Human teeth are quite strong, not just because of the enamel, but also due to the fact that they are deeply rooted in the jawbone, which provides an extremely sturdy foundation. When one tooth goes missing, most replacement procedures only bring back the part of the tooth you can see, which automatically makes them less stable and less reliable than their natural counterparts. Dental implants in Hamden, on the other hand, replace both the crowns and roots of lost teeth. At New Haven Dental Group in Hamden, we may be able to use this one-of-a-kind solution to replace your missing teeth. Unlike other dental offices, we are able to perform the entire implant procedure from beginning to end in one convenient location.
Dental implants are designed to be similar to natural teeth in many ways. They consist of a small titanium cylinder called an implant post. We can insert this post into the jawbone to mimic the roots of the missing tooth. Not only does this give your new replacement teeth unmatched stability, but it encourages circulation in the jawbone. Dental implants are the only tooth replacement option that does this, which keeps the jawbone from atrophying and shrinking.
On top of the implant post, the implant supports a restoration that replaces the visible part of the lost tooth. Because the new teeth are anchored within strong bone, patients do not have to worry about them destabilizing regardless of what they may be eating. The restoration can be a crown, bridge, or denture depending on how many teeth you are missing. The end result is a smile that looks, feels, and functions just like natural!
Dental implants must be surgically inserted into the jawbone; most other dental offices will refer you to an expensive outside specialist to have this procedure performed. At New Haven Dental Group, however, our dentists and specialists are able to carry out the entire implant treatment right here in our dental office, saving patients time, money, and stress while they undergo their tooth replacement journey. With us, you will enjoy the peace of mind that comes with being able to work with the same team the entire time.
How dental implants work in Hamden varies from case to case, so you will need to attend a consultation to find out more about the road ahead of you. In the meantime, we can give you an overview of the four main stages of treatment:
During your consultation, your implant dentist in Hamden will thoroughly examine your mouth and learn about your medical history. They will also answer any questions you may have about the treatment, so feel free to ask about anything that is weighing on your mind. Once they get to know you and the state of your oral health, they will be able to tell you what you can expect on the road ahead. You might need to undergo one or two preliminary treatments, such as a bone graft or gum disease therapy, before you are eligible to receive dental implants. After such treatments, our team will focus on planning the rest of your dental implant journey.
Some practices must refer patients to an outside specialist for the dental implant surgery, but we are able to perform it right here in office. You can rely on us during this critical stage of your treatment! During the surgery, we will numb your mouth, create an incision in the gums, and insert the dental implants in Hamden at precise, pre-planned positions in your jawbone. Once they are in, any incisions will be closed, and you can go home to begin your recovery. Most patients are able to return to work within a few days of their procedure.
After your surgery, osseointegration will begin. This is the biological process through which dental implants bond with the tissue around them, allowing the implants to serve as the strongest base possible for the prosthetic teeth they support. Osseointegration usually takes at least 3 or 4 months.
After your implants are stable in your jawbone, we will expose their tops and attach healing caps. Once your gums heal, you will receive abutments. Abutments are small connector pieces whose job is to keep implant restorations in place.
The last step in your dental implant journey is the design and placement of your restoration, which will be in the form of a crown, bridge, or denture. We carefully design restorations so their size, shape, and color work well with a patient’s facial aesthetics. We want your new teeth to look and feel as natural as possible! Once a laboratory fabricates your restoration, we will attach it to your implants so you can truly begin to enjoy all the benefits of your renewed smile.
Modern dentistry offers multiple ways to replace missing teeth. Each treatment has its own unique advantages. However, one stands out amongst its contemporaries as the best way to rebuild lost dentition: dental implants. Why do dentists and patients like tout this treatment as the gold standard in tooth replacement? Read on to learn about just some of the benefits you can experience if you decide to invest in this innovative, potentially life-changing treatment.
