Replace One or More Missing Teeth
Dental implants are a revolutionary solution for missing teeth because they can be used to replace a single missing tooth, multiple missing teeth, or support a fixed denture through full-arch restoration. A dental implant consists of a titanium post, a connecting abutment, and a crown. Together, these parts create a long-term solution for tooth loss that improves and protects your oral health for years to come.Dr. Mark Fletcher, Dr. Daniel Gill, Dr. Gabriel Hayek, and Dr. Riccardo Ambrogio are experts in implant-based tooth restorations and will design a custom treatment plan for your oral health needs. Our Glastonbury office is located outside of Hartford near the intersection of CT-3 and CT-2, and we also have offices in Avon and Enfield to serve our patients.
The Biggest Advantages of Dental Implants
Advantages of Dental Implants
A tooth’s root stimulates the jaw bone, keeping it strong. When a tooth is missing, the jaw bone atrophies, causing dental shifting and facial sagging. Dental implants prevent bone loss by fusing to the jaw, providing the same stimulation as a natural tooth.
Dental implants are strong and sturdy, restoring bite force and allowing you to enjoy eating your favorite foods without worrying about discomfort or moving parts. They look, feel, and function just like real teeth.
The crown is designed to match the shape and color of your other teeth, creating natural-looking, long-term results.
There is a great convenience with dental implants as they remain in your mouth at all times, as opposed to removable dentures which must be removed during eating and brushing.
Types & Techniques of Dental Implants
Dental implants are versatile and can be tailored to your specific needs. Your oral surgeon will help determine the right choice for you during your first visit.
- Single Implant. One dental implant post, abutment, and crown can replace one missing tooth or teeth as needed.
- Implant-Supported Bridges. Dental implants can support a bridge where multiple teeth are missing next to each other, protecting your natural teeth from needing to be ground down to support a traditional bridge.
- Immediate Implants. As soon as you have a tooth extracted, your surgeon can place a dental implant post into the empty socket.
- Full-Arch Restoration. If you’re missing many teeth, dental implants can support a fixed denture in one or both arches, resulting in a new and fully functioning smile.
Types of Anesthesia
Our surgeons offer a variety of anesthesia and sedation options so that patients remain as comfortable as possible.
Dental Implant Surgery
Your oral surgeon will walk you through the steps of your treatment prior to surgery. This includes taking 3D images and discussing your options for anesthesia. During surgery, your surgeon makes a small incision in the gum tissue to expose the bone, then places the implant post. If you have a damaged or failing tooth, we can extract it and immediately place the implant during the same procedure.
Over the next few months, the post will fuse with the jaw bone. You may receive a temporary crown to wear during this time. Once healed, your surgeon will place the connecting abutment and your restorative dentist will place the final crown.
Our office proudly offers EXPAREL®, the safe and long-lasting pain management option. It provides comfort following surgery and reduces or eliminates the need for narcotic medication. Learn more about EXPAREL.
Dental Implant: Cost & Value
The cost of dental implants in Glastonbury, CT, depends on several factors: the number of needed implants, your choice of anesthesia, your insurance, and if you require additional procedures. Avon Oral, Facial and Dental Implant Surgery accepts many payment methods and insurance plans, as well as offers financing options.
If you are still on the fence about dental implants, consider the alternatives. Traditional bridges or dentures are often cheaper upfront, but must be replaced every few years. They do not preserve the jaw bone, which may result in extensive and costly bone restoration in the future. Dentures can cause sores and must be removed during eating and cleaning.
Meanwhile, dental implants become a fixed part of your smile and have a high success rate. They remain in your mouth at all times and feel like natural teeth. Dental implants are the only tooth replacement solution that prevents jaw bone atrophy, making them the clear choice for restoring missing teeth. Learn more about the Benefits of Dental Implants.
Denture Replacement With Dental Implants
Patients who wear dentures often seek a more convenient tooth restoration solution because traditional dentures can be clunky, uncomfortable, and embarrassing. Our oral surgeons are happy to offer the All-on 4® treatment concept to those seeking a long-term solution for missing teeth.
When a denture is secured in the mouth using dental implants, your replacement teeth regain full functionality and stability. You no longer need to remove your teeth during meals or brushing, and the prosthesis is designed specifically to fit comfortably and naturally inside your mouth. If you wear full or partial dentures and are looking for denture replacement in Glastonbury, CT, contact our practice today for a consultation.
Hear From Dental Implant Patients
These patients can tell you about the firsthand experience undergoing dental implant treatment at our office.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is not suitable for dental implants?
Generally, if you are healthy enough to undergo general surgery, you are healthy enough for dental implants. Patients with suppressed immune systems, gum disease, or other conditions may not be candidates because the jaw may not be strong and healthy enough to support it. Bone grafting helps more patients become candidates for tooth replacement by promoting the growth of new bone in areas where it has deteriorated.
How long after dental implants can I eat normally?
You may drink clear liquids and eat soft foods on the day of your oral surgery. Ramp up your diet as tolerated and be sure to follow your instructions on properly caring for and cleaning the surgical site. You should avoid hard candy, tough foods, or anything that could damage the implant or surgical site during the healing period.
Can dental implants be done one at a time?
Single dental implants can be placed as you need them to anywhere throughout the mouth, even molars. You can receive a dental implant when a tooth needs to be replaced, and then another implant if you lose a tooth many years later. If you’re missing many teeth, you may be a candidate for full-arch restoration.
Do they put you to sleep for dental implants?
Depending on the complexity of your procedure, local anesthesia is often enough to numb the surgical site. Patients remain completely awake during the use of local anesthesia. You can select any form of anesthesia depending on your anxiety levels or needs. Some patients opt for IV sedation, which allows them to enter a sleep-like state and unable to feel pain. Patients under IV sedation often have no memory of the procedure.
Central Connecticut's Oral Health Specialists
Our team of oral surgeons are the experts you can trust to deliver outstanding results.