Dental implants are the closest-to-natural option for replacing missing teeth. Dental implants cannot be removed by the patient and consist of three components:
When dental implants are made by experienced dentists, they closely mimic the appearance and functionality of the natural tooth they replace.
Almost anyone who is missing one or more teeth is a candidate. Children may have to wait for implants until their jaw is completely grown. Additionally, some patients need orthodontic work or bone or gum grafts before implants can be inserted. Your Southern Connecticut Dental Group dentist will customize a treatment plan for you.
Coverage depends on the details of your insurance policy. The staff at Southern Connecticut Dental Group will review the cost of treatment with you as well as payment options. Many patients put funds into their medical flex spending account to cover the cost of their dental implants.
The process varies depending on the treatment plan.
If you’ve experienced some crowding of the teeth surrounding the missing tooth, you may need orthodontic treatment before the implant can be placed.
Likewise, if your bone or tissue have receded significantly since losing the tooth, bone or tissue grafts may be required.
Once the implant is inserted into the jawbone, the gums are sutured closed. Bone grows around the implant over the next 3–6 months before the abutment and crown are placed.
If you wore a flipper or partial denture before the procedure, you will be able to continue wearing it during the healing period.
The success rate is high at 90–95%.
Loose dentures can make talking and eating difficult. There are two ways dental implants can be used to secure dentures: