Am I A Candidate for Dental Implants?

When it comes to tooth replacement, dental implants are the highest quality option and the standard of care. They provide a function and appearance that rivals your natural teeth. Dental implant placement is a relatively simple, minimally invasive procedure that provides lasting results. 

 

Are you a candidate for dental implants? Find out what it takes to be eligible for this advanced tooth restoration procedure.

How Dental Implants Work 

Dental implants are artificial tooth roots that replace the natural roots of your teeth. A dental implant is made of titanium and shaped like a screw with threads to help it stay securely in place. After it is surgically placed, the implant fuses with the bone in your jaw over the course of a few months through a process called osseointegration. Once the implant has bonded with the bone, it can remain in place for a long time, providing the bite and chewing strength of a natural tooth. 

Eligibility for Dental Implants 

To be eligible for dental implants you must meet the following criteria: 

• Need to replace one or more teeth. If you have one or more missing or severely damaged teeth that can’t be saved with other restorative procedures, you may be a candidate for dental implants. 

• Sufficient bone structure in the jaw. The jaw bone must be thick and dense enough to support a dental implant in the location where it is needed. 

• Good oral health. You must have good oral health. Conditions such as gum disease or other mouth infections need to be treated before the placement of dental implants. 

• Ability to heal. Your body must have the natural ability to heal, both soft tissue and bone, in order to be eligible for dental implants. 

What Are My Options if I’m Not a Candidate for Dental Implants? 

Even if you are not a candidate for dental implants upon first evaluation doesn’t mean you don’t have any tooth replacement options. The following procedures may work for you: 

• Bone grafting. Bone grafting is a procedure that grows jaw bone for dental implant placement. A bone substitute is placed under the gums on top of the existing bone. It bonds with the bone and encourages regeneration of the lost bone tissue. 

• Mini dental implants. Patients who do not have sufficient bone structure for full size dental implants may be eligible for mini dental implants. They take up less space in the jaw and encourage regeneration of lost bone tissue. 

• Dental bridge. If you are not eligible for dental implants due to significant bone loss, a dental bridge is an alternative tooth replacement option. It is supported by the healthy teeth on either side of the missing tooth and the pontic (artificial tooth) sits on top of the gums. 

• Traditional dentures. If you need multiple or all of the teeth replaced, but you don’t have enough bone density for implant supported dentures, you can always opt for traditional dentures. 

Are Dental Implants Worth It?

Dental implants are the highest quality tooth replacement option available in dentistry. They function as closely as possible to your natural teeth, staying securely in place while you chew and talk. In most cases, dental implants will last for the rest of your life, making them a worthwhile investment in your dental health. 

Why Choose Hamden Dental Arts? 

Hamden Dental Arts provides a variety of dental implant restoration options to make it possible for as many patients as possible to enjoy the benefits of dental implants. Through precision and accuracy, we provide dental implant placement with the highest chance of success. If dental implants are in your best interest, we will do everything we can to make sure you get them. 

 

Call 203-248-7400 or contact us today to learn more and schedule an appointment. 

Are you looking for a quick solution for missing or damaged teeth? Dental implants are designed to replace one or more teeth with a functional, natural looking prosthetic. The placement of dental implants can be done in a variety of ways, and sometimes in as little as one appointment. 

Is it possible for you to get dental implants in just one day? It depends on a variety of factors. Here’s how the procedure works and how to find out if you’re a potential candidate. 

What is a Dental Implant?

A dental implant is an artificial tooth and root system. It consists of a titanium post that is surgically placed in the jaw to act as an anchor for a dental prosthetic. Titanium is a biocompatible material that is capable of fusing with the bone in your jaw to form a solid bond that is almost as strong as a natural tooth root. Once the implant fuses with the bone it can stay in place for the rest of your life if you follow certain protocols that pertain only to implants.

Types of Dental Implants 

Dental implants provide support for a variety of dental prosthetics: 

• Single tooth replacement. A dental implant can replace a single tooth by providing support for an artificial crown. 
• Implant supported bridge. When 3 or more teeth in a row need to be replaced, 2 dental implants can support a bridge, which is a row of connected artificial teeth. 
• Implant supported dentures. Anywhere from 4 to 6 dental implants can support a full arch of dentures for either the upper or lower jaw. 
• Mini dental implants. Mini dental implants are smaller than traditional implants, allowing them to be placed when there is limited bone density in the jaw. 

Which Types of Dental Implants Can Be Placed in a Day? 

The most common types of dental implants that patients can get in a single day are mini dental implants and implant supported dentures using 4 dental implants. 

Mini dental implants are smaller and the procedure is less invasive, which makes it easier to place them in a single day. They take up less space in the jaw and only require local anesthesia. No sutures are required in most cases. 

A certain type of implant supported dentures can be supported with just 4 dental implants. These are designed to be placed in a single day. This means that the implants are placed and the dentures are attached during one appointment. 

Am I a Candidate for Same Day Dental Implants? 

To determine if you are eligible for same day dental implants, an evaluation must be completed to assess a variety of criteria including the bone density of your jaw and your overall oral health. Only a dentist can decide if getting dental implants in one day is possible and the right option for you. The ultimate goal is to provide you with a fully functional, lasting restoration. Rushing into same day dental implant placement could result in implant failure and the need to explore other restoration options. 

Where Can I Get Same Day Dental Implants?

Not all dental practices offer same day dental implants. Specific technology is required that allows the dentist to create dental prosthetics in the office rather than ordering them from a lab. You’ll need to contact the dental office to inquire about same day dental implants and whether or not they offer them. 

Hamden Dental Arts Provides Same Day Dental Implants

Hamden Dental Arts offers same day dental implants for patients who are good candidates for this option. We understand that your time is valuable and convenience is important. After an initial consultation and evaluation, we can schedule your implant placement procedure at a time that is convenient for you. Then you can simply come in for your scheduled appointment and leave with a new smile. 

To learn more, call 203-248-7400 or contact us today to schedule an appointment. 

Are you missing teeth or have decayed teeth beyond repair?

If so, it’s time to consider dental implant surgery.

Dental implants are an artificial alternative to missing teeth that look, feel, and function like natural teeth. When you undergo dental implant surgery, the implant acts as the root and is placed into the jawbone. Once implanted and fused to the bone, a crown is placed on top.

There are many benefits of dental implants, the main one being they can last a lifetime if cared for properly. How do you care for them right after surgery? And what can you eat after dental implant surgery?  

Food to Eat After Dental Implant Surgery

Every dental implant surgery is different. Therefore, there’s not an exact timeline for the healing time and recovery process. Factors like how many dental implants were placed, whether or not the surgery required bone grafting, and the overall health of the patient are all determining factors for the healing process.

However, with any dental implant procedure, you can expect discomfort and some swelling. Most patients find that after a week, they can return to their normal routine. During these times, it’s important to eat the right foods. Here’s a quick list of ideas for what you can eat after dental implant surgery.

After surgery, it’s best to choose foods that are soft and don’t require a lot of chewing. This helps keep the dental implants in place, as well as helps avoid you biting your cheek or tongue due to numbing agents used. Foods to choose from include:

• Ice cream
• Applesauce
• Smoothies
• Protein Drinks
• Pudding
• Soups/Broth (nothing chunky)
• Mashed Potatoes

Depending on your unique situation, anywhere from four to seven days, you can start incorporating foods like:

Cooked Vegetables

• Eggs
• Pasta
• Pancakes
• Macaroni and Cheese
• Oatmeal
• Sweet potatoes

The goal for choosing foods to eat after dental implant surgery is to make choices that not only lessen the strain on your mouth but also provide key nutrients like Vitamin C and Vitamin D.

If you want to eat meat, it can be incorporated through ways like blending it with mashed potatoes or vegetables in a food processor. Moist meats like turkey and chicken, as well as soft-cooked fish like salmon, are easy to chew and are packed with nutrients.

Other Tips for Healing Quickly

Aside from avoiding certain foods and drinks, there are other things you can do to help the healing process. While healing time will vary based on your individual case, here are some guidelines to follow to ensure a speedy recovery.

Do Not Smoke, Use Tobacco Products, or Drink Alcohol – Any product with tobacco as an ingredient will impair your healing and possibly cause implant failure. Additionally, alcohol can also disrupt the healing process as the bone tissues grow around the small pores of the implant.  

Do Not Skip Meals – After the first few days, you may feel discomfort, pain, and nausea. However, nutrition is required to keep you strong and healthy. It’s important to eat the meals listed above consistently so that you get enough nutrition throughout the day.

Do Not Exercise for Three Days – Typically, patients are told to avoid heavy exertion and exercise in general for three days or more. If you exert yourself too much, you’ll feel discomfort and even cause unnecessary bleeding.

Drink A Lot of Water – Drinking plenty of water after surgery helps keep you healthy and hydrated – two essentials for a quick healing process.

Establish a Routine for Oral Care – 24 hours after surgery, start rinsing your mouth with salt water. This needs to be done in the morning, before bed, and after each meal. Brushing is also advised, as long as you stay away from the surgical site.

Learn More About Dental Implants and The Healing Process from Hamden Dental Arts

If you’re ready for a healthier and happier smile, call 203-248-7400 today to schedule a consultation or request an appointment. We look forward to providing you with the safest tooth replacement option for you.

Dental implants are the gold standard for replacing missing teeth, thanks to their versatility and high success rate. Dental implants are manufactured from metals, zirconia/ceramic, or a combination of materials safe for use in the human body.

