Dental Implants — Hartford, CT · Avon, CT

Filling in the Gaps for Good

An incomplete smile no longer has to be the reality. Instead, you can embrace and enjoy what life has to offer thanks to customized prosthetics like dental implants. At Blue Back Dental, we are pleased to have a certified periodontist on staff. Their skill and expertise allow the entire dental implant process to be completed in-house so that you don’t need a referral. Whether you’re seeking traditional dental implants or All-On-4, we’ve got you covered. Call us today to schedule a consultation for dental implants in West Hartford and Avon.

Three smiling dentists at Blue Back Dental in West Hartford and Avon

Why Choose Blue Back Dental for Dental Implants?

  • Periodontist Provides
    In-House Dental Implant Placement
  • State-of-the-Art Dental Technology for Accurate Treatment Planning
  • Trusted By the Community
    for 20+ Years

What Are Dental Implants?

Close up of woman smiling with a dental implant in West Hartford and Avon

Dental implants are permanent prosthetics that serve as the foundation for sturdy, long-lasting teeth. As titanium posts that sit within the jawbone, they are the only tooth replacement solution capable of restoring the full root-to-crown structure, offering superior benefits when it comes to functionality, aesthetics, and comfort. Designed to mimic the natural tooth root, they provide continuous stimulation to the jawbone so that it does not deteriorate over time or change your facial shape – both of which can occur after getting traditional bridges or dentures.

The 4-Step Dental Implant Process

Illustrated dental implant being placed in lower jaw
  • Initial Dental Implant Consultation: You will meet with one of our dentists to discuss your oral and overall health. Based on our findings, we will determine if you need preliminary treatments before undergoing dental implant surgery.
  • Dental Implant Surgery: For your surgery, we will administer local anesthesia to keep you comfortable and free of any pain. We’ll then use special instruments to make small incisions in your gums to place each dental implant before closing the tissue.
  • Dental Implant Osseointegration/Abutment: Once the procedure is finished, you’ll return home to recover. It will take 3-6 months for osseointegration, the fusing of the bone and implant, to complete before you can return to have your metal abutments put into place.
  • Delivery of Dental Implant Restoration(s): The last step is receiving your customized dental crown, bridge, or denture. Depending on how many teeth you are having replaced, we will secure the appropriate restoration to complete your refreshed, fully functional smile.

Benefits of Dental Implants

Smiling senior woman touching her face

When compared to other tooth replacement options, the support, stability, functionality, longevity, aesthetics, and confidence that dental implants provide are far beyond other options. From the foods you can eat freely to the money you will save forgoing denture adhesives, frequent adjustments, and necessary replacements, it’s easy to see why millions of Americans have already chosen dental implants to restore their smiles.

Who Dental Implants Can Help

Senior dental patient seeing her smile in mirror

Most individuals who suffer from tooth loss are considered possible candidates for dental implants. Even if your mouth is not ready for them during your consultation, we can recommend various procedures (i.e., bone grafting, gum disease treatment) that will put you one step closer to dental implants in the future. We’ll also discuss the versatility of this type of treatment and how it can address any number of missing teeth.

Missing One Tooth

Dental crown being placed onto a dental implant

Only one dental implant post, abutment, and dental crown are needed to restore a single missing tooth. Eating, speaking, and smiling will no longer be a problem, and you’ll regain your confidence so that you are free to enjoy the foods you love and be around others with greater ease.

Missing Multiple Teeth

Dental bridge being placed onto two dental implants

Two dental implant posts can be placed into either end of a large gap, and a customized bridge will be secured to the top of them to fill it in. Instead of altering healthy nearby teeth as we would with a fixed bridge, this solution makes it possible to better preserve your remaining enamel and bone.

Missing All of Your Teeth

Full denture being placed onto six dental implants

An implant overdenture typically requires about four dental implant posts to support the new row of teeth. This is snapped in during the day and removed at night. We can fabricate these to rebuild your smile, but we can also suggest a hybrid prosthesis, also known as All-On-4 or All-On-6, which uses the dental implants as anchors for a more natural feeling teeth replacement that is screwed in permanently.

Understanding the Cost of Dental Implants

Woman smiling at dental receptionist

The cost of dental implants is different for everyone. Once we can review your smile and determine the severity of your tooth loss, we will be able to draw up a cost estimate that will outline how much you can expect to spend. While it is true that many dental insurance companies do not provide coverage for the surgery, they may cover other aspects of treatment such as your consultation, restoration, and preliminary procedures. Our team will work with you to maximize your benefits and help you save on any out-of-pocket expenses.

Dental Implant FAQs

Yellow and black question marks

Dental implants are the most reliable method of treating tooth loss, however, they can be a big investment. Don't worry if you have a few concerns. Your dentist will explain everything during your consultation and address any questions. You can also contact our office to speak with a member of our team or take a look at the most frequently asked questions below.

Can I Take Dental Implants Out?

Only a trained professional can remove a dental implant because it replaces both the tooth root and the crown. A titanium implant post is surgically placed into your jawbone to serve as a new root. Your jaw will fuse to it through a process called osseointegration, providing a stable foundation for your restoration that's attached using an abutment. While you can't remove the post, some implant dentures can be taken out for easy cleaning.

How Long Do Dental Implants Last?

Dental implants have over a 95% success rate and are proven to last for 30 years or more. Many factors affect their lifespan, like the quality of the materials and the location of the implant. Back teeth experience more wear and tear than those in the front, so dental implants used for molars may have a slightly shorter life expectancy. You can get the most from your investment by practicing good oral hygiene and visiting your dentist regularly.

Does It Hurt to Get Dental Implants?

Although you'll require surgery to have your posts placed, you don't have to worry about any pain. Your implant dentist will use a local numbing agent and sedation to block any pain. You won't feel anything during your placement surgery, but your mouth will be tender for a few days after the effects of any numbing medications or sedatives wear off. You can manage it using an OTC pain reliever and following your dentist's aftercare instructions. Applying a cold compress can reduce pain, swelling, and bruising.

What Are the Signs of Dental Implant Failure?

The risk of dental implant failure is less than 5%, but it’s wise to be aware of the signs of a problem, like pain, redness, swelling, or bleeding near the implant. They can be symptoms of peri-implantitis, an infection that can cause your dental implants to fail. The sooner you receive treatment, the more likely your dentist can save your implant. Contact our office right away if your implant feels loose.

What Should I Do If My Implant Feels Loose?

Seek treatment immediately if your dental implant is wiggling. While it could be as simple as a damaged restoration, it can also be a sign of dental implant failure.