Dental implant posts are made out of a titanium alloy, which means they are quite dark in color. However, they virtually disappear once they are inserted below the gumline. The restorations that go on top of the implants are carefully crafted to look natural in the mouth. Their size, shape, and color are all tailored to fit a patient’s unique oral structures and facial aesthetics. Many patients even find that the natural, beautiful appearance of dental implants provides a much-needed confidence boost!
Due to the fact that dental implants are anchored in the jaw, they offer outstanding stability. In fact, they are so stable that they can enable you to eat virtually anything, including crunchy and chewy foods, without taking special precautions. This is in stark contrast to regular dentures, which require that you use certain techniques while eating so you do not accidentally disturb your prosthetic.
Most forms of tooth replacement, including traditional dentures and fixed bridges, have a lifespan of only 5 – 10 years. Periodically replacing them can be annoying and can create a financial burden. Dental implants are different. As long as they receive proper care, they have the potential to last for many decades — perhaps for an entire lifetime. The restorations on top of dental implants also boast an impressively long-life expectancy.
Having a full set of healthy teeth can make you look younger. They may even detract attention away from subtle signs of aging on other parts of your face. However, there is even more that dental implants can do to promote a youthful appearance. They can prevent bone deterioration in the jaw and help your face to avoid the sunken appearance that often occurs as a result of tooth loss.
Caring for dental implants is easy. In many respects, you can care for them in the same way that you would care for natural teeth. Regular, thorough flossing and brushing are of utmost importance. If your restoration is removable, you should take it out of your mouth every night to give it a thorough cleaning. You should also visit us about twice a year for a professional checkup.
Are you missing one tooth? A few teeth? Many teeth? No matter how many teeth you are missing, dental implants may be the ideal treatment for you. After our in-house experts have a chance to examine your oral health and learn about your expectations for treatment, we will be able to create a custom plan to suit your needs. Depending on your unique circumstances, our team will help you choose from among a few different types of restorations.
Most adults who have suffered tooth loss are candidates for dental implants in Hamden, either right away or after some preliminary treatments. Here are some common criteria that patients must meet before they are eligible to receive dental implants:
For patients who are missing just one tooth, a single dental implant and crown may be all that is needed to fill in the gap. An implant-supported crown is superior to a traditional bridge because it usually does not require that any of the nearby teeth be modified or extracted. Also, because it is anchored in the jawbone, it looks and feels as natural as possible. You can even care for an implant crown in almost exactly the same way that you would care for a natural tooth.
If your missing teeth are all adjacent to one another, an implant bridge may be the best treatment for you. We will strategically place the dental implants so that with as few as one or two prosthetic tooth roots, we may be able to completely close the gap in your smile.
If your missing teeth are not consecutive, we will consider other options. You might need a few individual dental implants and crowns. Another option is a partial denture, which is a single prosthetic that replaces multiple teeth at different places throughout a dental arch.
For patients who have lost all or most of their natural teeth, implant dentures are usually the best solution. There are many different types of implant dentures, including those that are supported by just a few dental implants, as well as those that require the support of six or more. Some implant dentures are removable, while others are permanently attached to the implants beneath them. The type of prosthetic that is best for you depends on your unique circumstances. Your dental implant dentist in Hamden will help you compare all of your treatment options.
One of the most outstanding things about dental implants is that they are so versatile since they can be used to replace any number of teeth. Because of this, there is no set price for the treatment. The cost varies from patient to patient and depends on how many implants are needed as well as what type of restoration is used. Before we begin treatment, we will go over all pricing information with you so there are never any unpleasant surprises. While implants do present a significant cost, we believe they are more than worth it!
It is normal for patients to need one or more preliminary treatments before they can receive dental implants. For example, your implant dentist in Hamden might tell you that you need periodontal therapy, tooth extractions, or a bone graft. Each of these services comes with a unique price.
The dental implant placement surgery has a separate price. Its cost depends on a few factors, including the number of implants we place and the type of sedation we use. Since we perform this surgery in-house, you will not have to worry about dealing with the pricing policies of an unfamiliar dental practice.
