Dental Implants Rocky Hill
Turn Back the Clock on Tooth Loss
Replacing missing teeth has been a key aspect of dentistry for centuries, but modern advances in the field now allow patients to enjoy dental prosthetics that are more stable and lifelike than ever before. Dental implants are a significant improvement over traditional methods of filling the gaps in your grin, and Dr. Karpman is eager to use them to rebuild your smile. Schedule a consultation with us today to find out if dental implants in Rocky Hill would be right for you!
Why Choose Dental Essentials of Rocky Hill for Dental Implants?
- Transparent, Honest Dentist Who Cares About Patients’ Input
- Partnered with a Skilled Oral Surgeon in the Area
- Beautifully Crafted Restorations That Look Natural
What Is a Dental Implant?
A dental implant is actually a prosthetic tooth root made of titanium. It is placed into the jawbone right where a tooth used to be, and there, it will bond with the surrounding bone. After this process is finished, the implant can be attached to a crown, bridge, or denture, providing much-needed support so the restoration can be trusted to stay secure.
The 4-Step Dental Implant Process
Given its unique features, dental implant treatment involves a multi-step process. Finishing the procedure, in fact, often takes several months. That said, you can trust implants’ perks are worth this time. We at Dental Essentials of Rocky Hill proudly work with local specialists to ensure excellent results. Still, perhaps you’d like to know how dental implants work in Rocky Hill. Well, our team will happily explain the treatment process. In particular, there are four steps to expect: consultation, surgery, osseointegration, and delivery of final restoration.
Initial Dental Implant Consultation
Naturally, the first step to getting implants is a dental consultation. This visit allows Dr. Karpman to learn your treatment goals, oral health history, and similar factors. By exploring such facts, the appointment confirms whether you qualify for treatment.
Of course, there’s no need to panic if you don’t qualify. Our office can work with you to complete preliminary procedures – gum disease therapy, tooth extractions, etc. – as needed. You’d then be ready to receive implants.
Should we approve, the consultation will also include the details of implant placement. In that case, we’ll walk you through the treatment’s various aspects – the timeline, the cost, and more.
Dental Implant Surgery
As stated earlier, our office works with local specialists for dental implant surgery. Consequently, you’ll enter the placement knowing you’re well cared for. Experienced professionals with in-depth training will handle your smile well.
More specifically, the surgery will involve the four things below:
- Mouth Numbing – The surgeon will numb your mouth before treatment. That way, you won’t feel any pain during the surgery. At most, you’ll only sense a slight pressure.
- A Minor Incision – When the area is thoroughly numbed, the surgeon will make a small incision in your gums. This opening, in turn, creates space for your new implant(s).
- Placement of Implant(s) – The surgeon will place the implant in the newly-made opening using advanced methods and tools.
- Gum Closure – With the implant placed, the specialist will close the incision. They’ll then put a cap over the post.
Dental Implant Osseointegration & Abutment
Once the surgery is over, your implants will gradually fuse with your jaw. That process, known as osseointegration, takes 4-6 months and keeps the prosthetics in place. As such, you need to avoid actions that would disrupt it. Otherwise, the implants could fail early.
Toward the tail end of osseointegration, you’ll need minor surgery to place abutments on the post(s). These metal connectors will secure the tooth-like part of your implant(s). Your final restorations are crafted from dental impressions as you heal from that follow-up.
Delivery of Dental Implant Restoration(s)
Dental implant treatment concludes with receiving your final restoration. Depending on the number of teeth lost, this prosthetic might be a crown, bridge, or denture.
Fortunately, placing this last piece isn’t hard. After cementing it in place, our team will make final adjustments to ensure your bite is comfy. You’ll then be ready to go out into the world!
Benefits of Dental Implants
Because of their unique surgical placement in the jawbone, dental implants can offer unique advantages over other solutions by recreating the tooth’s root structure as well as its crown. When weighing your options after losing a tooth, there are many reasons why you should give dental implants close consideration, such as:
Lifestyle Benefits
Compared to other tooth replacements, dental implants renew almost all of your original biting force, making it easy to eat a diet full of healthy, crunchy foods. You’ll even be able to enjoy all of your favorite warm beverages without the risk of damaging your smile (traditional dentures warp when exposed to hot drinks like coffee).
