Are missing teeth making you feel self-conscious about your smile? At New Britain Dental Arts, we are trained in using dental implants to replace missing teeth and give you back a full, beautiful smile.
Visit our New Britain, CT, dental office to learn more about dental implants as a permanent tooth replacement option. We can often place your implants right here in our office, meaning you don’t need to seek out a specialist. Our team looks forward to helping you achieve your smile goals.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are the preferred method for replacing missing teeth, from one tooth to many. They are made up of three parts: the implant, which is placed under the gums; the restoration, which can be a crown, a bridge, or even dentures; and the abutment, which connects the two pieces. Because the implant itself fuses to your jawbone, we are able to replace the missing tooth root as well as the crown, giving you a strong and solid new tooth.
The Benefits Of Dental Implants
We love dental implants as a tooth replacement option for a number of reasons.
- They are a permanent replacement option because the implant is designed to fuse with the jawbone, giving you a new tooth root.
- Implants look and feel like natural teeth because we design your restoration to blend in seamlessly with the surrounding teeth.
- Bone loss is prevented with implants because they replace the root of the tooth and stimulate the natural bone.
- With implants, you will not experience facial sagging from bone resorption that occurs due to bone loss.
Types Of Dental Implants
There are a few different ways we can replace missing teeth. The option that’s best for you will depend on how many teeth you’re missing, where those teeth are located, and the health of your jawbone.
Single Dental Implant
As the name suggests, a single dental implant is a one-for-one tooth replacement option where we use one implant to replace one missing tooth. We can use this method in a number of instances, ranging from when you’re missing one tooth to when you’re missing a number of teeth throughout your mouth.
Implant-Supported Bridge
Using an implant-supported bridge allows us to close up gaps caused by multiple missing teeth in a row. With this option, we place dental implants on either side of the gap left by missing teeth. The bridge itself is an appliance consisting of a dental crown on each end and false teeth in between. Once we bond the crowns to the implants, the bridge will restore your smile and help you regain confidence. The implants will also prevent further bone loss in the jaw.
Implant-Supported Dentures
We can use implant-supported dentures to replace an entire arch of missing teeth on the upper or lower jaw. With this restoration, we strategically place implants along your arch and fit them with an abutment that allows your denture to snap into place. If we determine implant-supported dentures are best for you, know that your denture will be made to fit your mouth comfortably and securely.
Dental Implant Recovery
Because we place the implants below the gumline, we must make incisions. It’s important to care for your mouth during the recovery process so you don’t experience infection or interrupt the fusion process for the implant. If you experience discomfort or swelling, apply a cold compress to your cheek. You may also take over-the-counter medications to reduce your discomfort. Use a warm saltwater rinse to clean your mouth. Soft foods should be on your entire menu for at least a few days; foods that are especially crunchy, hard, or chewy can cause damage to your newly placed implant.
As we work through the entire dental implant process, our team will advise you on the best care for your mouth. We encourage you to ask questions along the way, too.
Restoring A Full & Healthy Smile
Don’t hide your smile because of missing teeth! At New Britain Dental Arts, we offer a number of dental implant options to help restore your smile to full health. Our friendly and knowledgeable team is here to answer all your questions and take you through the journey in a way that keeps you feeling comfortable and confident in the care we provide. Ready to replace your missing teeth? Call today to schedule a consultation.