Free Guide to Dental Implant Options in Shelton

What Dental Implants Are and How They Work

Dental implants are artificial tooth roots made from titanium, a metal that bonds well with bone. When you lose a tooth, the root is gone too. A dental implant replaces that missing root by being surgically placed into your jawbone. Over time, the bone grows around the implant and holds it securely in place. This process, called osseointegration, typically takes several months.

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Once the implant is stable, a dentist attaches a crown to it. The crown is the visible part that looks like a natural tooth. Some people get a single implant for one missing tooth. Others may need multiple implants to support a bridge (which replaces several teeth) or a denture (which replaces many or all teeth). The implant itself stays in your jaw permanently, but crowns and other attachments may need replacement after 10 to 15 years.

Implants differ from other tooth replacement options. A bridge requires grinding down neighboring teeth, which damages healthy tooth structure. Dentures sit on top of the gums and can shift when you eat or talk. Implants function most like natural teeth because they're anchored in bone. They don't slip, and they don't require changes to healthy teeth nearby.

The success rate for dental implants is generally high—between 90 and 95 percent, depending on your jaw health and overall health. However, not everyone is a candidate. Your jaw needs enough bone to support an implant. If bone has been lost due to gum disease or time, you may need a bone graft first, which adds to the treatment time and cost.

Practical takeaway: Understanding the basic structure and timeline of implants helps you talk with your dentist about whether this option fits your situation. Implants are a long-term solution, but they require several months of healing and a financial commitment upfront.

Types of Dental Implants Available in Shelton

In Shelton, dental offices offer several implant types, and the main distinction is based on how they anchor into bone. The most common type is an endosteal implant, which is placed directly into the jawbone. These look like small screws and come in different shapes and sizes depending on the area of the mouth and bone structure. Endosteal implants require adequate bone height and width, which is why some patients need bone grafting first.

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Another option is a subperiosteal implant. This type sits on top of the jawbone, under the gum tissue, rather than inside the bone. Dentists use subperiosteal implants when patients don't have enough bone height for an endosteal implant and don't want or can't have bone grafting. These implants are less common today because endosteal implants and bone grafting techniques have improved.

All-on-4 or All-on-6 implants are systems designed for patients who need multiple teeth replaced or who have very few teeth left. Instead of placing one implant per tooth, dentists use just 4 to 6 implants to support a full arch of replacement teeth. This approach can be less costly than individual implants and may mean less bone is needed. The attached teeth are usually fixed permanently but may be removable for cleaning in some designs.

Implant materials also vary. Most implants are titanium because it's strong and biocompatible—your body accepts it well. Some newer implants use zirconia, which is tooth-colored and may appeal to people concerned about metal showing if gums recede. However, zirconia implants have less long-term data than titanium. Your dentist can explain which material and implant type suits your bone structure and needs.

Shelton dental practices offer consultations where dentists take X-rays and 3D scans to assess your jaw. They'll measure bone height and width and discuss which implant system is most realistic for you. Some offices use computer guidance to plan implant placement precisely before surgery.

Practical takeaway: The right implant type depends on how much bone you have, how many teeth you need replaced, and your budget. Asking your dentist about the specific implant brand and type they recommend—and why—gives you information to weigh your options.

The Dental Implant Process: Timeline and What to Expect

The dental implant process is not quick, but understanding the steps helps you prepare. In Shelton, most dentists follow a similar timeline, though the exact schedule depends on your individual case.

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The first step is a consultation and planning phase. You'll meet with a dentist or oral surgeon who reviews your medical and dental history. They take X-rays and often a 3D cone-beam CT scan to see bone density and anatomy clearly. If you have gum disease, it typically must be treated before implant surgery. If you have bone loss, the dentist discusses whether bone grafting is needed. This planning phase may take one to two weeks, or longer if bone grafting is required.

If bone grafting is necessary, that's a separate procedure. The graft material (which may come from your own bone, a donor, or a synthetic substance) is placed where bone is thin or missing. The bone must heal and integrate before implant surgery—usually 4 to 12 months depending on the amount grafted.

Once your jaw is ready, the oral surgeon places the implant into the bone. This procedure is done under local anesthesia (numbing medication) and sometimes sedation. The surgery itself takes 30 minutes to two hours, depending on complexity. You'll have stitches that dissolve on their own. Most people experience mild swelling and discomfort for a few days, managed with over-the-counter pain medication and ice packs.

After surgery, osseointegration begins. This is when bone cells grow around the implant. You must wait 3 to 6 months (sometimes up to 12 months for lower jaw implants) before the implant is strong enough to support a crown. During this time, you can't chew on that side of your mouth. Some dentists place a temporary tooth-like covering for appearance, though it doesn't bear chewing force.

Once osseointegration is complete, your dentist takes an impression or scan of the implant to design your crown. The crown is custom-made to match your natural teeth in color, shape, and size. You may have a temporary crown while the permanent one is being made. Placing the final crown is a simpler procedure—the dentist essentially screws or cements it onto the implant. Total time from implant surgery to wearing the final crown is typically 5 to 8 months.

Practical takeaway: Dental implants require patience. Plan for months of healing and multiple dental visits. Knowing this timeline helps you arrange time off work for surgery and understand that you can't rush the bone-healing process.

Cost of Dental Implants and Payment Options in Shelton

Dental implants are a significant expense. In Shelton and across Connecticut, a single dental implant with crown typically costs between $3,000 and $6,500. This price usually covers the implant placement surgery, the implant itself, and the crown. Bone grafting, if needed, adds $500 to $3,000 more. An All-on-4 system for a full arch of teeth generally ranges from $15,000 to $30,000 for both arches or half that for one arch.

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These costs vary between dental offices based on the dentist's experience, the specific implant brand used, and the complexity of your case. Offices in Shelton may charge differently, so asking about their pricing upfront is important. Some practices charge a separate fee for the surgical consultation, while others include it in the overall cost.

Dental insurance often does not cover implants. Many plans consider them cosmetic or elective and exclude them from coverage. However, some plans may cover part of the crown portion. Your insurance paperwork or a call to your insurance company can tell you what's covered. If you don't have dental insurance, you're responsible for the full cost.

Shelton dental offices offer several ways to manage the expense. Payment plans allow you to spread costs over months or years, often with no interest for a set period (for example, 12 months). Some offices accept financing through third-party companies that offer credit specifically for dental work. You may also pay with a credit card or health savings account