Dental Implants — Farmington, CT
Restoring Your Smile with Beauty and Function
If you have lost permanent teeth, dental implants can offer you a new lease on life. They are solid, secure, and aesthetically pleasing. At Farmington Valley Dental, Dr. Peters works with Dr. Christopher Trailor who is a board-certified implantologist, and his attentive, experienced staff provides patients from throughout our community with positive oral health through a variety of restorative dentistry services, including dental implants. Keep reading to find out why dental implants in Farmington are one of the most reliable and long-lasting tooth replacements available.
Why Choose Farmington Valley Dental For Dental Implants?
- #1 Dr. Peters Has Over 25 Years of Advanced Training & Experience
- #2 Entire Dental Implant Treatment Completed Here In Our Office
- #3 Replace Any Number of Missing Teeth for Life
How Are Dental Implants Different?
Dental implants are far different than other types of tooth replacement like dental bridges or dentures. This is because dental implants involve the use of a dental implant post, which is a small, titanium screw that is surgically placed into the jawbone. This replaces the root structure of the missing tooth, providing a secure and highly reliable foundation for the prosthetic tooth, whether that be a crown, bridge, partial, or full denture. This means you will never have to worry about slipping, irritation, or discomfort.
The 4-Step Dental Implant Process
Dental implants require a multi-step process that spans several months, but the result is a long-lasting solution for tooth loss. Many patients find the benefits to be well worth the time and effort. Fortunately, our team at Farmington Valley Dental is qualified to carry out the entire treatment from start to finish right here in one convenient location. Although every patient’s treatment plan will vary slightly, below are the four main stages you can expect.
Initial Dental Implant Consultation
Your dental implant journey begins with an in-depth consultation with Dr. Peters. He’ll conduct a thorough oral examination, inquire about your medical history, and overall assess your candidacy for implant placement. Based on our evaluation, we may recommend preliminary procedures (i.e., bone grafting, gum disease treatment, tooth extractions) to prepare you for the procedure.
Once we’ve confirmed you’re free of any growing complications, such as decay or infection, we can move forward to the next step of the process.
Dental Implant Surgery
After you’ve agreed to our treatment plan and Dr. Peters has determined you’re a suitable candidate, we’ll schedule your in-house surgery. Before starting the procedure, he’ll administer a local anesthetic to minimize discomfort. Once you’re comfortable, the implants will be surgically placed throughout your jawbone at precise, pre-planned positions. Your gums will then be sutured closed, and dental caps will be placed on top to keep the posts protected while your mouth heals.
Dental Implant Osseointegration & Abutment Placement
Following dental implant surgery, the titanium posts will bond with your body via a natural process known as osseointegration. This can take anywhere from three to six months to occur, creating a stable foundation for your new smile. Once completed, this will give your implants the lifelike qualities of a natural tooth, such as its incredible functionality and longevity.
You’ll then return to our office for a second minor surgery to receive your abutments, which are small connector pieces that are attached to your implants. This allows us to secure a personalized restoration (i.e., crown, bridge, or denture) in place.
Delivery of Dental Implant Restorations
While you heal from dental implant surgery, our trusted dental laboratory will craft your custom restoration. Once it’s ready, and your gums have healed, we’ll attach it to the titanium posts. We’ll double-check that your bite is correct and you’re happy with the results before we send you on your way. Now you can enjoy your brand-new smile!
Benefits of Dental Implants
If you need to replace a missing tooth, it doesn’t get any better than dental implants! This revolutionary solution is designed to look, feel, and function just like natural teeth which gives them many benefits over traditional options like dentures or bridges. At Farmington Valley Dental, we’ve helped countless patients restore their smiles and confidence with implants. Whether it’s improved function, better health, or long-term reliability, these restorations are the gold standard for tooth replacement! If you’re curious about how implants could help you smile better every day, read more below!
Day-to-Day Benefits
Dental implants make everyday activities easier and more enjoyable. Here’s why our patients love them:
- More Comfortable Eating: Implants restore around 70 percent of your bite force, allowing you to enjoy all your favorite foods without worry.
- Improved Speech Clarity: Dental implants fill in tooth gaps that can often lead to speech issues like mumbling, slurring, or whistling. Unlike dentures, implants stay secure, so you never need to worry about an embarrassing slip!
- Better Confidence: The natural look of dental implants keeps your smile bright and natural. This can give you the confidence to smile and converse in any setting.
Health Benefits
Dental implants don’t just enhance your smile—they can also support your overall oral health. Here’s how:
- Prevent Bone Loss: Implants stimulate your jawbone just like natural teeth, preventing deterioration that occurs over time with tooth loss.
- Low Maintenance Care: Dental implants can be brushed and flossed like regular teeth, keeping your oral health in top condition and preventing issues like gum disease.
- Better Digestion: Implants restore the chewing function of your teeth, allowing you to properly process your meals. This keeps your gut health in check by minimizing large food chunks from entering your digestive tract.
Long-Term Benefits
Dental implants are a durable and cost-effective solution for missing teeth with a success rate of over 95 percent! Here’s what you have to look forward to:
- Longevity: With proper care, implants can last for decades, often a lifetime!
- Cost-Effective: Their long lifespan reduces the need for frequent replacements, saving money over time.
- Stable and Reliable: Implants won’t shift or slip like dentures, ensuring consistent comfort.
- Maintain Facial Structure: By preserving jawbone density, implants help prevent a sunken facial appearance that can happen with age.
At Farmington Valley Dental, we believe choosing dental implants is an investment in your future smile and oral health. If you’re ready to experience all these transformative benefits, contact us to schedule your consultation.
