Dental Implants in Bedford, NH
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Dental implants are the most advanced, permanent solution for replacing missing teeth. Each implant consists of a small titanium post that is surgically placed in the jawbone, where it fuses with the bone (a process called osseointegration) to function as a natural tooth root. Once healed, the implant supports a custom-designed crown, bridge, or full arch prosthesis that looks, feels, and functions like natural teeth.
At Bedford Center for Prosthodontics, every implant case is planned and restored by Dr. Paul Connolly, a board-certified prosthodontist with three additional years of specialist residency training focused on the restoration of missing and damaged teeth. As a specialist, Dr. Connolly designs the final restoration first — the tooth you'll actually see and use — then plans the implant placement to support that ideal outcome. This "restoration-driven" approach is what distinguishes prosthodontic implant care from general implant dentistry.
When Dental Implants Are the Right Choice
Dental implants are often the best long-term solution when:
- A single tooth is missing due to injury, decay, or extraction — and you want to avoid grinding down adjacent healthy teeth for a bridge
- Multiple teeth are missing and you want a fixed, permanent solution rather than a removable partial denture
- An entire arch of teeth is failing or missing — a case where full arch implant restoration (All-on-4 / All-on-6) often replaces traditional dentures with a permanent set of teeth
- You wear dentures that slip, shift, or require adhesive and want to move to implant-supported dentures for greater stability
- Bone loss has already begun from missing teeth, and you want to stop or reverse the process before it worsens
The right implant approach depends on your specific anatomy, health, timeline, and goals — which is why every case at our Bedford office begins with a comprehensive consultation and diagnostic evaluation.
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Types of Dental Implant Restorations
Single Tooth Dental Implants
A single implant replaces one missing tooth from root to crown. A titanium implant is placed in the jawbone, allowed to heal for several months, and then topped with a custom porcelain or zirconia crown. Single implants avoid the need to alter neighboring teeth (as would be required for a traditional bridge) and preserve the surrounding bone.
Multiple Tooth Implants and Implant Bridges
When multiple teeth in a row are missing, two or more implants can support a fixed implant-supported bridge — a permanent, non-removable prosthesis that restores an entire section of teeth. This approach is often more stable and preserves more bone than a traditional bridge that relies on natural teeth for support.
Full Arch Implant Restoration (All-on-4 / All-on-6)
For patients missing most or all of their teeth in an arch, full arch implant restoration uses four to six implants to permanently anchor a complete arch of fixed teeth. Also known as All-on-4, All-on-6, or All-on-X, this Teeth-in-a-Day protocol allows most patients to walk out of our office with a complete, functional smile the same day as surgery.
Implant-Supported Dentures
Two to four implants can anchor a removable denture, giving patients the security of implant support with the affordability and convenience of a denture-based solution. Learn more on our dentures page.
Why Choose a Prosthodontist for Dental Implants?
Many general dentists place implants. What distinguishes specialist prosthodontic care is the depth of training in the restoration of complex cases — and specifically, in the science of how implants integrate with the entire dental system, not just one tooth in isolation.
For patients in Bedford, NH and surrounding communities, choosing a prosthodontist for implant care means:
- Restoration-driven planning: Dr. Connolly designs the final crown, bridge, or arch first, then places the implants to support that ideal outcome — the opposite of the surgery-first approach common in general practice
- Bite-conscious design: Every implant restoration is engineered to balance evenly with your natural teeth, preventing bite problems and premature restoration wear
- Aesthetic precision: Using RayFace 3D facial scanning, Dr. Connolly designs restorations that align with your facial proportions, midline, and smile line — not just fit the space
- Integrated digital workflow: Cone Beam CT imaging, digital impressions, and custom 3D-printed surgical guides are used on every implant case for precision within approximately 1 millimeter of the planned position
- Coordinated complex care: If your case involves multiple missing teeth, existing crowns or bridges, jaw joint concerns, or full-mouth reconstruction, Dr. Connolly designs the entire treatment plan rather than handing parts of it off to other providers
The Digital Implant Planning Workflow
Every implant case at Bedford Center for Prosthodontics is planned through a fully digital workflow — and it happens under one roof, on the same day as your consultation:
- CBCT (3D) scan. A cone beam CT scan captures a complete 3D model of your jaw, teeth, nerves, and sinuses in about 20 seconds.
- Digital impressions. Intraoral scdanning captures the surface anatomy of your teeth and gums — no traditional impression trays or goop required.
- RayFace facial scan. A 3D facial scan captures your smile line, midline, and facial proportions to guide aesthetic restoration design.
- Virtual treatment planning. Dr. Connolly designs the final restoration first, then plans each implant position around it — using specialized software that merges all scan data.
- Custom surgical guide fabrication. A precision 3D-printed surgical guide is designed and produced in-house to direct the exact angle, depth, and position of each implant during surgery.
- Same-day review. Dr. Connolly reviews your scan data and treatment options with you during the same visit — no waiting weeks for lab reports or radiologist interpretations.
Dental Implant Candidacy: What Determines If Implants Are Right for You
Most adults are candidates for dental implants, but a few factors influence the specifics of the treatment plan:
Jawbone Density and Volume
Implants need adequate bone to anchor into. If bone has been lost due to missing teeth, gum disease, or long-term denture wear, jaw bone grafting may be recommended to build up the foundation before implant placement. CBCT imaging determines exactly what your bone can support.
