Dental Implants — Ellington, CT
Rebuild Your Smile with Dental Implants
At Zahner Dental, we strive to help our patients see the value in proactive and preventive maintenance to ensure your teeth last for a lifetime. Unfortunately, there may come a time when you need a tooth taken out. Whether you have had one extracted or it fell out due to dental disease or injury, you need an effective option to replace your missing tooth. Now, you can enjoy the most successful treatment with dental implants in Ellington. No matter if you are missing one tooth, several teeth, or all of them, we have the solutions you need.
Why Choose Zahner Dental for Dental Implants?
- Performs Dental Implant Placement and Restoration In-House
- Advanced and Modern Dental Technology Available
- Reasonable and Flexible Dental Financing Options
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants stand out significantly compared to other tooth replacement options for a variety of reasons. Thanks to the titanium post integrating with the jaw, you can expect your new tooth to function almost exactly like your natural one before it. On top of that, dental implants can be used to replace a variety of teeth, making it easier for people of varying degrees of tooth loss to replace their teeth with them over traditional dentures and bridges. Of course, these are only some of the benefits you can expect. Get in touch with Zahner Dental today to learn more about why our dentists recommend dental implants for those who are eligible.
The 4-Step Dental Implant Process
Dental implants are unique because they replace the roots of the missing teeth – not just the chewing surfaces. This allows for all sorts of different benefits, like additional stability, longevity, and comfort. To achieve this, implants require a multistep process, including a surgical procedure, that takes place over the course of several months. Everyone’s treatment plan looks a little bit different, but here are the four main steps that all patients can expect.
Initial Dental Implant Consultation
The first step when getting dental implants is to attend a consultation. During this time, we will examine your smile to determine whether or not you are a good candidate. Some patients need preliminary procedures before they are able to move forward in the process. This could include gum disease treatment, bone grafting, or other treatments. After your mouth is in good health, we can move on to planning the rest of your treatment. At your consultation, we will also discuss the timeline and cost of your treatment in detail.
Dental Implant Surgery
Getting dental implants requires a surgical procedure. We are proud to place dental implants in-house, so you don’t need to worry about working with an outside specialist you don’t know at a separate location. First, we will numb the area with a local anesthetic. Then, an incision is made into the gum tissue so the implants can be placed at a precise location. Lastly, protective caps are placed over the implants to allow for healing over the next few months.
Dental Implant Osseointegration & Abutment
The osseointegration process takes place over the next few months. This is when the implants fuse with the jawbone. Once this is complete, you will need to undergo another minor procedure. At this time, abutments are placed on the end of your implants. This is what will secure your restoration(s) to your dental implants. Lastly, we will take impressions and design your dental crown, bridge, or denture that will be made at the dental lab.
Delivery of Dental Implant Restoration(s)
After we’ve received your restoration(s) from the dental laboratory, you can return to the office. During this visit, we will attach your customized restoration(s) to your dental implants. Once in place, they should look, feel, and function just like your natural teeth. Then, you will be free to show off your new and complete smile!
Benefits of Dental Implants
Unlike any other tooth prosthetic, dental implants replace both the root and the tooth using a long-lasting post and personalized crown. This allows you to enjoy the next best thing to your natural teeth. If you’re missing multiple teeth, you can expect your custom-made restoration to fill the empty space in your smile. Together, they provide unmatched benefits, including:
- Over a 95% 10-year success rate.
- Regain as much as 70% of your biting force as you enjoy a stable foundation for your replacement tooth.
- Natural-looking results using all-ceramic material.
- Preserves your oral and facial structures by stimulating new bone growth in your jaw.
- Reduces your risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and additional tooth loss.
- Long-term, cost-effective solution because it can last for several decades, so you almost never need to worry about having it replaced.
Who Dental Implants Can Help
Dental implants can be used to treat all cases of tooth loss if you have good oral and general health. They can be used as an alternative to a traditional bridge, partial, or denture. Depending on how many teeth you are replacing, your treatment process varies.
Missing One Tooth
A biocompatible implant post is surgically placed into your jawbone. An abutment is attached to the post after your jaw has healed to connect a custom-made restoration.
Missing Multiple Teeth
One or two implant posts are inserted into the jaw to anchor your dental bridge. It is carefully crafted to match the appearance of your remaining teeth to blend in seamlessly when you smile.
Missing All Teeth
You never need to worry about any slipping or irritation again by using dental implants to secure your denture to your jaw. An average of 4 to 6 posts are used to replace the need for suction or an adhesive to restore your ability to chew, speak, and smile with confidence.
