If you’re dealing with broken or missing teeth, your family dentist may suggest dental implants. It’s natural to have questions and concerns about the CT dental implant procedure. To help you understand what to expect from the process, we’ve developed a list of the top questions we receive in our Bridgeport – Trumbull Line family dentist office. Review the questions and answers below to better understand each aspect of dental implants, and schedule your consultation with our team to create a smile that gives you the confidence to smile back.
- Why Do People Get Dental Implants?
Missing teeth not only make it difficult to talk and chew, but it also makes way for the jaw bone to begin to weaken. Your jaw bone recognizes when it isn’t supporting a tooth root. The deterioration process occurs more quickly when there are multiple missing teeth. The body recognizes that it doesn’t need the jaw bone and allows it to break down, rendering it useless over time. The CT dental implant process incorporates the jaw bone, calling for it to remain strong. Dental implants restore your beautiful smile, confidence, and ability to eat the foods you love.
- Are Dental Implants Noticeable?
Dental implants are designed to look and feel just like your natural teeth. No one will be able to tell you have dental implants. If a single dental implant is needed, your dentist will create a custom implant that matches the shape and color of your natural teeth. You will be the only one who knows you have dental implants (but even you won’t be able to tell the difference!).
- How Will A Dental Implant Benefit My Oral Health?
Dental implants prevent your jaw bone from weakening, which occurs when missing teeth are not replaced. The implant will also allow you to eat foods that were once too difficult, like apples, carrots, or other crunchy foods. The CT dental implant procedure can restore the healthy smile you deserve, allowing you to smile with confidence, speak without covering your mouth, and enjoy activities you once shied away from, like being in photos.
- How Long Will Dental Implants Last?
When cared for properly, dental implants can last many years. The complex procedure is a permanent solution to your missing teeth challenge. When dental implant patients brush, floss, and visit their Shelton family dentist regularly, the implants can last a lifetime. Follow the implant and gum care guidelines of your dentist for best results.
- Does An Implant Require Special Care?
The beauty of a dental implant is that it requires the same care as your natural teeth. You will brush, floss, and schedule routine dental checkups and cleanings. No other special care is needed. To ensure your implant lasts a lifetime, maintain healthy habits and a diet rich in vegetables and fruits. Avoid smoking, drinking alcohol excessively, and eating foods heavy in sugar.
- Is CT Dental Implant Surgery Painful?
For a single dental implant, the majority of patients will treat any minor pain with an over-the-counter medicine like Advil or Tylenol. If a full mouth dental implant procedure is completed or a bone graft is needed before the treatment, a higher level of discomfort may occur. Your dentist will explain your options for pain management before the procedure is performed and can prescribe any medicine as needed.
- How Long Does The Entire Process Take?
The entire CT dental implant process takes three to six months. Factors that determine that timeframe include the extent of the surgery, if a bone graft is needed, and how quickly your body heals. During the first appointment, the dental implant surgeon will insert the titanium posts – which acts as the tooth root – into the jaw bone. Once the gum heals, typically three to five months later, the dentist will place a post on the implant. In the third visit, the permanent crown is placed on top of the post. Follow-up visits will be needed to ensure your gums are healing properly and the dental implants are taking to your jaw bone and gum as needed.
- What Is The Dental Implant Cost?
Because dental implants are designed to last a lifetime, the investment is more considered than other tooth replacement options like a denture or dental crown. A single dental implant costs $1,500 to $3,500, depending on the complexity of the repair. While dental implant cost is an investment, ignoring your oral health will cost you much more in the long run. Ignoring a missing tooth or the prolonged use of dentures creates gum disease and bone loss. Over time, these oral health issues will create high levels of discomfort. CT dental implants support a strong jaw bone and a more comfortable life.
- Does Dental Insurance Pay For Implants And Surgery?
A select few dental insurance companies will cover a portion of the dental implant surgery, but for the most part, insurance does not cover the procedure. It’s a good idea to contact your insurance provider directly to ask what portion of the dental implant cost they will cover. In some cases, insurance coverage may be offered due to the circumstances that created the need for implants. If you are involved in an accident, for example, your insurance may cover a portion of the dental implant procedure more readily than if the dentist cites poor dental hygiene.
- Can My Regular Dentist Perform Dental Implant Surgery?
General dentists in Bridgeport – Trumbull Line and Shelton who have extensive training in oral surgery can perform the dental implant procedure. Schedule a consultation with your dentist to ask questions about their experience in dental implant surgery to make an informed decision on where to have the procedure performed. Partnering with a dentist who is experienced in the CT dental implant procedure gives you the best opportunity for good, long-term oral health.
Make your oral health a priority by asking these and other dental implant questions. Your general dentist will be able to explain the process, let you know what to expect, and provide follow-up treatment to ensure you’re caring for the implants as needed. By speaking with your dentist about the implant procedure, you avoid any surprises or unexpected challenges during and after the procedure. The DeJesus Dental Group team is highly experienced in dental implants and can restore your smile and confidence to give you the strength to smile back.