Am I a candidate for dental implants if I have crowded teeth?

Yes, you are. However, you may need to wear an orthodontic solution to create space for the implant first. It is unwise to attempt to place an implant when there is not sufficient space. Placing a dental implant without the proper amount of space will only exacerbate the challenges you have. It is important to time the procedure correctly and properly place the implant in an area that we prepare to support the implant. Since the process requires oral surgery, it pays to do it right the first time.

Is there a cutoff age for dental implants?

No, but there are a few requirements for dental implants that people of various ages may not meet. While we treat older patients and we believe it is never too late to improve a smile, the patient needs to have sufficient bone density to support a dental implant. Patients who wear dentures for a long time before seeking dental implants may struggle with a jaw bone that cannot properly support the dental implant. In this case, a mini-dental implant may be more appropriate. With a mini-dental implant, the metal post is shorter, requiring less bone structure to secure the implant.

Do I qualify for dental implants if I have crooked teeth?

Certainly. At Family Dental Center of Connecticut, we treat patients who have crooked teeth. In many cases, our patients will begin an orthodontic treatment and receive a dental implant when it is nearly complete. That way, space can be created for the implant if necessary. Simultaneously, when the procedures are combined, your smile will be greatly improved.

Can I get dental implants if I have an over-bite or under-bite?

Yes. The position of your bite does not necessarily impact whether or not you qualify for dental implants. However, we will typically recommend that you consider solutions to address this issue. By first aligning your jaw, you can correct both the appearance and functionality of your smile.

Are dental implants the right solution for missing teeth?

Absolutely. Dental implants were designed to replace missing teeth. Whether you have lost one or several teeth due to age, infection, decay, or damage, we can replace them with durable dental implants. Dental implants are the only solution that replaces both your missing root and tooth.

Can I get dental implants if I have gum disease?

For your health, no. It is much better to wait until you go through the necessary treatment to eliminate the gum disease. Healthy gums are critical for this procedure since we need to cut into the gums to place the metal implant.

Am I a candidate for dental implants if I have cavities?

Not yet, but you can be. In our dental office, we can treat your cavities by removing tooth decay and restoring your teeth. We can complete this procedure fairly quickly and decide if the teeth are healthy enough or if dental implants are necessary.

Am I a candidate for dental implants if my teeth fell out a long time ago?

We treat patients in all stages of life and often work with seniors who received dentures after tooth loss. After losing an adult tooth, the body goes through resorption — leaching calcium from the jawbone. A patient who has lost teeth may not have a jawbone that is dense enough for the procedure. In this case, we may need to perform a bone graft, refer you to a specialist, or recommend mini-dental implants which require less bone density.

Planned and placed in-house

Dental implants,
start to finish.

Many practices place the implant and send you elsewhere for the extraction, the graft, or the crown. We do the whole thing here — planned with 3D imaging, by a dentist with oral surgery training.

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What an implant is

A replacement root, not just a replacement tooth.

A dental implant is a small titanium post placed into the jawbone where a tooth used to be. Bone grows around it over a few months, and once it has fused, a crown is fitted on top.

That matters because the post does the job the root used to do. A bridge or a denture sits on top of the gum; an implant is anchored in bone, which is why it feels closer to a natural tooth and why it doesn’t rely on filing down the healthy teeth either side.

It also slows the bone loss that follows a missing tooth. Jawbone that isn’t being loaded gradually shrinks — which is what changes the shape of the face over years of wearing a denture.

The whole case, here

Including the parts other practices refer out.

Dr. Engelhardt trained extensively in oral surgery, which is why the surgical stages happen in this building rather than across town.

Extractions

Removing a failing tooth, including surgical extractions and roots broken at the gum line.

Bone grafting

Rebuilding bone where it has thinned, so there is enough to hold an implant securely.

Sinus lifts

Creating height in the upper jaw where the sinus sits too low for an implant to be placed.

Implant placement

Positioned using 3D imaging rather than guesswork, so the angle and depth are planned before we start.

Crown and restoration

The visible tooth, shaped and shaded to sit naturally beside the ones around it.

Multiple teeth

Implant-supported bridges and dentures where several teeth are missing.

What to expect

It takes months, not minutes.

Anyone promising an implant in a single visit is either simplifying or selling. Here is the honest shape of it.

Consultation

We take a 3D scan, look at the bone you have, and tell you whether an implant is the right answer — or whether a bridge or denture would serve you better.

Preparation

Any extraction or bone graft happens first. If grafting is needed, healing takes a few months before placement.

Placement

The post is placed under local anaesthetic. Sedation is available if you would rather not be fully aware of it.

Healing and crown

Bone fuses to the post over roughly three to six months. Once it has, the crown goes on and the tooth is finished.

The procedure in detail Post-op care

Being straight with you

An implant isn’t always the right answer.

Not every gap needs one, and not every mouth is ready for one. Heavy smoking, uncontrolled diabetes, active gum disease or very thin bone all affect whether an implant will hold.

We would rather tell you that at the consultation than halfway through. Sometimes a bridge is the better call. Sometimes the honest answer is to treat the gum disease first and revisit implants in a year.

More on what makes someone a candidate ›

We tell you if you are not a good candidate
3D imaging before any surgical decision
Extractions, grafts and placement by an oral-surgery-trained dentist
Sedation available for anxious patients
Costs explained in full before we begin
Most PPO plans accepted; CareCredit and Cherry financing available

Implant questions

Answered honestly.

How much do dental implants cost?

It depends entirely on the case — whether an extraction is needed first, whether the bone needs grafting, and how many teeth are being replaced. We explain the full cost before beginning treatment, so nothing on the bill is a surprise. We accept most PPO dental insurance plans, and CareCredit and Cherry financing are available if you would rather spread it.

How long does the whole process take?

Usually several months from start to finish. Bone needs roughly three to six months to fuse to the implant before the crown can be fitted, and if grafting is needed first that adds time. We will give you a realistic timeline at the consultation based on your own scan.

Does it hurt?

The placement itself is done under local anaesthetic, so you should not feel pain during it. Most people describe the days afterwards as soreness rather than severe pain, manageable with over-the-counter relief. Sedation is available if the procedure itself makes you anxious.

Am I too old for an implant?

Age on its own is rarely the deciding factor — bone quality and general health matter far more. We have placed implants for patients well into later life. The consultation and 3D scan will tell us whether your bone can support one.

What if I have been wearing a denture for years?

Long-term denture wear often means the jawbone has thinned, which can make implants harder to place. That does not automatically rule them out — bone grafting can rebuild what is missing. The scan will show us what we are working with.

How long will an implant last?

Implants are designed to be a long-term solution and many last decades, but that depends heavily on gum health, bone, and how well the area is cleaned. They need the same care as natural teeth. We will not promise a lifetime, because nobody honestly can.

Start with a scan.

A consultation and 3D image will tell you whether an implant is right for you — before you commit to anything.

860-430-4388

Both offices · Wethersfield Mon, Wed–Fri · Enfield Tue · 8am–4pm

Enfield direct line 860-763-5522

Dental implants,start to finish.