Losing teeth can be an inevitable consequence of old age. However, sometimes a tooth can be lost through decay, poor health, or an unexpected accident and will often be dismissed, especially if it not visible. The loss of one or more teeth can lead to chewing problems, which can then have significant influence over other bodily functions, not to mention ongoing aesthetic and communication problems.
Dental implants provide an effective solution to this problem by replacing the empty site with a small, biocompatible fixture that acts as a durable and strong replacement for the missing tooth. The implant is inserted into the jawbone and acts as a root for a prosthetic tooth to be attached.
Are dental implants right for me?
All patients considering dental implants will undergo a medical/oral health evaluation in order to determine their suitability for the procedure. Suitability will be determined by the healing capacity of bones and associated soft tissues.
Patients with existing connective tissue disorders, bone infections, osteoporosis, bone density loss, or other bone and soft tissue disorders should carefully consider with their board certified prosthodontist whether dental implants would be of benefit to them.
If you have one or more missing teeth, dental implants should be strongly considered as they not only provide a more visually appealing smile, but they also leave you with a healthier, more functional bite.
What is the procedure for dental implants?
The dental implant procedure can be divided into several stages and can differ depending on whether a single tooth or full arch solution is required. Typically it will be divided into five major stages:
- Treatment plan – this involves a clinical examination, X-ray, and CT-Scan analysis by the implantologist.
- Site preparation – this involves enhancement or regeneration of hard (bone) and soft (gum) tissue.
- Implant installation – this is a surgical procedure which involves placing the implant in your jaw, after which there is a 2-4 month waiting period to complete the process of osseointegration.
- Prosthetic installation – this involves placing the implant abutments, crowns and bridges.
- Maintenance – this is arguably the most important stage of the procedure. Proper oral hygiene and routine check-ups are important to ensure the long life of the implant.
Benefits of dental implants
For most people the obvious benefit of a dental implant is the improved appearance and comfort it provides. The restorations attached to dental implants look just like a natural tooth and can help to improve the look of your smile while eliminating the discomfort associated with non-fixed solutions, such as dentures.
Arguably the most important benefit is the improvement of your overall oral health. They also create a more functional bite and allow you to chew your food more easily.
Why see a board certified specialist for dental implants?
Board certified specialists are true experts in their field. At ARID Newton-Wellesley, our team is made up of board certified specialists who are dedicated to providing you with the very best outcomes for your oral health. Our interdisciplinary team works together to bring you their combined expertise all in one location, seamlessly integrated together, rather than you needing to attend multiple appointments across several locations which can be the case at other practices. We are one of only a very few practices in the Newton-Wellesley and Boston areas to provide this service to our patients.
The knowledge and expertise our Boston-based board certified specialists bring to your case provides you with better results; in fact, most of our patients say they have experienced little to no discomfort after undergoing dental implants with our knowledgeable and caring team.
Implant Dentistry at ARID Newton-Wellesley
ARID Newton-Wellesley offers different dental implant solutions to suit different patients’ needs. We offer both single tooth and full arch solutions depending on the severity of your tooth loss. The ARID Newton-Wellesley team is made up of board certified specialists who are committed to improving the health and function of your teeth. We are proud to be part of the Westin, Newton-Wellesley community and dedicated to servicing the greater Boston area.
If you have been considering dental implants, make an appointment with a board certified prosthodontist at ARID Newton-Wellesley.