At iSmile Family Dentistry in East Hartford, CT, we can help you replace your missing teeth with sturdy, long-lasting dental implants! You’ll be amazed at what it feels like to be able to smile like you used to and even bite and chew again. Give us a call today or book an appointment online for a FREE consultation to learn more, ask questions, and receive a personalized treatment plan!
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are surgically placed metal anchors that function as the roots of replacement teeth. Dental implants provide a foundation for replacement teeth made from porcelain crowns or bridges that look, feel, and function like natural teeth. Because implants are secure, stable, and long-lasting, they vastly improve the comfort and health of the patient who has lost one or more teeth.
Dental implants help preserve facial shape and symmetry, as well as prevent adjacent teeth from drifting out of position. Dental implants also maintain the jawbone where they are placed, because the bone will continue to grow around them. Dental implants can be used to attach single or multiple replacement teeth. Dental implant surgery can often be performed in just a few visits, depending on the number of implants placed, although it also typically requires several months of recovery time before the procedure can be completed. Dental implant surgery requires local anesthesia, but sedation dentistry is often recommended to make the patient more comfortable during treatment.
Aftercare for dental implants is similar to aftercare for natural teeth. Generally, implants today are made of ultra-high-strength titanium alloy and are biocompatible (compatible with living tissue). Dental implants can last a person’s lifetime if properly cared for. Dental implants are the closest restorations available to natural teeth in terms of both function and appearance. Dental implant surgery is performed by an oral surgeon or dentist who has specialized training in dental implant placement. Dental implants are recommended for patients with one or more missing teeth. Dental implants can also be used to anchor dentures, because they provide long-term stability that cannot be achieved with traditional anchoring methods such as adhesives or bridgework.
Single Tooth Implants
Single tooth implants are the standard type of dental implant, and can be used to replace individual missing teeth. To create a single tooth implant, your dentist or oral surgeon will first gently place a titanium implant in your jawbone. Once the implant has successfully integrated with your jawbone (a process that typically takes several months), your dentist will then top the implant with a porcelain crown, giving you a beautiful, functional replacement tooth that will last for a decade or more with proper care.
Implant-Supported Bridges
If you are missing several teeth in a row, your dentist can also use implants to create a stronger, sturdier dental bridge to fill in the gap. Made from a row of crowns that have been fused together, bridges typically attach to your remaining teeth. However, implants can provide a stronger, more effective hold, helping give you better performance while costing less than simply using single tooth implants to replace each individual missing tooth.
Ready for a Fresh Start?
Book online or call today to schedule a FREE dental implants consultation!
