Blog

When planning dental implant treatment, we perform a careful evaluation to ensure enough healthy bone structure exists to support the dental implant post and the load caused by chewing that will exert force on the dental implant and bone. 

We use our 3-D cone beam technology to gain accurate information regarding your bone structure, sinuses, and other biological landmarks that might impact the success of your surgery.

If insufficient bone exists, we may recommend bone grafting in our Indianapolis dental office as a solution to make dental implant surgery possible.

Why Bone Grafting becomes Necessary

Losing a tooth can lead to bone loss because the lost tooth is no longer present to stimulate healthy ...

When patients need oral surgery in Indianapolis, it’s tempting to search for a local oral surgeon to complete a necessary procedure. At Shank Dentistry, we provide a number of advanced services without the need for a trip to a specialist.

An evaluation with Dr. Kyle Shank will determine if we can help you right here without the need for a visit to a new dental office. For many of our surgical procedures, we use 3-D cone beam technology for more precise, accurate, and informed procedures that are free of complications.

Replacing Missing Teeth with Dental Implants

Before the prevalence of dental implants, replacing missing teeth involved an artificial tooth or teeth that got ...

Breathing is natural and for many people, it happens without stress or strain. For others, however, nighttime breathing can be a genuine struggle for one of the very necessities of life – air.

Your snoring partner may make you want to run from the room for quiet refuge on the couch. First, be sure to look for the signs of sleep apnea. Your observations could save your partner’s life.

• Loud snoring with intermittent pauses
• Gasping or catching the breath during sleep
• Mood changes – increases in depression or irritability
• Daytime sleepiness
• Fatigue after eight hours of sleep

The only way to find out if you or your partner suffers from sleep apnea is to seek a referral ...

If you have anxiety when it comes to visiting the dentist and it keeps you from getting the dentistry you need to stay healthy, Shank Dentistry provides gentle, compassionate care and a solution for fearful patients. We offer sedation dentistry in our Indianapolis dental office.

It’s easy to avoid unpleasant situations that create unnecessary stress. At Shank Dentistry, we are here to help you discover why your smile is so important, and how you can care for it without the fear you have felt for so long.

What Happens When Anxiety Keeps You from the Dentist

It might start by missing just a few of your routine appointments, or you could have avoided ...

As your Perry Township, IN dentist, we care for people at every stage of life and design personalized treatment plans to keep you healthy whether you are a teen, expecting mother, or a senior.

Dental Cleanings and Exams Are More Important Than Ever

Teeth collect more tartar as you age, and your enamel thins as well. Maintaining oral hygiene is important as you age because oral health and your overall health are intimately related. Healthy gums and a decay-free smile will improve your diet and your self-confidence. Older adults are staying active and social longer than ever.

Even if you have dentures, your regular dental visits are still important. We offer oral cancer ...

Pain in the jaw can make it difficult to chew and yawn comfortably and can indicate the need to see your dentist in Indianapolis for TMJ treatment. TMJ (temporomandibular joints) can become sore and may even click, pop, or lock if they are not functioning properly.

Pain in your jaw does not mean serious jaw issues, though it is common. Here are some other things that might be irritating your jaws and facial muscles.

Problematic Wisdom Teeth 

In the late teens and early twenties, the wisdom teeth (third molars) begin to emerge. In some cases, they come through without any issues. In other cases, they can push against other teeth or fail to ...

Teeth whitening is our most popular cosmetic treatment because it is a fast and affordable way to revitalize a dull-looking smile. At Shank Dentistry, we offer a two-step whitening process to help achieve a whiter smile and maintain it for many years to come.

By combining both our in-office whitening system with our custom take-home whitening system, the results you see will be yours for as long as you maintain it. Don’t forget that a dental cleaning before you begin will be the best way to whiten your teeth. Your hygienist will polish away surface stains and tartar that can interfere with the whitening process.

In-Office Whitening

Choosing to kick-start the whitening process ...