Titanium

Titanium dental implants are the most popular type of dental implant introduced in the mid-1980s. A titanium implant is a tooth root replacement surgery performed by a dentist that eventually fuses with the jawbone to create osseointegration. This process takes about six months to complete. The implant serves as a long-term anchor for artificial teeth.

After your dentist determines that the implant has properly fused with your jawbone, an abutment will be added to the top of the implant to which prosthetic teeth are subsequently attached.

Zirconia/Ceramic

Zirconia is a metal-free ceramic substance that has been used in dentistry for more than 20 years. It's biocompatible and has flexural strength, making it a good alternative for dental implants.

The goal of this type of implant was to minimize the adverse effects of metal implants, such as sensitivity and allergic reactions.

Zirconia/ceramic implants are entirely metal-free since they are made from a single ceramic piece. Because this sort of implant is relatively recent compared to titanium implants, limited long-term durability data is available. The most common complication with Zirconia implants is fracture of the implant.

Porcelain-on-Zirconia

Zirconia-based implants are a newer type of implant composed of zirconium oxide. The zirconia is covered with porcelain to match the appearance of the patient's natural teeth more closely.

In some patients, titanium implants have been associated with allergic reactions and inflammation. The use of zirconia as an implant material eliminates the need for titanium. However, because of its proven strength and durability, titanium has long been one of the most popular materials used in dental implants. 

Titanium implants have been linked to allergic reactions and inflammation in some patients. The use of zirconia as an implant material eliminates the need for titanium. Nevertheless, titanium remains one of the most popular materials used in dental implants.

Although porcelain-on-zirconia implants have demonstrated long-term success in clinical trials, they are still relatively new and unproven compared to titanium.

Comparing the Types of Implants

The most common metal used in all types of bone and plate replacements is titanium. Titanium has been thoroughly tested and proved safe, efficient, and versatile in medical and dental applications.

Titanium dental implants are made up of two parts. A titanium dental implant is surgically inserted into the jawbone to secure a replacement tooth or teeth. The replacement tooth is connected to an abutment, which sits above the implant and connects it to the prosthetic tooth.

Unlike dental implants composed of titanium, zirconia/ceramic or porcelain-on-zirconia implants are almost always produced as a single component. The post and abutment are combined into a single unit, lowering the chance of germs spreading to the gums.

Despite this benefit, zirconia/ceramic and porcelain-on-zirconia dental implants haven’t acquired the same widespread acceptance and use as titanium implants because they've been available for a comparatively short time.

Despite the benefits, zirconia/ceramic and porcelain-on-zirconia dental implants haven't achieved the same popularity or use as titanium implants because they've been on the market for a comparatively short period of time.

Your dentist will recommend the implant materials that are most appropriate for you.

High-Quality Dental Implants to Last a Lifetime

The success of a dental implant depends on the material used and the dentist's skill. 

Dr. Halim ia will perform a thorough evaluation to determine whether dental implants are the proper restoration for you and will recommend that option only if it has a good chance of success. Dr. Halim will then refer you to an experienced surgeon to expertly select and place your dental implant for excellent results.

Call 203-248-7400 or contact us today to schedule a consultation.

Dental implants are considered to be the gold standard of tooth replacement options. They come highly recommended by dentists because of their many health benefits. But some patients question their safety. It’s normal to have concerns about dental procedures, but rest assured that an estimated 5 million dental implants are placed each year in the US and they are FDA approved to be safe and effective. 

Are you considering getting one or more dental implants? Here’s what you should know about the safety of dental implants for yourself. 

Addressing Safety Concerns

Some of the safety concerns patients and dental professionals have about dental implants are as follows: 

• The use of titanium. Dental implants are made of titanium because it is a biocompatible material. For most people, titanium can easily osseointegrate (fuse) with the jaw bone. But some people are allergic or sensitive to titanium or the metals it contains, such as copper, zinc, lead, or nickel. If you know you have an allergy or a sensitivity to any of these metals, dental implants may not be the best treatment option for you. Your dentist should discuss this potential concern with you, but if not, you should certainly mention it during your consultation.  

• Risks for smokers. If you are a regular or frequent smoker, your risk of complications with dental implants is increased. Smoking has all sorts of negative effects on the body, but specifically it causes restricted blood flow to the mouth tissues. This prevents the dental implant from bonding with the jaw and inhibits the healing process after placement. If you wish to get a dental implant, it will be necessary to quit smoking for a time leading up to the procedure and to avoid it afterwards. Make sure you have solidly given up the habit for good before undergoing the dental implant procedure. 

