because of gaps from missing teeth

Dr. Holmes will perform a comprehensive evaluation to decide if dental implants are right for you. Most healthy adults with enough jawbone density make excellent candidates for dental implants.

Benefits of Dental Implants

Dental implants don’t just fill a gap, they restore your smile from the root up. Here are the key benefits that make dental implants a life-changing investment in your oral health:

• They Look and Feel Completely Natural. Each implant supports a custom-made crown that’s carefully crafted to match the color, shape, and translucency of your teeth. The result is seamless. No one will know you have an implant, and you’ll probably forget too.
• Restore Full Chewing Power. Unlike dentures, which can slip or limit your diet, implants are surgically placed into your jawbone and fuse with it over time. This creates a foundation as stable as a real tooth root.
• Prevent Bone Loss and Preserve Your Facial Structure. When a tooth is lost, the underlying jawbone begins to deteriorate because it no longer gets stimulation from the root. This bone loss can cause a sunken, prematurely aged appearance. Dental implants are the only tooth replacement option that replaces the root, stimulating the bone and preventing this deterioration. Your face stays fuller, and your smile stays supported.
• Protect Your Remaining Healthy Teeth. Traditional bridges require grinding down the two adjacent teeth to serve as anchors. Implants stand alone. Your healthy teeth remain untouched, which is better for their long-term health.
• Exceptionally Durable and Long-Lasting. Dental implants last for decades, often a lifetime. They’re a one-time solution, not a temporary fix.
• Improve Speech and Comfort. Dentures can slip and click when you talk, causing embarrassment or mumbling. Implants are fixed in place, so you can speak clearly and confidently without worrying about movement.
• Boost Your Confidence. This might be the most important benefit. When your smile is complete and healthy, you feel free to laugh, pose for photos, and connect with others.

Types of Dental Implants at Holmes Family & Cosmetic Dentistry

Single Tooth Implants

When you’re missing just one tooth, a single dental implant provides the most natural-looking and functioning replacement. The implant post is placed into your jawbone, and after healing, a custom-made crown that matches your natural teeth is attached. Single tooth implants don’t require altering adjacent healthy teeth, unlike traditional bridges.

Multiple Tooth Implants

If you’re missing several teeth, multiple implants can support individual crowns or an implant-supported bridge. This solution provides excellent chewing function and maintains proper spacing between your teeth while preventing bone loss.

Implant-Supported Bridge

For several adjacent missing teeth, an implant-supported bridge offers a strong, stable solution. Unlike traditional bridges that rely on neighboring teeth for support, implant bridges are anchored directly to your jawbone with strategically placed implants, preserving your healthy natural teeth.

All-on-4® Dental Implants

We are also happy to offer our patients All-on-4™ immediate load implants. With this option, you will need only four implants, which securely hold permanent dentures in place that you never need to take out. And the best part is that you can arrive in our office with missing or unhealthy teeth and leave with beautiful, functioning teeth in the same day.

This revolutionary approach can replace an entire arch of teeth using just four precisely placed implants. The All-on-4® technique often eliminates the need for bone grafting and provides immediate function with a temporary set of teeth placed the same day as your implant surgery. After healing, your permanent, custom-designed teeth are attached for a natural-looking, fully functional smile.

Overdentures: No More Messy Denture Adhesives!

People who wear dentures will tell you that the worst part is having their teeth slip, tilt, or slide while they’re eating. They have to use denture adhesive to try to keep their teeth from moving around. This is a major irritant for them. But we offer overdentures to our denture patients as a modern alternative. With the use of just a few dental implants to support the dentures, your teeth will be “locked” into place so they won’t move. Yet they easily snap off for cleaning. Say goodbye to messy creams! Ask us if you are a candidate for overdentures!

What to Expect From Dental Implant Treatment

Your journey begins with a thorough examination and consultation with Dr. Holmes. Using advanced 3D imaging technology, we’ll assess your oral health, bone structure, and determine the best implant solution for your needs. We’ll address all your questions and concerns while creating your personalized treatment plan.

The Implant Procedure

The implant process typically involves:

• Initial Implant Placement: Under local anesthesia and sedation if desired, Dr. Holmes surgically places the titanium implant posts into your jawbone. Most patients report minimal discomfort during and after this procedure.
• Healing Period: Over the next 3-6 months, the implants integrate with your jawbone through a process called osseointegration. During this time, you may wear temporary restorations so you’re never without teeth.
• Abutment Placement: Once healing is complete, small connector pieces called abutments are attached to your implants, which will hold your new teeth.
• Final Restoration: Your custom-designed, permanent restorations are attached to the abutments, completing your new smile. Dr. Holmes ensures proper fit, bite alignment, and a natural appearance.

Recovery and Aftercare

Most patients return to normal activities within a few days of implant surgery. You may experience some swelling and minor discomfort, which is typically manageable with over-the-counter pain medications. We’ll provide detailed aftercare instructions to ensure proper healing and long-term implant success.