Dentures also notoriously feel loose or slip out of place over time, leading to awkward moments. Teeth that are secured onto dental implants should never move around. Plus, they’ll be custom-made to look just like the pearly whites you were born with. Unless you go around telling everyone how much you love your dental implants, no one should even be able to tell that you have them!
Health Benefits
The benefits of dental implants are much more than just cosmetic. For one, they are the only method of tooth replacement that prevents the jawbone deterioration that naturally occurs after tooth loss. By stimulating the jawbone and keeping it strong, it will preserve the shape of your face, helping you look youthful for years to come.
Additionally, dental implants won’t irritate your gums (like dentures) or wear down remaining healthy teeth (like dental bridges). They’re also much easier to care for. You can pretty much brush and floss them like you would natural teeth. Therefore, they naturally promote better oral health, which is directly linked to improved general health. In fact, people who have lost five or more teeth by age 65 (and don’t replace them with dental implants) are more likely to suffer from heart disease, diabetes, and osteoporosis, according to Dentistry Today.
Long-Term Benefits
Dental implants are by far the most beneficial long-term answer to tooth loss. Once they have fused with your jawbone, they create a bond that can last for 30+ years or even a lifetime with the right aftercare. Their lifespan could double or even triple that of traditional bridges and dentures, which need to be repaired or replaced every five to 10 years on average.
Over time, dental implants can save you a great deal of money. In most cases, they are a one-time investment that pays off in the long run. Getting dentures or bridges replaced every few years can quickly compound their initial cost, making you spend more money than you would have for dental implant placement. Plus, you won’t have to purchase special items like cleaning solutions, denture adhesives, water flossers, etc. to maintain them.
With all of the benefits they offer, it’s no surprise that dental implants have become as popular as they are!
Who Dental Implants Can Help
Dental implants remain one of the most effective forms of tooth replacement simply because of the number of people who can benefit from their use. In fact, more people are eligible to receive dental implants than ever before thanks to ongoing advancements in the dental field. Before we get started, we’ll go over the different paths you could take for your treatment plan depending on a few key factors, including the number of teeth you need to replace.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?
There’s no limit to the number of teeth that dental implants can replace. Before you commit to implant surgery, we need to examine your mouth to determine how many implant posts will be needed. Whether you’ve lost one tooth or an entire arch, implant surgery is a viable option so long as your jaw has a sufficient amount of bone, and the rest of your mouth is free of infection and dental disease.
Additionally, you should be able to undergo minor surgery. That means if you have a pre-existing condition that could put you at risk of receiving dental implants, our team will make sure to discuss this with you ahead of time.
Missing One Tooth
One titanium implant and a dental crown can be placed in your mouth if a single tooth is lost or extracted. You’ll receive the crown after the implant itself has already joined with the jawbone. An attachment called an abutment will anchor the crown to the implant and keep it stable. Since the restoration is made from color-matched dental ceramic, you can have confidence knowing it will blend in easily with your neighboring teeth.
Missing Multiple Teeth
You can receive a dental bridge to replace multiple teeth in a row, but instead of removing enamel to make room for the prosthetic, we can attach the bridge to two dental implants. In other words, getting dental implants instead of a traditional restoration can help you preserve more of your natural teeth. This treatment also prevents neighboring teeth from shifting out of place, just like a traditional dental bridge would. In some cases, a single implant can even hold a two-crown bridge!
Missing All Teeth
You can get full dentures that rest on about 4 to 6 implants instead of your gums. Traditional dentures might not fit as well as they used to over time as bone loss progresses in your jaw, but with implants, your dentures will stay in place at all times and your jaw will remain strong. Additionally, patients can choose to have either a full or partial denture cover their dental implants depending on their needs. You can even opt to have a fixed or removable denture based on your preference.