Understanding the Cost of Dental Implants
Just like every person is unique, there is no one-size-fits-all price for dental implant treatment. The total cost of replacing your missing teeth with dental implants will depend on a range of factors, such as where in the mouth your missing teeth are located and how many implants will be needed to restore your smile. Keep reading below to learn more about the cost of dental implants in Ellington and why they are a worthwhile investment. Then, schedule an initial consultation with us at Zahner Dental to get started on a healthy, full smile that will last!
Types of Dental Implants
The type of dental implant you need to restore your smile to its full and former glory will affect the overall cost. For instance, if you’re missing all your teeth, using 4-6 dental implants to secure a full denture will cost more than replacing one missing tooth with a single dental implant and crown.
What are the Stages of Dental Implant Treatment?
Dental implant treatment involves multiple stages and trips to the dentist’s office, including:
- Initial consultation
- Surgical placement of the dental implant
- Possible addition of an abutment to connect the implant with a crown, bridge or denture
- Placement of the final restoration
Each stage of the dental implant process incurs a unique cost that will vary from case to case. Moreover, it is important that a patient’s oral health be in great condition before undergoing dental implantation. If you need periodontal treatment to improve the health of your gums or bone grafting to strengthen your jawbone, this may lead to greater overall costs.
Are Dental Implants Worth the Investment?
Patients who research the cost of various tooth replacement options may believe that dental implants in Ellington are not worth the investment given their higher up-front cost compared to bridges or dentures.
However, over the long-term, you may actually end up saving money by choosing dental implants over traditional dental prosthetics. With proper care, dental implants can restore your smile for decades or even the rest of your lifetime! In contrast, you will likely have to replace a bridge or denture once or more over the years.
Of course, dental implants also offer superior stability and appearance over more traditional dental prosthetics by replacing both the missing tooth and tooth root structure.
So, if you are considering replacing missing teeth and wondering if dental implants are worth the investment, the answer is a resounding “yes!”
Does My Dental Insurance Cover Dental Implants?
Many dental insurance plans do not yet provide full coverage for dental implants. However, your dental insurance benefits may apply to certain stages of the dental implant process – for example, the initial consultation with Dr. Zahner or if periodontal therapy is needed.
At Zahner Dental, we do our best to remove any finance-related stress for our patients. Our office is an in-network provider for many of the largest insurance companies and our expert staff is happy to process and file insurance claims on your behalf. We also work with CareCredit, a third-party financier, to provide low and no interest financing plans for qualified patients.
Dental Implant FAQs
Although you’re excited to have a complete smile again, it’s normal to have a few concerns about dental implants in Ellington. They are a big investment but don’t feel uneasy about the road ahead. We’ll explain everything during your consultation. In the meantime, here are the answers to a few questions we are frequently asked by our patients to help calm your nerves.
How long do dental implants last?
Dental implants are the most reliable method to replace missing teeth. They are proven to last for 30 years or more with the right aftercare, which is decades longer than traditional prosthetics. The lifespan of your new smile largely relies on your health and lifestyle. You can ensure it lasts by committing to your oral hygiene at home. Besides brushing and flossing, add a mouthrinse to your routine to kill harmful bacteria hiding in hard-to-reach places, like around your abutments. It’s also best to protect your dental implants from potential damage. Although your new teeth will be durable, avoid using them as tools and don’t chew on inedible objects. Your implant dentist in Ellington recommends skipping any hard or sticky foods, too.
Can I take dental implants out?
Your jawbone fuses to your implant posts through a process called osseointegration. Therefore, you can’t take dental implants out on your own. Only a trained and qualified dental professional can remove them, which is only done if they fail. Some dentures can be taken out for cleaning; however, the implants will remain in place.
Does getting dental implants hurt?
You’ll need oral surgery to place the posts in your jawbone. Sedation or anesthesia will keep the procedure pain-free. Your dentist will also use a local anesthetic to numb the area. Although you won’t feel any pain, you can expect there to be some discomfort while your mouth heals. You can manage it by taking prescribed or OTC pain relievers. Apply a cold compress to the outside of your face to numb the area while also reducing any swelling. Your implant dentist will recommend eating softer foods for a couple of days to avoid unnecessary discomfort, like yogurt, mashed potatoes, or smoothies. After about 2-3 days, your pain should improve. Contact our office if it worsens.
Are dental implants safe?
Dental implants are safe for patients who have good oral health, which is why you’ll require a thorough consultation to review your medical history. If you have certain pre-existing conditions, like diabetes, cancer, or other medical issues, you may have a higher risk of complications that can make surgery or healing challenging. However, underlying health issues don’t disqualify you from getting dental implants. Depending on the results of your examination, you may require additional procedures to ensure the success of your new smile, like periodontal surgery. Correcting the issues promotes the long-term success of the procedure. To further ensure your safety, only choose a qualified dentist to perform your treatment. They will have the training and experience you can trust to replace your lost teeth.
