- Dental ExaminationMany patients and parents of patients ask, “When is the best time to have wisdom teeth removed?” Most dental professionals recommend removing third molars before they are fully developed, which is as early as age 12 in some patients. Doctors today can often determine whether your wisdom teeth will cause problems for your overall health before they ever grow in. The best way to proactively defend the oral health problems caused by third molars is through early detection. That is why it is extremely important for you to ensure that you receive regular dental exams each year—especially around the early and mid-teen years. X-rays or other imaging techniques are the only way to detect these teeth before they emerge from the gums and start to cause problems.
- X-raysPrior to treatment Dr. Falender will have taken a CT scan and dental x-rays to determine the best location for your dental implant. Where single implants are being used side-by-side, it is important to make sure there is adequate room in between them so the implant crowns can be fabricated correctly. If the single tooth being replaced is particularly small, for example a lower front incisor, then Dr. Falender may need to use a smaller diameter implant, called a mini dental implant.
- Teeth CleaningWisdom teeth removal can be very expensive, especially if you don’t have access to insurance. When your budget is limited, an insurance plan with relatively low premiums may your best option. However, this usually means higher deductibles up to about $100. It’s important to know whether your coverage plan is just for preventive dental care like teeth cleaning, but what if you need major procedures like oral surgery.
- Fillings
- CrownsWhen the crown (top portion) of the tooth has penetrated through the bone, but the gum is not properly positioned around the tooth and still covers all or part of the crown, food can get trapped under the gum. This can cause infection, decay, swelling, and pain. Many people experience this problem before their wisdom teeth are removed.
- BridgesA fixed bridge is a connected set of replacement teeth. For support, it is cemented into position on top of the teeth adjacent to the empty space. The protective outer layer of these teeth is usually removed or ground down prior to attaching the bridge. If the teeth adjacent to the missing tooth site have never been restored or have small fillings, cutting them down to hold a bridge is an aggressive treatment that can detriment these teeth in the long run.
- Dental Bonding
- Root Canal Treatment
- DenturesIf you possess teeth that are extremely unhealthy and need to be removed, immediate dentures are a viable solution for tooth replacement. In most cases, the denture is placed on the same day that the teeth are removed. Prior to your tooth removal procedure, Dr. Falender will work closely with you and your dentist to ensure that the denture to be placed fits your mouth properly. This usually requires a few preparatory consultations prior to the extraction appointment.
- OverdenturesAnother option involves placing four to six implants, depending on your jaw size or shape, into your lower jaw. After healing is complete, the implants are connected with a custom-made support bar. Your denture will be made with special internal retention clips that attach onto the support bar, enabling the denture to snap firmly into place. This is called an “overdenture.” The advantage of this option is that it is much more stable than the first option and allows very little denture movement. Your denture is still removable for easy cleaning and maintenance. With the recent advances of dental implants and technology, this option is being used less and less these days.
- Dental ImplantsWe will also customize your dental treatment to fit your needs without sacrificing quality. You will enjoy your new smile sooner that you think. Whether you are looking for Wisdom Teeth, Dental Implants Financing or want to get your new Teeth in a Day,® our Treatment Coordinator will help finding the right payment option for you. She will also help you maximize the benefits from your dental insurance plan and sequence your treatment in the most cost-effective way.
- Oral SurgeryOur Oral Surgery Team shows a personal interest in you and your family to ensure you feel comfortable and in control.
- Jaw SurgeryDr. Lawrence G. Falender’s training as an oral and maxillofacial surgeon allows him to manage a wide variety of problems relating to the mouth, teeth, and facial regions. He practices a full scope of oral and maxillofacial surgery including wisdom tooth removal, bone grafting procedures, the placement of dental implants, and much more. He is also the most qualified healthcare provider to diagnose and treat facial pain and injuries, and perform corrective jaw surgery. Dr. Falender is equipped to treat the majority of oral and facial conditions within his state-of-the-art surgical facility and offers a variety of anesthesia options.
- Maxillofacial SurgerySee why choosing a Maxillofacial Surgery expert makes a world of a difference. For all your facial and oral surgical needs, call Dr. Falender.
- Tooth ExtractionsA wisdom tooth extraction is almost always performed as an outpatient procedure. This means that you go home the same day.
- Bone GraftingAn alloplast is a graft made from entirely synthetic materials. Artificial bone grafting materials are extremely sophisticated and contain a variety of different substances. They may have a combination of collagen, protein and growth factors that are designed to help promote the formation of new bone cells and to promote healing. This type of synthetic bone is extremely reliable.
- Orthodontics
- BracesImpacted wisdom teeth may contribute to crowding of your teeth. This is most noticeable with the front teeth, primarily the lower front teeth and is most commonly seen after a patient has had braces. There are a number of factors that cause teeth to crowd after braces or in early adulthood. Retained, impacted wisdom teeth may be a contributing factor. Unless you have an active problem when you see the oral surgeon, the reason for removal is primarily to prevent long-term damage to your teeth, gums and jaw bone.
- Cosmetic DentistryMissing teeth can be embarrassing, causing people to hide their smile and lose their self-esteem. The space created by missing teeth can easily become infected with bacteria, causing other teeth to shift out of place, and making it difficult for people to speak or eat correctly. Dr. Falender and his staff at Indianapolis Oral Surgery & Dental Implant Center, Indianapolis are sensitive to the hardship a missing tooth can create. The Family and Cosmetic Dentistry practice located in Indianapolis, IN provide top quality dental implants so that their patients can regain their self-confidence, improve their health, and approach life boldly.