Overall Health
Most systemic health conditions — including diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart conditions — don't prevent implant placement when properly managed. Dr. Connolly reviews your full medical history during your consultation to design a safe, appropriate plan.
Age
There is no upper age limit for dental implants. Many of our patients in their 70s and 80s successfully receive implants, including full arch restorations. What matters is bone density and overall health, not age.
Smoking
Smoking affects implant healing and long-term success. It's not an absolute barrier, but Dr. Connolly will discuss how it affects your specific treatment plan and long-term outcomes.
What to Expect: The Dental Implant Process
Step 1: Consultation and Digital Planning
Your first visit includes a comprehensive exam, digital imaging (including CBCT and RayFace scans when appropriate), and a detailed discussion of your options. Dr. Connolly reviews the plan with you on the same day and provides transparent pricing.
Step 2: Implant Placement
The implant is placed in the jawbone during a precise, minimally invasive surgery guided by your custom surgical guide. Most patients report far less discomfort than expected. Sedation dentistry is available for patients who prefer a more comfortable experience.
Step 3: Healing (Osseointegration)
Over the next 3 to 6 months, the implant fuses with the surrounding jawbone — creating a permanent, biological anchor. In many cases, a temporary tooth or arch can be placed on the day of surgery so you don't go without teeth during healing.
Step 4: Final Restoration
Once healing is complete, Dr. Connolly designs and places the final restoration — whether a single crown, a bridge, or a full arch. The restoration is custom-crafted to match your bite, facial proportions, and aesthetic goals.
Step 5: Long-Term Follow-Up
Implants require the same regular dental hygiene as natural teeth. With proper care, they can last a lifetime — and Dr. Connolly follows every case with periodic checks to ensure long-term success.
Cost, Financing, and Insurance
Dental implant cost varies significantly based on the number of implants needed, whether preliminary work like bone grafting is required, the type of final restoration, and your specific case complexity. During your consultation, we provide a transparent, itemized estimate rather than a range or a "starting at" figure.
We work with most major insurance plans and can help you understand what portion may be covered. For patients who prefer to spread the investment over time, we also offer flexible payment options.
Dental Implants vs. Alternatives
Dental Implants vs. Dental Bridges
A traditional dental bridge replaces a missing tooth by anchoring to adjacent natural teeth — which requires filing down those teeth for crowns. Implants preserve adjacent teeth completely and prevent the bone loss that occurs beneath a bridge. Implants generally last longer, but bridges may be a good option in specific cases.
Dental Implants vs. Dentures
Traditional dentures rest on the gums and are removable. Implants are permanently anchored to the jaw and function like natural teeth. Implants prevent the "sunken face" appearance caused by long-term bone loss with dentures, but require a larger upfront investment.
Dental Implants vs. Doing Nothing
Leaving a missing tooth space unaddressed causes adjacent teeth to shift, opposing teeth to drift out of position, bite changes, and progressive jawbone loss. What starts as a single missing tooth often becomes a much larger dental problem over 5 to 10 years. Timely implant placement prevents these downstream issues.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How long do dental implants last?
With proper care, the titanium implants themselves are designed to last a lifetime. The restoration on top (crown, bridge, or arch) typically lasts 10 to 20 years before it may need replacement due to normal wear. Regular hygiene visits and good home care are critical for long-term success.
Do dental implants hurt?
Implant placement is a precise, minimally invasive procedure performed under local anesthesia. Most patients report significantly less discomfort than they expected — often less than a routine tooth extraction. Sedation options are available for patients who prefer a more comfortable experience.
How long does it take to get a dental implant?
From initial consultation to final restoration, single implants typically take 3 to 6 months. Full arch cases follow a similar timeline overall but often provide a functional temporary the same day as surgery. During your consultation, Dr. Connolly outlines your specific timeline.
How much do dental implants cost in New Hampshire?
Cost varies based on the number of implants, whether bone grafting is needed, the material of the final restoration, and case complexity. During your consultation at our Bedford office, we provide transparent, itemized pricing along with financing options.
Can I get dental implants if I have bone loss?
Often, yes. Modern jaw bone grafting techniques can restore bone volume enough to support implants in most cases. A CBCT scan during your consultation determines the best approach for your anatomy.
Does dental insurance cover implants?
Insurance coverage varies significantly by plan. Many plans now cover a portion of implant costs, and our team helps verify your benefits before treatment. We also provide flexible payment options for the balance.
Can I get a temporary tooth during implant healing?
Yes, in most cases. For single tooth implants, a temporary crown or bridge is available to maintain your appearance during healing. For full arch cases, a functional temporary arch is often placed the same day as surgery.
Do dental implants require special care?
No — implants require the same daily care as natural teeth: brushing, flossing, and regular hygiene visits. Because implants are more sensitive to gum inflammation than natural teeth, consistent hygiene is especially important for long-term success.
What's the difference between a general dentist and a prosthodontist for implants?
A prosthodontist has three additional years of residency training beyond dental school, focused specifically on the restoration of missing and damaged teeth. This specialist training is especially valuable for complex cases involving multiple implants, full arch restoration, or coordinated full-mouth work.
Can dental implants fail?
Modern dental implants have a success rate of over 95%. The rare cases of failure are usually related to insufficient bone healing, uncontrolled systemic health conditions, or long-term oral hygiene neglect. Specialist planning, precise placement, and consistent follow-up minimize this already-low risk.
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