Meet your implant dentist
Dr. Louis Abukhalaf graduated magna cum laude from the Marquette University School of Dentistry. He earned a chemistry and biochemistry degree summa cum laude from Loyola University Chicago first. He completed his advanced implant training through the Misch International Implant Institute, the program founded by the late Dr. Carl Misch and one of the most rigorous implant programs in the country, and continues postgraduate study at the Kois Center.
For 46226 patients, the practical effect is this: the dentist who plans your case, places the implant, and delivers the final crown is the same person, and that person has spent extra years specifically learning implant dentistry beyond general practice.
"The first appointment is more about listening than scanning. Patients tell me what they want. The 3D scan tells me whether we can give them that, and what we have to do to make it work." Dr. Louis Abukhalaf
Implant options for 46226 patients
Single-tooth and small-gap cases
A single missing tooth is replaced with a titanium post fused into the jawbone, a connector, and a custom crown on top. Unlike a traditional bridge, an implant does not require shaving down the two healthy teeth on either side of the gap. The neighbors are left alone.
Implant-supported bridges
When you are missing several teeth in a row, two well-placed implants can support a bridge that replaces three or four teeth. The total cost is usually lower than placing one implant per tooth, and the result is just as fixed and stable.
Full-arch (All-on-X) implants
For patients who have lost most or all of an arch, four to six implants can support a full set of upper or lower teeth that are fixed in place. This is the option for patients who currently wear dentures and want to be done with them. The teeth are brushed and cared for like natural teeth.
Cost of dental implants in 46226
A single dental implant in the United States typically runs about $3,000 to $6,000 once the post, abutment, and crown are all included, according to ranges published by the American Academy of Implant Dentistry. Full-arch implant cases run substantially higher because of the additional implants and the larger restoration.
Your specific cost depends on the number of teeth being replaced, whether bone grafting is needed, the crown material chosen, and whether sedation is part of the plan. We provide an itemized written estimate before treatment is scheduled so you can compare it line by line against your insurance.
Are you a candidate for dental implants?
Most healthy adults with one or more missing teeth are good candidates for implants. Three things matter: enough bone in the jaw to hold the implant, healthy gums around the site, and a healing system that is not impaired by uncontrolled diabetes, heavy smoking, or certain medications. Bone grafting can solve the first concern when needed. Gum disease is treated first when the second is the issue. The third is something we will talk through honestly with you at the consultation.
Getting to our office from 46226
The 46226 ZIP starts about four miles north of our Shortridge Road office. The simplest route from most of 46226 is south on Shadeland Avenue to East 10th Street, then west on 10th Street to Shortridge Road, then south on Shortridge for the last block. The drive takes about ten to fifteen minutes outside of weekday rush hour.
If you live in the western part of 46226 closer to Emerson Avenue, you can take Emerson south to East 10th Street and head east to Shortridge instead. Either route lands you at the same intersection of 10th and Shortridge.
We are at 115 North Shortridge Road, Suite 200, just north of East Washington Street. Parking is on site and the office is on the second floor.
About the 46226 community
The 46226 ZIP covers a stretch of the northeast side of Indianapolis inside Lawrence Township. Established neighborhoods include Devington, Brendonwood, Forest Manor, and Fall Creek Heights. Local schools are run by the Metropolitan School District of Lawrence Township, including Lawrence Central High School and Fall Creek Valley Middle School. The U.S. Census Bureau places the 46226 population around 28,000 residents, and the area is bordered to the north by Fort Harrison State Park, a popular destination for hiking and golf.
Our 46226 Dental Services Include:
Dental Implants Provider
Insurance, financing, and new-patient specials
We are in-network with most major PPO plans and we file your claims for you. New patients without insurance can choose from our $59 new-patient exam and X-rays, our $49 healthy-mouth cleaning and polishing (in the absence of periodontal disease), or a free dental implant consultation that includes 3D imaging and a written treatment plan.
Our membership discount plan covers preventive care plus a percentage off other services for patients without insurance. OrthoFi financing makes implants payable in monthly installments rather than a single up-front payment.
Common questions about dental implants
How long do dental implants last?
Long-term studies of modern implants report success rates around 95 percent at 10 years and beyond when patients keep up with cleanings and home care. The implant post itself can last for life. The crown on top may need replacement once or twice over decades, similar to any other crown.
How long does the procedure take?
A simple single-tooth case from consultation to final crown usually takes three to six months because of the time the bone needs to integrate with the implant. Cases that need bone grafting first run longer. Some full-arch protocols allow temporary teeth on the day of placement.
What if I do not have enough bone?
Bone grafting can rebuild the volume needed. Many patients told elsewhere they were not candidates turn out to be candidates after a small graft. Your 3D scan will show whether grafting is needed.
Does it hurt?
Implant placement is done under local anesthesia and most patients are surprised by how little they feel. Mild soreness for a few days afterward is common and usually managed with over-the-counter pain medication. Sedation is available for patients who want it.
Schedule your free implant consultation
If you live in 46226 and are missing one or more teeth, the implant consultation is free, includes 3D imaging, and ends with a written treatment plan and itemized estimate. Call (317) 777-7179or book online.
For the full implant treatment process, our East Indianapolis dental implants page covers candidacy, healing, and pricing in depth. Patients in nearby ZIPs can also see the 46235 and 46236 pages.
Indianapolis New Patient Dental Specials
New Patient Exams
$59
No insurance? We offer a $59 Comprehensive New Patient Exam and X-Rays.
New patients only.
Cannot be combined with insurance.
New Patient Healthy Mouth Cleaning
$49
No insurance? We offer a $49 New Patient Exam Healthy Mouth Cleaning and Polishing.
New patients only. Cannot be combined with insurance. Includes a Healthy Mouth Cleaning in the absence of periodontal disease.
Dental Implant Consultation
FREE
No insurance? We offer a FREE Dental Implants Consultation
We offer multiple implant options to replace missing teeth.
Click here to learn more about our dental implant consultations.
Our Indianapolis Dental Practice Location
Office Hours:
Monday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Thursday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday: 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed