Dental Implants – South Windsor, CT
Permanent, Natural-Looking Tooth Replacement
To say that missing teeth create problems in your life would be an understatement. Even one missing tooth can hinder your self-esteem, make it harder to chew your favorite foods, and increase your risk of oral health problems. Dental bridges and dentures can help, but they tend to break down after a few years at most, and they only recreate the visible parts of missing teeth. By contrast, dental implants in South Windsor provide the most stable and natural-looking solution to tooth loss available today. They can be used to replace everything from a single tooth to an entire smile, and if you’re looking to say “goodbye” to the gaps in your grin, we can help you get them right here at South Windsor Dental. Just call us to learn more!
Why Choose South Windsor Dental for Dental Implants?
- Partnered with Local Dental Implant Specialists
- Compassionate, Experienced Dentist & Team
- Fair Fees Without Surprises
What Are Dental Implants?
A dental implant is a small post, most often made from titanium, which is placed into the area where a missing tooth’s root was. Titanium promotes the growth of bone tissue, which enables the jawbone to fuse together with the implant post(s). This fusion, known as osseointegration, provides the stimulation the bone needs to stay healthy and whole, which prevents the disintegration of bone tissue that otherwise occurs after tooth loss.
When even just one tooth has been lost, preserving the integrity of the jawbone is important because it prevents the loss of the remaining natural teeth. Your risk of losing more teeth increases after you have experienced any amount of tooth loss, and replacing them with dental implants helps to prevent this -- keeping your smile healthy and whole.
The 4 Step Dental Implant Process
The dental implant process is somewhat complex and may take several months from start to finish. That might seem like a long time, but you can be confident that your new smile will be worth the wait! But what exactly can you expect to happen throughout your tooth replacement journey? There are four basic stages to the dental implant process: your initial consultation, dental implant surgery, osseointegration, and delivery of your final restoration. Below, you will find more information about each of these steps.
Initial Dental Implant Consultation
During your initial consultation with Dr. Curcio, she will learn about your oral health and other factors that may influence the outcome of your dental implant treatment. For example, she will need to know about your medical history and some aspects of your lifestyle. From there, she can make a fair determination of whether dental implants are suitable for you right away or if you will need some preparatory treatment before you can move forward with tooth replacement.
Feel free to ask questions during your consultation. Our team wants you to feel well-informed before you commit to anything!
Dental Implant Surgery
Dr. Curcio partners with local specialists for the dental implant placement surgery. She wants you to have truly expert care during every stage of your treatment!
The surgery itself is usually straightforward. The specialist will administer local anesthesia and possibly sedate you. Then, they will make incisions in your gums and carefully insert your implants into your jawbone at their pre-planned locations. Once the incisions are closed, you can head home and start the recovery process. Most patients are feeling well enough to return to work within a few days of their procedure.
Dental Implant Osseointegration & Abutment Placement
Once your implants are in place, osseointegration will begin. Osseointegration is the natural biological process that allows your jawbone to form a strong bond with your dental implants. Essentially, they fuse together.
Osseointegration usually takes a few months. Afterward, you might need to undergo a second minor surgery. The tops of your implants will be exposed, and healing caps will be placed on them. Later, the healing caps will be replaced by small connector pieces called abutments. (In some cases, abutments are placed during the initial implant surgery, so this second procedure is not always necessary.)
Delivery of Dental Implant Restorations
When your implants are ready to support your beautiful new teeth, you will return to our office. We will take detailed impressions of your mouth, and Dr. Curcio will use them as the basis for designing your crown, bridge, or denture. After a local laboratory fabricates your restoration, we will make sure it lives up to our high expectations before we attach it to your implants. We will make sure your bite is comfortable and give you some tips on how to care for your new smile before we send you on your way to start enjoying the benefits of your rebuilt teeth.
Benefits of Dental Implants
If you’ve lost one or more teeth over the years, dental implants in South Windsor allow you to enjoy a nearly perfect replica of your natural teeth. They are unlike any other dental prosthetic because they recreate the entire tooth structure. This allows you to benefit from several exceptional benefits that aren’t possible using traditional treatments, including:
Predictable, Reliable Results
Dental implants are the most reliable solution to treat tooth loss. In fact, they have over a 95% success rate when the right aftercare is followed, like maintaining your oral hygiene at home and visiting your dentist in South Windsor at least twice a year for a cleaning and checkup. In the rare event that complications occur, don’t wait to call Dr. Curcio so that we can do our best to prevent dental implant failure.
Looks & Feels Like a Real Tooth
All-ceramic material is used to mimic the portion of your tooth visible above the gum line. The restoration is customized to match the exact size, shape, and color you need to blend in naturally with your remaining teeth. You can smile, chew, and speak with confidence because no one will know it isn’t real.
Additionally, a dental implant allows you to regain as much as 70% of your natural biting force because your jawbone supports the restoration. You’ll never need to worry about any slipping or irritation to enjoy your favorite foods again.
Improve Your Oral Health
When you lose a tooth, you also slowly lose density in your jaw. A dental implant is the only treatment to stop bone loss caused by missing teeth. A titanium implant post acts as a new root, stimulating your jaw to encourage new bone growth.
With a dental implant keeping your jawbone strong, it stops dental drift to prevent your teeth from moving out of position. This decreases your risk of cavities, gum disease, and additional tooth loss.
Cost-Effective Solution
You’ll initially pay more for dental implants than traditional treatments, but they are more affordable long-term. They are proven to last for decades with the right aftercare, so you should never need to pay to have them replaced. Not to mention, they preserve any remaining natural teeth to lower your overall dental expenses in the long run.
Who Dental Implants Can Help
Dental implants in South Windsor, CT are a versatile treatment. Whether you need to replace one tooth, a few teeth, or an entire arch of teeth, they may be ideal for you.
Missing One Tooth
If you are hoping to replace a single missing tooth, an implant-retained crown is simply the best way to do it. After you have healed from having the implant post placed in your jaw, Dr. Sara Curcio will then attach a metal connector piece called an abutment to it, which is a small metal screw that will be used to support an all-porcelain crown. This will all come together to give you a restoration that is completely indistinguishable from your other teeth in every way.
Missing Multiple Teeth
If you have a few missing teeth right next to one another, the crowns on top of your implants can even be bonded to other prosthetic teeth to form a fixed implant-supported dental bridge.
Missing All Teeth
If you are missing all or most of your teeth, implant dentures may work well for you. Rather than relying on natural suction to keep your denture in place, dental implants can give you a set of teeth you can always rely on. Dr. Curcio can supply you with a denture that attaches directly to multiple implant posts, and with this, you’ll enjoy a more secure and longer-lasting set of pearly whites.
One of the fundamental requirements a patient needs to get dental implants is a strong, thick jawbone, which can be an issue for someone who has suffered bone deterioration due to tooth loss. However, with All-on-4 dental implants, now even more people can benefit from this state-of-the-art solution. With just four strategically placed implant posts, Dr. Curcio can use them to securely hold an entire full denture. This procedure is so efficient that the implants and a temporary denture can often be placed on the same day, making it one of the quickest ways to restore your smile.
Understanding the Cost of Dental Implants
There are a number of factors that go into determining the cost of a patient’s dental implant treatment. Preliminary work, the placement surgery, the number of implants needed, and the restoration each comes with its own cost. When you visit our team for your consultation, we can give you an estimate of your financial obligation. We can also help you explore your payment options. Although implants cost more than alternative treatments, they are well worth the cost! Their many benefits make them a worthwhile investment in your oral health, confidence, and everyday quality of life.
What Are the Types of Dental Implants?
Believe it or not, there are several types of dental implants. Besides different materials, there are also several restorations and abutments to choose from. As a result, the cost of the treatment is determined by your individual needs. There are multiple factors that influence the price, like the number of teeth you’re replacing. Dr. Curcio will provide you with a custom estimate during your initial consultation and discuss the fees associated with your treatment, such as:
SINGLE UNIT
On average, you can expect to pay:
- Dental Implant: $1,000 to $3,000
- Abutment & Crown: $500 to $3,000
- Total Cost: $4,000 per implant on average.
IMPLANT BRIDGE
One to two dental implants are used to anchor your bridge to your jawbone. They cost about $4,000 depending on the number of teeth you’re treating.
MINI DENTAL IMPLANT
If you’ve lost bone density, you might be a candidate for mini dental implants, which can range from $500 to $30,000 depending on your treatment plan.
IMPLANT DENTURES
Four to ten dental implants can secure your denture to your jaw. On average, it costs around $30,000.
Why Are Dental Implants More Expensive?
Dental implants cost more than traditional treatments because they recreate the tooth from the root up. This requires a multi-phased treatment plan that can take several months to complete. Each step in your treatment will have several costs.
Although dental implants are initially more expensive, they are more affordable long-term because they are proven to last for decades with the right aftercare. As a result, you’ll never need to worry about paying to have them replaced to lower your overall dental expenses.
How Should I Budget for Dental Implants?
Paying for dental implants is more affordable than you might realize because the entire amount isn’t due upfront. Instead, you can pay for each step in your plan separately, which may include:
- Initial consultation
- Additional procedures
- Implant placement surgery
- Abutment procedure
- Restoration
Does My Dental Insurance Cover Dental Implants?
Every policy differs, but most dental insurances can be used to lower the cost of certain steps in your treatment after hitting your annual deductible, like the restorations. We’ll work on your behalf with your insurance carrier to maximize your yearly limits. A member of our team will take the time to discuss any out-of-pocket dental implant cost and your payment options, like using third-party financing.
Maintaining & Caring For Your Dental Implants
Taking care of your dental implants is the most effective way to safeguard your investment. The time, money, and patience required to get these custom prosthetics are not for everyone, so if you’re one of the millions who are now enjoying life with your newer, longer-lasting teeth, you’ll want to make sure that you do everything you can to keep them looking and feeling the best year after year. To do this, there are a few simple steps you can take when it comes to proper dental implant care in South Windsor. Keep reading to find out.
Making Oral Hygiene a Priority
Dental implants may not develop decay, but they can remain at risk for possible gum disease. This is why practicing good oral hygiene at home is essential to the lifespan of your new smile. Peri-implantitis is a legitimate concern even after receiving dental implants, so you’ll want to make sure that you’re brushing after every meal, flossing, and rinsing with an antimicrobial mouthwash each day. This will keep your real and artificial teeth healthy as well as your gums.
Eating a Healthy Diet
Sugary and starchy foods may taste good, but they can spell disaster for your real and artificial teeth if eaten regularly. Incorporating healthy foods into your diet is important, not only for your oral health but also for the rest of your body. Calcium-enriched foods as well as leafy greens, lean proteins, and fruits and vegetables can help in protecting teeth from decay and gum disease.
Breaking Bad Habits
You may find it hard to give up some of your most frequently practiced “bad habits,” but it’s necessary if you want to ensure the longevity of your dental implants. Biting your fingernails, eating ice cubes, chewing on pens and pencils, and even smoking are just a few of the many things you’ll need to avoid once you have dental implants. Engaging in them will put your new teeth at risk (along with your natural ones), potentially resulting in additional dental treatment should one of your implants become damaged.
Protecting Your Dental Implants
Dental implants may be sturdy and strong, but they can break under too much pressure. This is why if you grind your teeth at night or enjoy engaging in contact sports you wear a protective mouthguard. These custom-made devices make it easy to safeguard your teeth and prevent chips, cracks, or breaks along the way. Not only will you have greater peace of mind while sleeping and/or playing your favorite game, but you’ll also avoid an additional fee that is required when visiting your emergency dentist.
Scheduling Regular Dental Checkups
One of the most important components of extending the lifespan of your dental implants is continuing to see your dentist for regular dental checkups and cleanings. It is during these six-month visits that Dr. Curcio and our team can evaluate the status of your dental implants and determine if any slight damage or issues have formed since placement. If not, you’ll be given the “all-clear.” If we do find some areas of concern, we can work quickly to eliminate the issue and restore your smile.
Dental Implant FAQs
Am I too old for dental implants?
Once you’ve become an adult, age isn’t really a determining factor in your eligibility for dental implants. There are plenty of other factors that we consider instead, such as your general and oral health. As a rule of thumb, if your mouth and your body are in good condition, dental implants may be the right treatment for you. The healing process may take a bit longer the older you are, but as long as you’re healthy, you can still be an excellent candidate.
How long do dental implants last?
With proper care and maintenance, dental implants have a 95% success rate, even after several decades. Here are a few tips to ensure your new smile lasts as long as possible:
- Brush your teeth and implant restoration twice a day with a soft-bristled brush
- Floss under and around your restoration at least once daily
- Don’t use your teeth as tools
- Avoid chewing on inedible objects like pens and ice
- Treat teeth grinding with a nightguard
- Wear a mouthguard if you play sports
- Attend checkups with your dentist in South Windsor at least once every six months
Why do I need a bone graft before getting dental implants?
In order for your dental implants to last, they need a strong foundation. Namely, they need to be anchored to a jawbone with enough density to support them. If you’ve experienced bone loss because of your missing teeth, we can take care of that. Artificial bone tissue can be grafted onto your existing jawbone. After a few months, your jawbone will have integrated with the artificial tissue until it’s strong enough to support as many implants as you need to complete your smile.
Can I get dental implants if I smoke?
Yes, but it comes with some risks. Smoking (or chewing) tobacco severely impairs the body’s, and particularly the mouth’s, natural healing processes. As a result, it takes longer for dental implants to fully fuse with the jawbone. In some cases, they may not even fuse at all. If you currently smoke and you’re considering dental implants, we highly recommend quitting entirely before undergoing the procedure. We’ll be happy to point you toward resources to help you kick the habit.