Partners with the Best Dental Implant Specialists
Dr. Karpman is happy to help with the restoration phase of the dental implant process, but for the surgery itself, you deserve treatment from an experienced, knowledgeable specialist. She'll refer you to a trusted oral surgeon offsite; you’ll go to their dental office to receive the implants themselves. You’ll return to our dental office to have your restorations attached once your mouth has fully healed. Rest assured that you’ll receive trustworthy, quality care at every stage of the process!
Understanding the Cost of Dental Implants
Are you replacing a single tooth with just one implant, or do you need multiple posts to support a denture or bridge? Many different factors can affect the nature and complexity of your treatment plan, and we’ll need to carefully consider them before coming up with a rough overall cost. Keep in mind that the long-term benefits of implants will more than make them a worthwhile investment, as they can easily last for 30 years or more (traditional dentures and bridges typically last for about 7-10 years).
When discussing the projected estimate for your dental implants, here is typically what you can expect:
Preliminary Treatments & Dental Implant Surgery
During your initial consultation, our team at Dental Essentials of Rocky Hill will determine if you require any preliminary treatments before your implant surgery. These can include periodontal therapy, tooth extractions, or even bone grafting. Should any of these be required, it will add to the overall cost of your treatment. But remember, if they are recommended, it is because they are necessary to ensure the success of your implant results.
Whether you require preliminary treatments or not, you can also expect the surgery itself to incur its own fee. Since our team does not perform the actual placement of your implants, you will be required to pay two separate fees: one for the oral surgeon we refer you to and one for your implant restoration, which you will receive at our dental office.
The Parts of Your Dental Implant
Keep in mind that the materials used also play a part in the cost of your dental implant treatment. The higher the quality, the longer you can expect them to last. Fortunately, our team believes in using only the best materials when it comes to providing superior dental implants. With titanium posts that easily fuse with bone, you can feel more confident that your prosthetics will remain firmly in place for a lifetime (with proper care). In fact, it is estimated that 92.5% of all dental implants in the United States are made of titanium.
Also, the different types of manufacturers and brands can influence the total cost. We’ll also ensure your restoration is beautifully crafted so that it blends in with your remaining healthy teeth to create a seamless smile.
Final Dental Implant Restoration
Since you will return to our dental office to receive your final restoration, this part of the process will be another factor in the overall cost. Based on how many teeth you need to have replaced, you will either receive a single implant crown, implant bridge, or implant partial or full denture. Of course, replacing only one missing tooth will naturally be much cheaper than an entire arch. Since these restorations are created by a lab of technicians, they use the specifications provided by our team that detail the size, shape, and color of your restoration, ensuring that when it is placed, it blends in and creates a natural appearance.
Does My Dental Insurance Cover Dental Implants?
The unfortunate reality for most patients seeking dental implant placement is that dental insurance does not cover the cost. Although it is possible to inquire about coverage for other aspects of treatment (i.e., consultation, restoration, preliminary treatments), you will need to speak to a representative from your insurance company about any out-of-pocket expenses you can expect. It is important to remember that although most insurers do not offer coverage, some are beginning to incorporate it into their policies, so make sure to find out before agreeing to start treatment.
Making Dental Implants Affordable
No matter what your dental insurance company agrees to pay (or doesn’t agree to pay), dental implants can still be an affordable option for tooth replacement. At Dental Essentials of Rocky Hill, we are pleased to provide an alternative for uninsured patients or those who need help paying the balance for a complex method of treatment. With flexible financing available through CareCredit, eligible individuals can enroll in low and no-interest payment plans that will allow them to break up the cost of their treatment and stay within their budget. Not only will this make it easier for you to afford dental implants, but you can feel more confident in attaining a healthier, longer-lasting smile.