Not all dental implants in Hamden are the same. Most are made out of two pieces (an implant and an abutment), but some are made out of a single piece. While a titanium-based alloy is usually the material of choice, implants may also be made out of zirconia. The type of implant that we use in your case will affect the overall price of your treatment. If more than one type of implant might be suitable, we will clearly explain the advantages and risks of each option before you decide how to proceed.
A dental implant replaces a tooth root, but a restoration replaces the visible portion of a lost tooth. Restorations come in several different forms. Logically, a crown that replaces a single tooth costs less than a bridge that replaces three or more teeth. A full-arch denture may cost even more. In some cases, we might be able to help a patient save a little money by retrofitting an existing denture to work with dental implants.
It is becoming more common for dental insurance to cover implants. However, some policies still do not. You will have to check the details of your plan to see how it applies. As an insurance-friendly practice, we will help you navigate your coverage and file your claims. If your policy does not reduce your out-of-pocket costs for the implants themselves, it might help you with preliminary treatments or your final restorations.
In addition to assisting you with your insurance, we offer a few provisions that may help you to manage the cost of dental implants in Hamden:
After we place your dental implants in your jawbone, you will have to go through a recovery period — but there is no need to worry. Below, we outline what you can expect as your mouth heals, as well as provide you with some practical dental implant post-op instructions in Hamden. If you run into any unexpected questions or concerns while you are on the mend, we encourage you to give us a call.
Blood clots may form at your surgical sites. It is important that you do not accidentally dislodge them because they are a key part of the healing process. To protect your blood clots, you should:
Following implant placement surgery, many patients experience:
If you experience any extreme or unusual side effects, contact your implant dentist in Hamden right away.
At first, you should stick to a no-chew diet. That means you should primarily stick to foods like brothy soups, pudding, applesauce, yogurt, and smoothies. Later, you can progress to a fork-tender diet, which includes things like scrambled eggs, meatloaf, and soft bread. After the soft tissue in your mouth heals, you may be able to resume fairly normal eating habits (if you have enough natural teeth left to help you adequately chew).
It is important that you continue to brush and floss your teeth. However, you should exercise extreme care around your surgical sites. Rinsing with an antibacterial mouthwash (one without a high alcohol content) may also help to keep your mouth clean and minimize your risk of infection. Swishing with warm saltwater a few times a day may play a role in limiting inflammation.
After you receive your restorations for your dental implants in Hamden, you might experience a bit of gum sensitivity, but that should subside relatively quickly. In the meantime, pain medication can help to make you as comfortable as possible. You should not experience any bleeding or swelling. Most patients adapt fairly quickly to their new teeth.
Your dental implants could serve you well for the rest of your life! Of course, they can only live up to that potential if they receive proper maintenance. Fortunately, dental implant care in Hamden is relatively simple. Below, you will find practical guidelines that will minimize the risk of damage to your restored smile.
Even though dental implants cannot get cavities, the tissue around them remains vulnerable to infection. Oral hygiene helps to combat harmful bacteria and keep your entire mouth as healthy as possible. You should:
Dental implants are strong enough to stand up to virtually any food, so you should feel free to eat all of your favorite treats in moderation. However, keep in mind that overindulging in sugary, hard, or sticky foods can promote plaque production and increase the risk of damage to your dental implants. Your diet should consist mostly of foods that support oral and overall health. For example, calcium, vitamin C, vitamin D, and phosphorous are all important.
A few bad habits that could adversely affect your dental implants in Hamden include:
If you play sports, you should always wear a mouthguard during games and practices. A custom mouthguard from your dentist will provide the highest level of protection both for your implants and your oral tissues.
Additionally, if you tend to grind your teeth at night, you may have to wear a nightguard. It will place a barrier between your upper and lower teeth to prevent them from damaging one another while you sleep.
Even if you do not have any remaining natural teeth, you should still visit your implant dentist in Hamden at least once every six months. At these routine appointments, we may remove your restorations, thoroughly clean around your implant abutments, and inspect your mouth for any signs of potential problems. If we notice any cause for concern, we may be able to address the issue before it progresses and starts to pose a serious threat to your implants or your oral health.
