Close-up of a dental implant model featuring artificial teeth and jaw structure.
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Dental Implants- The Ultimate Solution for a Lasting Smile

Dental Implants- The Ultimate Solution for a Lasting Smile Missing one or more teeth can affect your food bites, your confidence and ultimately your daily life routine. We at Affinity Dental of South Windsor, understand the importance of a healthy smile and that’s why we offer dental implants as a long-term and natural looking solution. In this blog, we are going to dive deep into the world of dental implants and what information is needed before you go for one. What Are Dental Implants? A dental implant is a small titanium post, which is surgically placed into your jawbone to replace the root of a missing tooth. The surgeon inserts an implant into the jawbone through screw-like devices, which acts as an anchor for an artificial tooth, which is called a crown. Implants are one of the most advanced and long-lasting options available today to replace the missing tooth. Types of Dental Implants There are two types of dental implants available- Endosteal implants–  These are the most common and widely used implants.  These are made of titanium or titanium alloys, which are shaped as cylinders, blades or screws.  These are long lasting and feels and functions like natural teeth. The patients with healthy jawbone and sufficient bone density are the best to support the dental implant. Subperiosteal Implants– These are made of a custom metal framework and are placed on the top of the jawbone but beneath the gum tissue. These are best for the patients with insufficient bone density. These implants are less common today because of new advances in bone grafting and 3D imaging. Based on patient’s need, there are different types of dental implants available which are- Single Tooth Implant- To replace one missing tooth with a standalone implant and crown Implant-Supported Bridge- Ideal to replace multiple missing teeth in a row Implant-Supported Dentures- For full-arch tooth replacement All-on-4®/Full Arch Implants- To replace a full set of upper or lower teeth supported by just four implants Benefits and Risks of Dental Implants- The patients love dental implants because they – Look and function just as the natural teeth. Are strong and durable and can last decades if taken proper care. Improve confidence as the patients can stop worry about slipping dentures. Prevent bone loss unlike bridges or dentures. Are easy to maintain as the patients can brush and floss like normal. Allow you to enjoy the favorite foods again. While the dental implants are so successful and widely used, they also have some complications and risks associated, just like any other surgical procedure. Some of the risks associated with dental implants are- Some patients can encounter allergic reaction, as they might be sensitive to titanium and for those patients, zirconia implants are the alternate. If proper maintenance is not there, implants can also cause bone loss. Therefore, it is better to have routine dental check-ups. Implants can also become loose over time due to improper fit or bite forces that can be easily corrected in-office. Improper placement of implants can sometimes damage the nerves. It is important to take care of the implants post-surgery otherwise, it may become infected. At Affinity Dental of South Windsor, we take every precaution to reduce these risks and make the dental implants a success for you. Who Needs Dental Implants? At Affinity Dental of South Windsor, we recommend dental implants to the patients who- Have one or more missing teeth Loose or uncomfortable dentures Want a permanent solution for their teeth Have Broken or severely decayed teeth Have adequate jawbone density or are eligible for bone grafting Are non-smokers or willing to quit Does Insurance Cover the Cost of Dental Implants? Whether your insurance will cover the cost of dental implants or not, it totally depends on your plan type. If you have a basic dental insurance plan, it is possible that it will not cover the cost of your implant because these are considered a cosmetic procedure. Some high-end or premium dental plans may include partial coverage for implants. However, the accurate coverage can only be determined after checking the benefits with your insurance plan. How successful are the Dental Implants? Dental Implants are one of the most reliable and successful treatment in the modern dentistry. The overall success rate of dental implants are around 95%-98% however, it might be less successful for the patients having upper jaw implants. With good care, the dental implants can last up to 20+ years or even a lifetime. Contact Us Dental Implant Recovery You might experience mild swelling, bruising and discomfort near the surgical site immediate post-surgery. Below are some tips to recover soon- Apply ice packs to reduce swelling. Avoid hot beverages, smoking, hard food and straws. Rinse gently with warm salt water to reduce the risk of infection. Eat nourishing food and stay hydrated. Follow the dentist’s instructions carefully. Dental Implant FAQs Do Dental Implants look natural? Yes, dental implants look natural in both appearance and function. Are Implants better than dentures or bridges? Yes, in most of the cases they are better than dentures or bridges because they are permanent. What is the cost of Dental Implants? Cost may vary depending on the type of implant you want to choose and the location. Are Dental Implants safe? Yes, with a success rate of 95%-98%, these are safe. Is there pain in implants? There is mild discomfort after the procedure, which might heal in 1-2 weeks. If you are looking for best dental treatment or best dental implants near South Windsor, CT, please reach out to Affinity Dental of South Windsor and get the treatment you deserve. Contact Us