Who Dental Implants Can Help
Implants can help replace a single tooth, multiple teeth, or even a full set of teeth. If you have been suffering with partial or full dentures, are missing teeth, or feel you need teeth extracted, do not hesitate to call to be evaluated for implants. Our team looks forward to talking with you about your restorative dentistry options and providing you with the information you need to make the oral health decision that is best for you.
Missing 1 Tooth
Are you missing just one tooth? It’s still important that you get it replaced to avoid shifting or damage of your remaining teeth. Dr. Peters will use an implant-retained dental crown, which is custom-made using high-quality ceramics to give you a restoration that seamlessly completes your smile.
Missing Multiple Teeth
If you’re missing multiple consecutive teeth, we can use an implant-retained dental bridge to restore the gap in your smile. Using two dental implants on either side to anchor your prosthetic in place, Dr. Peters will be able to restore your smile’s function and natural appearance.
Missing All Teeth
If you’re missing all or most of your teeth, your best option is implant-retained dentures. This solution gives you a replacement for your entire smile with the security and function of dental implants. Additionally, those who already have dentures but are looking for a better feeling and functioning option can benefit from implant-retained dentures.
Understanding the Cost of Dental Implants
Dental implants come at a higher price than other options for tooth replacement, but they could not be more worth it. There is no fixed cost of dental implants—so you will need to schedule a consultation with our office to find out what you can expect to pay. Dr. Peters will consider the health of your jawbone, how many teeth you are missing, where you’re missing them, and other factors to determine the cost of your dental implants. After this in-depth examination, he will be able to provide you with a fair and more precise estimate.
What Do Dental Implants Cost?
During an implant consultation with your dentist in Farmington, the following factors will be considered to determine what your dental implants will cost: the number of teeth you’re missing, where they are missing, the health of your jawbone, and other special considerations.
How Many Teeth Are Missing?
Dental implant posts are individually priced, which means this factor will usually have the greatest influence over the total cost of your procedure. A single missing tooth is less costly to replace than a full arch, for example. However, an individual post is not needed for cases of multiple or complete tooth loss. We can be strategic while still achieving a secure fit for the prosthetic.
Where In the Jaw Are The Missing Teeth Located?
Your dentist will have a different approach for dental implants depending on their location in the jaw. Front teeth may be more costly to replace than molars or premolars due to aesthetic concerns which result in a more complex procedure.
How Healthy is the Jawbone?
Patients who have been missing teeth for a while or who have had severe gum disease (periodontitis) may need to have a bone graft or sinus lift to create the right environment for dental implants. This initial procedure increases the cost of an implant procedure.
Are There Any Other Special Considerations?
Other factors that may influence the cost of a dental implant procedure include what type of anesthesia/sedation are used, how many preparatory appointments are needed, and others.
And the Grand Total Is…
It depends! It’s difficult to give a proper estimate for your dental implant procedure without seeing you in person. Once we have a better idea of the total cost, we can begin discussing ways to make paying for dental implants more convenient. Dental insurance can often be used for portions of the procedure, and patient financing is also available to help split the bill up into more convenient payments. To discuss this tooth replacement and how much you can expect to pay for yours, we invite you to contact us today !
Dental Implant FAQs
Are All Dental Implants The Same?
There are different types of dental implants that are used in different situations. Mini-implants, which are smaller and shorter than traditional implants, can be used to anchor full dentures.
They’re often a great choice for patients who have experienced bone loss in their jaws and, in many cases, just 2-6 mini-implants are necessary per arch.
Does It Hurt To Get Dental Implants?
It’s understandable that implants might seem like they would be painful, but they essentially act as replacement roots, so you won’t feel them any more than you feel the roots of your natural teeth.
As for the procedure itself, many of our patients say that it was no more difficult than having an extraction and that the discomfort was much less than they expected. And, as a dentist in Farmington with your comfort in mind, we’ll always start by fully numbing the area before doing any procedure.
Are Dental Implants Noticeable?
An implant sits under the gumline, so it’s completely invisible. And since it looks, feels, and functions so naturally, no one will know it’s there. In fact, the only way for anyone to see your implant is to take an X-ray showing the titanium post in the jaw.
How Long Do Dental Implants Last?
Dental implants stimulate new bone growth, allowing the jawbone to fuse to the post. As a result, they offer a 95% 10-year success rate. With the right aftercare, the implant post can potentially last for a lifetime. To promote its longevity, it is best to maintain your oral hygiene and regular appointments with your dentist in Farmington. While the post can last forever, your dental crown will suffer from daily wear and tear. On average, it will need to be replaced about every 10 years.
Do Dental Implants Feel Natural?
With the use of the dental implant post, your smile will closely look and feel natural as they are securely held in place. In fact, when compared to traditional dentures, dental implants offer an increased biting force of over 70%.
How Much Do Dental Implants Cost?
There is no set price for the procedure because it varies from person to person. There are several factors that influence the cost, such as how many teeth need to be replaced, if additional procedures are needed, and your insurance coverage. While you can expect to pay more upfront, they offer a long-term investment and will be more cost-effective in the future because you do not need special cleaning products, adjustments, or new prosthetics made every few years.
Can Dental Implants Stop Bone Recession?
Dental implants are the only form of tooth replacement that stops bone recession from missing teeth. The implant post stimulates the jawbone, encouraging new bone growth. This helps to preserve your bone density to protect any remaining natural teeth and your facial structures.
Where Can I Get Dental Implants?
If you are ready to see if you are a candidate for dental implants, Farmington Valley Dental can help. Dr. Thomas Peters will perform a comprehensive examination to see if they are the right option for you. With a carefully crafted treatment plan, he will help you regain a complete smile with a predictable and reliable solution.
Still Have Questions?
If you’d like to know more about implants, call us today. We’d love to show you how they can be used to restore your smile!