One of the most outstanding things about dental implants is that they are so versatile since they can be used to replace any number of teeth. Because of this, there is no set price for the treatment. The cost varies from patient to patient and depends on how many implants are needed as well as what type of restoration is used. Before we begin treatment, we will go over all pricing information with you so there are never any unpleasant surprises. While implants do present a significant cost, we believe they are more than worth it!
We hope you choose to consider dental implants in Hamden as a way to replace your lost teeth, but we also understand if you want more information before you contact us to schedule a consultation. That is why we have put together the following brief list of FAQs, along with their answers. If you do not see your specific question addressed, please reach out to us directly. We are ready to help!
Under ideal circumstances, dental implants last a lifetime. Research has shown that even 10 years after placement, more than 90% of dental implants continue to thrive. You can increase the chances that you will be in that happy majority if you care well for your implants and attend regular checkups with your implant dentist in Hamden.
The most common cause of dental implant failure is an infection called peri-implantitis. It occurs when bacteria sneak beneath the gumline and attack the tissue that supports the dental implants. It can usually be prevented via diligent oral hygiene. Other possible causes of and contributors to dental implant failure include failed osseointegration, physical trauma, tobacco usage, and certain medical conditions.
Even though dental implants are usually dark in color, they are concealed when they are placed beneath the gumline and attached to their restorations. The restorations themselves are incredibly natural looking. We carefully design their size, shape, and color to complement your natural facial characteristics. The high-quality materials we use even reflect light in a manner that is similar to natural tooth enamel.
Dental implants are sturdy enough to stand up to virtually any food, including fresh vegetables, tough meats, and so much more. However, a word of caution is in order. Just like some foods are worse for your natural teeth than others, the same is true of dental implants. Frequently overindulging in sugary, sticky, and hard foods may increase the risk of damage to your implants and infection.
There are alternative forms of tooth replacement that cost less upfront. However, we strongly encourage patients to take advantage of provisions that can make dental implants easier to fit into their budget. For example, your dental insurance may cover a portion of your treatment. You might also qualify for low-interest financing through CareCredit. We even have a dental savings membership plan that can significantly cut your out-of-pocket expenses.
When you first receive dental implants, some soreness, swelling, and general discomfort are normal. When you get your restorations, your mouth might be a bit extra sensitive, and you may produce extra saliva. After you adjust to your implants and their restorations, however, they should feel just like real teeth! They are designed to look and function similarly to their natural counterparts.
The answer to this question varies from case to case. In some instances, it is possible to insert a dental implant during the same appointment as the extraction. More often, though, a waiting period of several months is necessary. This gives the jawbone a chance to heal. But be careful that you do not wait too long after your extraction to get dental implants in Hamden. An extended delay might actually allow time for the jawbone to shrink, increasing the chance that you will need a bone graft. To make your treatment process as efficient as possible, let your dentist know that you are thinking about dental implants before your extraction appointment.
After your implant dentist in Hamden examines your mouth and uses advanced imaging equipment to understand your jaw’s structure, they will be able to tell you if you require a bone graft. Often, patients who lost their natural teeth some time ago, as well as those with a naturally small or weak jawbone, do require a bone graft. However, if it looks like your bone and other oral structures are in good shape, you may be able to receive your new teeth without any preliminary procedures.
Most people are feeling well enough to return to work the day after their surgery. However, if your job requires a lot of physical activity, it may be wise to take a few days off. You can expect the soft tissue in your mouth to heal quickly; swelling and bleeding usually subside within 3 – 4 days. However, your bone will take much longer to heal. It may be 4 – 6 months before your jaw and your implants have successfully integrated with one another.
Smoking does not automatically disqualify you from getting dental implants. Your dentist will determine your candidacy based on a personal examination. However, keep in mind that smoking is a big risk factor for dental implant failure. It slows down the body’s healing process and adversely affects the immune system. If you smoke, you should quit at least two weeks before your surgery, and continue to refrain from smoking for at least a couple months afterward. Of course, it would be preferrable if you decide to kick the habit for good.
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