Replace Missing Teeth With Dental Implants in Bedford, NH

A dental implant is a titanium post that is surgically placed into your jawbone to serve as a sturdy root for a replacement tooth. Once the implant integrates with the bone—a process called osseointegration—it becomes a permanent foundation for a crown, bridge, or denture. This restoration looks, feels, and functions like your natural teeth.

Good candidates for dental implants are individuals in generally good health who have healthy gums and enough jawbone to support an implant. During your initial consultation at Dental Arts of Bedford, we’ll evaluate your oral health using x-rays and digital imaging to determine whether implants are right for you. If needed, we may recommend bone grafting before proceeding with implants.

Regular dental implants involve a multi-stage process where healing time is required between implant placement and crown attachment. Immediate dental implants, also known as Teeth in a Day®, are placed at the same time as tooth extraction or shortly after—allowing for quicker tooth replacement. Immediate implants are ideal for patients with sufficient bone and healthy surrounding tissue.

The process typically takes between 3 to 6 months for regular dental implants. This includes the healing period required for the bone to fuse with the implant before the abutment and artificial tooth are attached. Immediate implants shorten the overall timeframe since the implant and temporary restoration can be placed in a single appointment, though final restorations may still require healing.

The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, so you won’t feel pain during surgery. Some discomfort or swelling is expected post-surgery, but it can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers or medication prescribed by our dental team. Most patients report that the experience is much more comfortable than anticipated.

With proper care and regular dental checkups, dental implants can last 15 years to a lifetime. They are made from biocompatible materials that are designed to integrate with your body and resist decay. Good oral hygiene and avoiding smoking are essential for long-term success.

Initial recovery typically takes a few days to a week, depending on your individual healing ability and the complexity of the procedure. However, the full integration of the implant with the jawbone (osseointegration) takes 3 to 6 months. You'll be given personalized aftercare instructions to help ensure a smooth healing process.

Dental implants offer several advantages over traditional dentures and bridges. They are permanent, don’t shift or move, help preserve jawbone density, and look and feel more natural. Unlike bridges, implants don’t rely on adjacent teeth for support, which helps maintain the health of neighboring teeth.

The cost of dental implants varies based on each patient’s unique needs, including the number of implants required and any preparatory procedures such as extractions or bone grafting. At Dental Arts of Bedford, we provide a clear, personalized quote during your initial consultation so you know exactly what to expect.

Yes! We offer immediate dental implants for qualifying patients. If you have sufficient bone density and no infection present, we can place an implant during the same appointment as your tooth extraction. This method speeds up the process, minimizes the number of surgeries, and helps restore your smile sooner.