At Middleton Family Dentistry, we’re experts in the full dental implant continuum. From the moment a damaged tooth is removed to the day your final crown is placed, every step of your dental implant treatment is planned and delivered right here in our Fort Wayne offices.
Our 4-Phase Dental Implant Protocol in Fort Wayne
We manage every stage of your implant treatment under one roof, using 3D imaging and guided surgery to place implants precisely where your bone can support them. This structured approach respects your body’s natural healing process and supports long-term success.
Phase 1: Extraction & Bone Grafting
When a tooth must be removed, we typically perform socket preservation at the same visit. That means we place a bone graft into the empty socket to help maintain bone volume and create a strong foundation for a future implant.
Phase 2: Guided Implant Placement
Once the bone graft has healed, we place the dental implant using a digitally designed surgical guide. 3D cone-beam CT (CBCT) imaging helps us plan the ideal position, angle, and depth of your implant before your surgery ever begins.
Phase 3: Osseointegration (Healing)
Over the next several months, your jawbone fuses with the implant in a process called osseointegration. This step is critical: a fully integrated implant behaves like an artificial root, supporting strong chewing forces and long-term stability.
Phase 4: Restoration & Final Crown
After the implant has integrated, we take a digital scan and design a custom crown or implant-supported denture to match your bite and smile. Once your restoration is placed, you’ll have a permanent, highly functional tooth replacement that looks and feels natural.
*Healing times vary based on your health, bone quality, and whether grafting or additional procedures are needed. We never rush integration—we prioritize long-term success over speed.*
How Much Do Dental Implants Cost in Fort Wayne?
It’s very common to search for dental implant cost before scheduling a consultation. While every case is unique, most patients investing in dental implants nationwide can expect a total fee in the range of several thousand dollars per tooth, including the implant post, abutment, and crown.
At Middleton Family Dentistry, we review your 3D imaging, health history, and goals to provide a personalized written estimate. We’ll also help you understand how your dental insurance may contribute and discuss payment options, so you’re never surprised by the cost of your dental implants.
If you’ve been searching for “dental implant cost in Fort Wayne”, the most accurate way to know your investment is to schedule an implant consultation. We’ll walk you through your options and costs in plain language.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?
Most healthy adults are candidates for dental implants, but we’ll complete a thorough evaluation before recommending treatment. During your visit, we’ll review:
- Your overall health, medications, and healing history
- Gum health and any signs of active periodontal disease
- Bone volume and density in the area where the implant is planned
- Habits such as smoking or clenching that may affect healing
If dental implants are not the best option for you, we’ll discuss other tooth replacement solutions such as bridges or dentures and help you choose a treatment that fits your health and lifestyle.
Dental Implants vs. Bridges vs. Dentures
One of the most common questions we hear from Fort Wayne patients is whether to choose a traditional bridge, a removable denture, or a dental implant. Each option has advantages; our job is to help you understand the tradeoffs clearly.
Replace the full tooth root and crown, help preserve jawbone, and do not rely on neighboring teeth for support. With proper care, implants can often last decades or longer.
Use neighboring teeth as anchors. A good solution in some cases, but they require reshaping healthy teeth and do not protect the underlying bone from shrinking.
Removable and generally more budget-friendly up front. Over time, bone loss and fit changes may require relines or replacement. Implant-supported dentures can combine stability with a lighter, more comfortable design.
Many patients who start with bridges or dentures eventually choose implants for improved chewing strength, comfort, and confidence—especially in social and professional settings.
Risks, Safety, and Long-Term Success
Dental implants have a very high long-term success rate when placed and cared for properly. As with any surgical procedure, there are risks, including infection, delayed healing, and rare implant failure. Our pre-implant questionnaire, 3D imaging, and careful planning are designed to identify and minimize these risks.
We’ll review red-flag symptoms with you before surgery—such as severe pain, unusual swelling, or persistent bleeding—and provide written post-operative instructions so you know exactly what to expect during healing.
Sedation and Comfort for Dental Implants
Many patients are surprised by how comfortable modern dental implant surgery can be, especially with local anesthetic and thoughtful pain management. For patients with dental anxiety or those undergoing more extensive treatment, we offer additional comfort options.
Comfort Options May Include:
- IV Sedation (general anesthesia) puts you in a medically induced, unconscious sleep, preventing pain, awareness, and movement during surgery
- Gentle local anesthesia and thorough numbness checks before we begin
- Nitrous oxide (“laughing gas”) to take the edge off anxiety
- Oral sedation for appropriate candidates needing deeper relaxation
Same-day implant placement after extractions is reserved for carefully selected cases and always includes close follow-up. Our goal is not just to place implants—it’s to help you feel safe, informed, and comfortable throughout the process.
What to Expect Before Your Implant Surgery
About a week before your procedure, our team will call you to review the details and make sure you feel prepared. We’ll confirm:
- Medication instructions, including any prescribed antibiotics or pain medication
- Timing for eating, drinking, and taking regular medications
- What to expect immediately after surgery and during the first 24–48 hours
- Who will accompany you home if you receive sedation
You’ll leave with written post-operative instructions and a direct contact for questions. Our team closely monitors your early healing and long-term follow-up to protect your investment.
“The closest thing to my natural tooth.”
“The comprehensive approach to my implant was outstanding. I felt safe throughout the entire process, and the result is truly the closest thing to my natural tooth. The level of detail and care I received at Middleton Family Dentistry is why I recommend them to everyone in Fort Wayne.”
— Jessica H., Fort WayneDental Implant FAQs
Still researching dental implants near me in Fort Wayne? These are some of the most common questions we hear from patients considering treatment.
How much do dental implants cost at Middleton Family Dentistry?
Because every smile and every bone structure is different, we don’t believe in one-size-fits-all pricing. After reviewing your 3D imaging and treatment needs, we provide a written estimate outlining the cost of your implant, abutment, and crown, along with any grafting or sedation fees. We’ll also review how your insurance may help and discuss payment options.
Are dental implants painful?
During surgery, you’ll be thoroughly numbed and may receive nitrous oxide or oral sedation if appropriate. Most patients describe feeling pressure and vibration rather than sharp pain. Soreness afterward is typically managed with over-the-counter pain relievers and cool compresses during the first 24–48 hours.
How long do dental implants last?
With proper care—brushing, flossing, professional cleanings, and regular exams—dental implants can often last decades or even a lifetime. The crown or prosthetic attached to your implant may eventually need to be refreshed due to normal wear, just like any other dental restoration.
Does insurance cover dental implants?
Coverage varies widely. Some plans contribute toward portions of implant treatment, such as the crown, while others consider implants an elective service. Our team will review your benefits, submit pre-estimates when appropriate, and help you understand your out-of-pocket investment before treatment begins.
How long does the entire dental implant process take?
For most single-tooth cases, treatment spans several months from extraction and bone grafting to final crown placement. Many patients complete the process in 9–12 months, depending on healing. While that timeline may feel long, the result is a stable, long-term solution that looks and functions like a natural tooth.
2. Mayo Clinic. (2022). Dental implant surgery.