If you ask almost any dentist about the best way to replace missing teeth,
they’re likely to start talking about all of the benefits of dental
implants. This unique tooth loss solution replaces missing teeth both above
and below the gumline, giving it stability, functionality, and longevity that
you simply can’t get with other options. Thanks to advances in placement
and restoration techniques, this remarkable treatment is available to more
people than ever before. If you would like to investigate dental implants in
Newington, your restorative dentist in Newington would be happy to sit down with you and discuss whether this
life-changing procedure is right for you.
Dental implants are designed to replicate the entire structure of a
missing tooth or teeth. They consist of three major components: the implant
post, the abutment, and the final restoration. The small titanium implant
post is inserted directly into the jawbone, where it will form a stable
foundation. On top of the post, a small connector piece called an abutment
connects the post to the final restoration. This dental crown, bridge, or
denture will be custom-made to blend in seamlessly with the rest of your
teeth. In the end, this offers a newly rebuilt smile that looks, feels, and
functions just like natural, which is why dentists and patients alike regard
dental implants as the gold standard for tooth replacement.
Just as no two mouths are exactly alike, every person’s dental implant
journey will vary slightly. When you meet with one of our experienced
dentists, they will walk you through your entire treatment plan with you
step-by-step so you will know exactly what to expect. In general, the
process for rebuilding your smile with dental implants in Newington takes
several months and follows four main steps:
During your free dental implant consultation, we will determine if you are a good candidate for dental implants. We
will do so by performing a thorough exam of your mouth and using imaging
equipment to take a look beneath your gumline. Feel free to bring a list
of any questions you have about how dental implants work in Newington
— we are ready to share our knowledge!
Once we understand your oral health, we will let you know what you can expect during your treatment journey. Some patients need a bone graft, gum disease treatment, or tooth extraction before they are ready to receive dental implants.
Next is your dental implant surgery. Thanks to the specialized oral and
maxillofacial surgical training that Dr. Ian Gibbs
has completed, he can personally complete this step of your treatment
right here in our office. During your appointment, your mouth will be
numbed, and we may use sedation to help you feel as comfortable as
possible. We will create incisions in the gums and carefully insert the
implants at precise, pre-planned locations before we close the incisions.
We will provide you with postoperative instructions to help your recovery
go as smoothly as possible. Most patients are feeling well enough to
return to work within a day or two of their surgery.
As you heal from your placement surgery over the next few months, the
dental implants will fuse with the surrounding bone tissue. This natural
process, known as osseointegration, provides the strongest, most
comfortable, and healthiest base possible for your new teeth.
Following osseointegration, you may have to undergo a second minor surgery. We will expose the implants and attach healing caps. Then, after your gums have healed, you will receive abutments. Abutments are small connector pieces that will serve to keep your restorations in place. (Some patients receive abutments and a temporary restoration on the same day as their implant placement surgery.)
The final step in the process is when your implant dentist in Newington
designs and places your final restoration. Whether you will receive a
crown, bridge, or denture, our team will carefully design your new teeth
so they are both highly functional and aesthetically pleasing. Once we
attach your restoration to your implants, you can go and begin to fully
experience the many benefits of implant-supported tooth replacement!
Thereafter, you will just need to visit us periodically for routine
checkups and cleanings.
The implant treatment process may take a while, but the end result is well worth it!
Dental implants are quickly becoming one of the most popular ways to
replace missing teeth. In fact, it is estimated that 500,000 are placed each
year! It is easy to see why so many patients choose them. They offer many
unique and important benefits that you simply cannot enjoy with other tooth
replacement options. During your consultation, we will be happy to fully
explain all the advantages you can expect to enjoy from dental implants.
Below, you will find just a few of the most important ones.
Roughly one-third of denture wearers believe their denture limits their
ability to live life to the fullest. If you can relate to them, dental
implants in Newington may be perfect for you. Some of their lifestyle
benefits include:
The benefits of dental implants in Newington can also benefit your
health. They may help to lower the risk of some problems that are
frequently associated with tooth loss, including heart disease and
shortened longevity.
They also have remarkable benefits for oral health:
With proper daily maintenance and regular visits to your implant dentist
in Newington, it is possible that your implants will stay with you for the
rest of your life. This is in contrast to other tooth replacement options,
such as traditional dentures, which typically need to be replaced every 5
– 8 years. Although dental implants tend to come with a significant
price tag, their longevity makes them a smart investment, both for your
pocketbook and your oral health.
The best way to find out if you are a candidate for this procedure is to
schedule a consultation with your dentist, who will perform a thorough
examination of your mouth. Non-smokers who are free of gum disease and who
have adequate bone density and bone height in their jaw tend to be an ideal
fit for the implant procedure. However, even if you smoke or have other
issues that make your case a bit on the complex side, you may still be able
to enjoy of the benefits that dental implants have to offer.
Dental implants are a versatile tooth replacement option. They’re able to replace one tooth, a few teeth, or an entire arch of teeth.
If you are missing just one tooth, your dentist will likely recommend that you get a single dental implant. A custom crown will go on top of the implant post to complete your smile without altering the neighboring healthy teeth like a traditional bridge would.
If you are missing a few teeth in a row, an implant bridge might be right for you. This type of restoration is supported by an implant on each end, each of which has a crown on top. An artificial tooth or two is suspended between the crowns to effectively “bridge” the gap.
For individuals who have suffered extensive tooth loss, an implant denture could be the ideal solution. These restorations are supported by just a few implants inserted at strategic locations throughout the mouth. Implant dentures are much more secure and comfortable than their traditional counterparts.
There are a number of factors that contribute to the overall cost of
dental implants in Newington. Each step in the treatment process comes with
its own price, and every patient’s journey is unique. We can provide
you with a cost estimate when you visit us for your consultation. Dental
implants may seem expensive, but they are a worthwhile investment! Their
longevity, beauty, and strength make them the ideal tooth replacement option
for many individuals who are hoping to regain their lost smile.
It is common for patients to require one or more preliminary treatments
before they receive dental implants. For example, your implant dentist in
Newington might determine that gum disease therapy, tooth extractions, or
a bone graft is necessary. Each preliminary service has its own price.
The dental implant surgery incurs a separate fee. Its price depends on how many implants we are placing, the type of sedation we use, and other factors. Since we are able to perform the implant placement surgery in-house, you will not have to worry about learning the financial policies of an unfamiliar dental practice.
Not all dental implants in Newington are the same. Most are made out of
two pieces, but some feature one-piece construction. A titanium alloy is
the most common material used for implants, but they can also be made out
of other materials, such as zirconia. The type of implant that we use for
you will have a bearing on the overall price of your treatment. If more
than one type of implant might work for you, we will help you to
understand the pros and cons of each option.
A dental implant restoration is the prosthetic teeth that get attached
to the tops of dental implants. If you require a crown to replace a single
tooth, that will logically cost less than a bridge that replaces multiple
teeth. If you require full-arch replacement, you may have a few different
implant denture options. We might even be able to help you save a bit of
money by retrofitting your conventional denture to work with dental
implants.
It is fairly common for dental insurance policies to cover dental implants. However, nothing is for certain;
you will need to check your specific plan to see how it applies. If it
does not cover the implants themselves, it might help you with other
portions of your treatment plan, such as your preliminary treatment or
your final restoration. Our practice welcomes insurance, and we will do
everything we can to help you take full advantage of your benefits.
In addition to helping you navigate your insurance coverage, our
practice offers a few provisions that may make dental implants more
affordable for you: