We see numerous patients each year who have one or more missing teeth they haven’t replaced. Even a single missing tooth can cause extensive damage to the overall health of the smile. An unreplaced missing tooth can lead to dental drift, uneven pressure on surrounding teeth leading to dental damage, loss of gum and bone tissue, and other negative effects. Traditional tooth replacement only fights half the battle by preventing shifting dental structures, but they don’t repair the root systems below the gums. That means patients still experience a decrease in soft tissue volume and jawbone density, which can lead to additional tooth loss. Whether you’re missing a single tooth or a full arch of teeth, let the Zahner Dental team help. Contact us to schedule a tooth replacement consultation to explore your options including tooth-root-replacing dental implants from your Ellington, CT dentist.

What is a Dental Implant?

Dental implants are small titanium posts. They look similar to a construction screw. These implants are placed into the jaw bone where they closely mimic the natural function of tooth roots. Implant posts provide natural looking and feeling support for one or more replacement teeth.

How Long Does the Dental Implant Process Take?

The process is completed in two treatment phases with several months between them. During the initial treatment phase, an implant is surgically placed into the jaw. Over the course of three to six months, this implant post fuses with the supportive gum and alveolar bone tissue forming a natural support structure for a replacement tooth. Following this fusion process that is known as osseointegration, your replacement tooth or teeth are attached to the implant post. The entire dental implant process can be completed in three months or as long as a year in some cases of advanced tooth loss. Every patient is different, but we’ll create a personalized plan that meets your specific needs and schedule.

Am I Good Candidate for Implants?

Innovations in the techniques and materials used to create dental implant supported tooth replacements have made it possible for almost any patient to be a good candidate for this treatment. However, some questions you may want to ask yourself as you determine whether or not implants are the best treatment for you include:

• Do I typically have little to no adverse reaction during and after surgical procedures? (including adverse reactions to anesthesia)
• Am I in relatively good health and physician approved to undergo minor medical treatments?
• Are all chronic illnesses adequately treated to avoid possible difficulties during healing?
• Is my oral health generally good? Am I free from gum disease?
• Do I have time to complete a multi-phase treatment plan?

If you answer no to any of these questions, dental implants may not be your best option.