Dental Implants Weymouth MA
There’s a reason why dental implants have become the gold standard for replacing missing teeth: Implants are a type of restoration that provides the closest match to both the appearance and function of natural teeth.
Evaluation for Dental Implants
To determine if you would make a good candidate for receiving one or more dental implants, you will need to take part in a consultation with your dentist. The purpose of this meeting is an evaluation of the state of your teeth and mouth, as well as a review of your dental and medical history.
Although most people qualify for dental implants, not everyone makes a suitable candidate. For example, some patients have experienced significant bone loss in the area proposed for the implant. They would be ruled out, at least for the time being, because they have insufficient bone mass to anchor an implant.
If you do not have enough bone present to support an implant, you may be able to undergo a bone grafting procedure. We would place donor bone in the area requiring the implant. This will offer a firm foundation for your new implant, which would be placed at a subsequent appointment after the grafted bone has fully integrated.
Dental Implant Procedure
For most patients, receiving a dental implant involves multiple appointments spaced several months apart. The first step involves the actual surgical placement of the implant. You will first be provided with an anesthetic to ensure that you experience no pain or discomfort during the process.
Next, your dentist will form incisions in your gums. They will place the implant into your jawbone through the incision, finishing by closing the gum tissue around your new dental implant.
It should take a few months for your new implant to completely fuse to your jawbone. This process is known as osseointegration and ensures that the titanium implant has a strong bond with your jawbone to allow for two additional structures to be attached to it.
Once your new dental implant has fused with your jawbone, you will return for another appointment to have a connecting piece placed over it. This abutment component will have a dental crown attached to it to provide the look, feel, and function of a natural tooth.
FAQS
Here are a few Frequently Asked Questions about dental implants:
Can dental implants be removed like dentures?
No. Implants are firmly anchored within the jawbone itself. So they can never slip or fall out as dentures sometimes can.
How should I care for my new dental implants?
You should brush all of your teeth, including your new implants, at least twice daily and floss once a day. Other than that, no special care is needed.
Are dental implants permanent?
Assuming you take proper care of your teeth and gums, your new dental implants should last for a lifetime. Since implants are not living tissue, they cannot be affected by tooth decay. However, if you fail to practice proper oral hygiene, your gums can still develop periodontal disease, just as with normal teeth, threatening the stability of your new implants.