• Bone health. One of the biggest factors in a successful dental implant is a healthy jaw bone. When a tooth is missing or extracted, the jaw bone and support structure for the teeth will start to weaken and eventually dissolve. The longer a tooth has been gone, the weaker the jaw will be. A bone graft procedure may be done to fortify the jaw bone and encourage regeneration. However, if a patient suffers from a degenerative bone disease of any kind, a bone graft may not be effective and a dental implant may fail. 

• Gum disease. When gum disease (periodontal disease) is present, it can cause the support structure for the teeth to deteriorate, including the gum tissue and jaw bone. Untreated gum disease is a red flag that indicates you are not ready for a dental implant. But gum disease is curable, and after it is treated and successfully eliminated, you may be eligible for a dental implant. 
• Anesthesia. Dental implants are placed under a variety of types of anesthesia. The type of anesthesia is usually determined by the patient’s preference. Most patients can receive a dental implant with just local anesthesia, but others may prefer to be sedated. Oral sedation and IV sedation are both options to help patients relax during dental procedures. With any type of sedation, there is a low risk to most patients. If you have any health issues that would make sedation or anesthesia of any kind a risk for you, discuss your options with your dentist. 

The Verdict: Dental Implants Are Safe for Most Patients

There is no such thing as a dental or medical procedure that is 100% safe for every patient. But dental implants are safe for most. Your dentist will perform a thorough evaluation and get your complete medical history to determine whether or not you are an ideal candidate for a dental implant. You should expect nothing less. 

Call 203-248-7400 today to schedule a consultation or request an appointment. We look forward to providing you with the safest tooth replacement option for you. 

Every person is different - and so are their dental needs. Thankfully, when it comes to missing teeth and dental implants, there are different options available. So whether you are replacing one missing tooth, a whole mouth of teeth, or somewhere in between - you can benefit from what dental implants can do. 

What are Dental Implants

Dental implants give those that are missing a tooth - or teeth - an artificial alternative that works and acts just like the real thing. The implant acts as a root that is placed into your jaw bone to hold it steadily in place. Once the “root” is implanted - and has time to fuse to the bone - a crown is placed on top. 

The result? A natural-looking tooth (or teeth) that blend in well with your real ones. No one will ever know the difference unless you tell them. 

If you are looking for an artificial alternative to fill in for missing teeth, dental implants are a perfect choice.They: 

• Keep your nearby teeth from moving. 
• Allow you to speak and eat like normal. 
• Won’t shift, slip, or pop out.
• Are easy to clean and brush - just like your real teeth. 
• Can last a lifetime if cared for properly.

Different Types of Dental Implants

As we said, we are all different. One person may need a dental implant for one missing tooth. Another may require implants for a few more. Let’s take a look at all the different types of dental implants available. 

Single Tooth Dental Implants

Single tooth dental implants are just like they sound - they replace a single tooth. This is the perfect option for those individuals only missing one tooth. It can replace that missing tooth without standing out -- and the patient can regain full functionality as if it were a real tooth. 

Implant-Supported Bridges

For those with 3 or more adjacent teeth missing, an implant support bridge gives all the benefits of a single tooth dental implant, but it covers all the missing teeth. However, with a bridge, there are two implants required. The replacement teeth on either end will have an implant and the teeth in the middle will not. 

It offers a natural look that is both aesthetic and functional. 

Implant-Supported Dentures

Have you ever seen someone spit out their dentures unintentionally? While it may be a laughable moment for those who witness it, it can be devastating for the person with the dentures. Most traditional dentures require the use of a paste or adhesive to keep them in (which obviously doesn’t always work). Implant-supported dentures, on the other hand, use implants. 

Typically, four implants are used to support the dentures and keep them in place. They can support fixed or removable dentures that can snap onto the implant, as well as full or partial. These dentures seem to be much more comfortable with less shifting. 

Full Arch, Upper or Lower

Sometimes patients only need an upper or lower arch -- not both as with dentures. In this case, four implants are used to replace all the teeth but with only four anchors. 

Mini Dental Implants

Sometimes traditional implants are just too big. This could be the result of a small space or even inadequate bone mass. Using a smaller dental implant - about half the size of the traditional one - is an easy option that can still allow the full benefit of a natural-looking tooth. 

Choosing the Right Dental Implant

When it comes to choosing the right dental implant, your dental team will be able to guide you. After a thorough examination, a treatment plan will be discussed about the best way to approach your oral health needs. 

Learn More About Dental Implants from Hamden Dental Arts

Dental implants can not only make your bite feel better and make eating easier, but they can also boost your level of confidence. After all, having a smile you are proud of can have an incredible impact on your overall quality of life. 

If you have questions about the different types of dental implants or would like to see if dental implants are a treatment option that will work for you, schedule a consultation with Dr. Nishan Halim, DMD.

Taking a step toward improving your oral health is one of the most important steps you can take. Get started today. Call Hamden Dental Arts today at 203-248-7400.

Or, request an appointment online.