Dental Implants
Dental Implants Presentation
To provide you with a better understanding of dental implants, we have provided the following multimedia presentation. Many common questions pertaining to dental implants are discussed.
What are dental implants?
A natural tooth consists of a root and a crown. If you compare natural teeth to implant-supported replacement teeth, you’ll see they have the same basic parts. Both have a crown (the visible part used to chew food). Both have a root that holds the tooth securely under the gum and is anchored into the jaw. The difference is that the implant is made of titanium – the same time-tested material used by surgeons for artificial joints. When you lose a tooth, you lose both the root and the crown. To replace the tooth, the surgeon first replaces the root with a small dental implant.
Time is allowed for bone to heal and grow around the dental implant. The bone bonds with the titanium, creating a strong foundation for artificial teeth. A support post (abutment) is then placed on the implant and a new replacement tooth (crown) is placed on top of the abutment. In many cases a temporary replacement tooth can be attached to the implant immediately after it is placed. If all of your teeth are missing, a variety of treatment options are available to support the replacement teeth.
“Don’t be afraid to Smile.”
For years I’d felt like a part of my body was missing — because my teeth were. My dentist told me that dental implants would make me feel and look a lot better. OK, I said. Now, I’m thrilled. I can smile, eat anything, and enjoy a good laugh with my friends.
Surgical Advances in Dental Implants
Using the most recent advances in dental implant technology, Dr. Howard is able to place single stage implants. These implants do not require a second procedure to uncover them, but do require a minimum of six weeks of healing time before artificial teeth are placed. There are even situations where the implant can be placed at the same time as the tooth extraction – further minimizing your number of surgical procedures.
Dental implant placement is a team effort between an oral and maxillofacial surgeon and a restorative dentist. Dr. Howard performs the actual implant surgery, initial tooth extractions, and bone grafting if necessary. The restorative dentist (your dentist) fits and makes the permanent prosthesis. Your dentist will also make any temporary prosthesis needed during the implant process.
Central Connecticut Oral Maxillofacial & Implant Surgery, PC
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Dr. Howard and his staff are extremely professional and excellent at what they do. He is a very proficient dentist, doctor and most importantly, a surgeon. I have had several procedures completed by him and am overly satisfied. His staff is great and so is he!
- Deborah D
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Implant required a bone graft-results were perfect.
- Jerome Y
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Great experience! Very caring environment. I was so nervous about my surgery and everything went so smoothly. Dr Howard even called me himself to check up on me. Would highly recommend this office.
- Claire H
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Very nice and helpful
- Michael I
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I couldn’t ask for a better experience!
- Glenn C
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Everyone was great - Lori was awesome
- Joe V
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Positive experience
- Mary
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Dr Howard and staff are the best! I had such a great experience. I would recommend my family to come here.
- Americo P
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Dr. Howard and his entire staff demonstrate a high level of competence in each of their areas, as well as a sincere concern for patient privacy and comfort.
- Lauren B
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Very professional and good experience. Dr. Howard was willing to answer all questions and was extremely knowledgeable. Would recommend.
- Cody R
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I would recommend anyone to Dr Howard. Very professional and proficient.
- William M
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Excellent service and staff Affordable implants
- Susan W
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I was admittedly very overwhelmed at the prospect of needing multiple dental implants in my 30s. After some unsatisfactory appointments with a variety of specialists, I was fortunate to find Dr. Howard's practice. Having entrusted the process to Dr. Howard and his staff, I am extremely grateful for the exceptional care and glad that I ultimately selected this practice. The staff is friendly, accommodating, prompt to respond to messages, and professional. Jen, in particular, was a great point person and was always friendly and responsive to any of my needs or questions. In addition, the staff remembers issues specific to you from appointment to appointment, adding a nice personal touch so you never feel like a patient number. I received a lovely call in the hours following an extraction in which staff asked me how I was feeling and restated post-op instructions. Appointments are easily scheduled and the office makes every effort to be accommodating with appointments. Consistent reminder calls ensure that appointments are remembered and confirmed.The entire team contributes to an office experience that is pleasant and professional. From reception, to technicians and assistants, to Dr. Howard himself, my patient experience was overwhelmingly positive. Dr. Howard is a thorough, knowledgeable, kind, and talented oral surgeon. From the early stages of consultation, he takes the time to complete his assessment, give feedback, and provide options and recommendations. He is also honest about dental prognosis in a way that was very straightforward and comforting. He worked closely and collaboratively with my dentist to coordinate all aspects of my care. Importantly to me, he was sensitive to the emotional issues associated with getting implants including difficulty accepting tooth loss, aesthetic concerns, dental anxiety, and embarrassment. He was also very attuned to my needs and comfort level (both physical and emotional), which allowed me to have rather complicated dental work (including anesthesia, extractions and implants) that was not painful. I would recommend this practice to anyone with oral surgery needs without hesitation.
- Joanne P