Dental Implant Failure & Salvage
Dental implants boast an impressive success rate of more than 95%. Your new teeth have the potential to serve you well for many decades! However, it must be acknowledged that there is always a small chance that something could go wrong. If you ever suspect that one of your dental implants is failing, contact our team right away. Dr. Karpman will thoroughly examine your mouth and recommend a treatment plan. Our goal is to get your oral health back on track as efficiently and conservatively as possible.
Learn More About Dental Implant Failure & Salvage
Maintaining & Caring for Your Dental Implants
Dental implants are made to last for a very long time, and they have a success rate of over 95%! However, they aren’t completely indestructible. It’s still important that you implement all of the right steps and healthy habits to keep them in excellent shape throughout the years. Continue reading to learn some of the most important ones to keep in mind.
Make Oral Hygiene a Priority
Your dental implant and restoration may not be susceptible to cavities, but your surrounding natural teeth still are. You are also still at risk of developing gum disease. You should continue to maintain an excellent oral hygiene regimen. This includes brushing twice, flossing, and rinsing with mouthwash every single day!
Eat a Healthy Diet
One of the amazing benefits of dental implants is the fact that patients can enjoy a complete, nutritious diet. This is something that you should be taking advantage of. Just remember that you should still avoid indulging in foods that are particularly hard, sticky, or sugary. Instead, enjoy plenty of foods that are high in calcium and vitamin C. These nutrients help to maintain the health of your jawbone and gum tissue.
Break Bad Habits
Bad habits can cause problems for your dental implants and natural teeth if you don’t put a stop to them. It is always best to refrain from smoking cigarettes and using other tobacco products. These can slow healing and make it more challenging for your immune system to fight off infections in the body. You should also avoid using your teeth as tools. Instead, look for scissors, a bottle opener, pliers, or another item that can help you safely complete your task.
Protect Your Dental Implants
Dental implants are resilient, but not completely safe from damage. You should always wear a mouthguard when engaging in contact sports. If you tend to grind your teeth at night, you should ask your dentist about getting a nightguard so you can protect your replacement teeth (and natural teeth) from additional wear and tear.
Schedule Regular Dental Checkups
You should continue to attend regular cleanings and checkups every six months. This way, we can monitor your dental implants, natural teeth, gum tissue, and more. By finding problems early on, we can address them quickly and may even be able to prevent serious complications from arising in the future.
Dental Implant FAQs
Are all dental implants the same?
Many people don’t consider this, but dental implants actually have quite a bit of variety to them. This includes the stages that a dental implant requires before it can be placed, its overall width and height, the materials used to fabricate it, and the specific manufacturer. Once you are partnered with your implant specialist, they’ll know the best implant option based on your specific needs and preferences. We encourage you to ask us questions directly if you need additional guidance.
Does it hurt to receive dental implants?
Not at all! Just like any oral surgery, you’ll receive a local anesthetic to numb your mouth and the area where the implant will be placed. This way, you should not feel anything during the actual procedure. With that said, it’s normal to experience some oral swelling. This is an incredibly common occurrence for those who have recently completed dental surgery. Our team will go over the aftercare steps you need to take to ensure your implants heal properly.
Are dental implants safe?
Following their many years of development, dental implants have become the gold standard for tooth replacement for a reason. Not only do they maintain average success rates that fall between 95% and 98%, but they are designed to stay healthy in the mouth for decades after they have been attached. With that said, we ask that you never use tobacco products following your implant surgery as it has been proven to increase the risk of gum disease (which can lead to implant failure.)
How do I take care of dental implants?
Dental implants do not require any special maintenance compared to natural teeth, which means you only need to brush twice a day with fluoridated toothpaste (at least two minutes at a time), floss once a day, and visit our office an exam and cleaning once every six months, you can expect your dental implants to last for decades (and even a lifetime in many cases.) With that said, if you have implant-retained dentures, make sure that the underside of your restoration is well-cleaned.
How long does it take for dental implants to heal?
Most dental implants will take several months to heal, typically about four to six. This is necessary because it’s what allows the implants to fully integrate with your bone and soft tissue. During this time, our team will go over essential at-home habits to perform to ensure your healing phase goes as smoothly as possible.