Dental implants are widely considered to be the closest thing to having your natural teeth back after they’ve been lost. Unlike dentures and bridges, dental implants reconstruct every part of the missing teeth. Thanks to our in-house periodontist, Dr. Isaac Kim, we’re able to complete every step of the dental implant process right here at Norton Family Dentistry. That way, you won’t need to travel far to recover your smile and enjoy reliable results for decades to come. Schedule your consultation to discuss tooth replacement with dental implants in Norton, MA by calling us today!
Why Choose Norton Family Dentistry for Dental Implants?
- Implants Placed In-House by Trained Periodontist
- Dental Insurance-Friendly Dental Office with Flexible Financing Available
- Digital Impression System for Comfort & Precision
What are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are small titanium rods that act as prosthetic tooth roots. After they’ve been surgically placed in the jawbone where the natural teeth once were, they begin bonding with the bone. This creates a foundation that is just as stable and comfortable as real teeth. Then, we can secure a restoration on top, which may be a dental crown, a bridge, or even a denture, to close the gaps in your grin with a solution that looks and feels impeccably lifelike.
The 4-Step Dental Implant Process
Unlike dentures and dental bridges, getting dental implants requires a unique, multi-step process that spans several months. This might seem like a long time, but the long-term benefits are well worth the wait! At Norton Family Dentistry, we can take care of the entire treatment process under one roof. Dental implants are placed in-house by our trained periodontist. This way, we don’t need to refer you to an outside specialist. Every patient’s treatment is different, but here are the four main steps that you can expect.
Initial Dental Implant Consultation
First, we will review your oral health and medical history to make sure that you are a good candidate for the procedure. If needed, we can work with you to complete preliminary procedures, like gum disease therapy and bone grafting. Then, we can move on to planning the rest of your dental implant treatment. We will go through every step in detail and discuss all of the financial information.
Dental Implant Surgery
We complete the entire dental implant process in-house, so you don’t need to worry about working with a local specialist for part of your treatment. Your dentist will begin by numbing the area with a local anesthetic so that you don’t feel a thing. Then, an incision is made in the gum tissue so the implant posts can be placed in the jawbone. Your gums will be closed up and protective caps will be placed over the posts.
Dental Implant Osseointegration & Abutment Placement
Over the next three to six months, your dental implants will fuse to the jawbone in a process called “osseointegration.” Small metal connectors, called “abutments,” are secured onto the implants. They allow for your replacement teeth to be connected to them. Impressions are taken so your crown, bridge, or denture can be perfectly crafted to fit and match the rest of your teeth.
Delivery of Dental Implant Restorations
The last step is for you to return to our practice to have your replacement teeth placed. During this appointment, we will ensure that your bite is aligned and that you feel comfortable. Now you can enjoy all of the amazing benefits of your complete smile!
Benefits of Dental Implants
Thanks to their firm foundation in the jaw, dental implants can do a lot of things that traditional tooth replacements cannot. For one, they’ll help you eat all of your favorite foods and smile confidently without worrying about embarrassing slippage. They’re also the only tooth replacement option that prevents jawbone deterioration, an unfortunate consequence of tooth loss. Implants also have the potential to last for 30+ years, as opposed to dentures and bridges, which need to be replaced every five to ten years on average.
Who Dental Implants Can Help
As the most versatile tooth replacement, dental implants can recreate one, several, or even all of your missing teeth. Most adults who are generally healthy can qualify. However, in order for an implant to take hold, a patient must have strong jawbone density, a healthy mouth, and good overall health. Once our team has verified that you meet these criteria, we can start planning your treatment around the number of teeth you’re replacing.
Missing One Tooth
A single implant can be inserted into the space between two natural teeth and topped with a personalized dental crown. Unlike getting a bridge, this approach doesn’t require us to remove any healthy structure from your remaining teeth.
Missing Multiple Teeth
Several implants can be positioned throughout the arch to hold a partial denture in place that is significantly sturdier than conventional ones. We can also replace three or more consecutive teeth by securing a bridge onto just two implants, each of which is at one end of the space.
Missing All Teeth
An entire row of teeth can be brought back with as few as four implants in strategic locations along the jaw, which support a full denture. With an implant denture, you can count on your teeth to stay in place no matter what you’re eating.
Understanding the Cost of Dental Implants
A hefty price tag is associated with dental implants, but they are the overall affordable option to replace lost teeth. Many factors affect the cost of dental implants in Norton because no two mouths are identical. Your implant dentist at Norton Family Dentistry will create a personalized plan to replace your missing teeth. Our office offers many financial solutions to keep a complete smile within everyone's budget.
Preliminary Treatments & Dental Implant Surgery
A dental implant is unlike any other treatment because it replaces both the root and the crown. This requires a multi-step process, with each phase having separate costs. Besides your initial consultation, it's not unusual to require a little prep work before getting dental implants, like tooth extractions, gum disease therapy, or bone grafting. Your implant dentist in Norton will let you know if you need any additional procedures during your consultation.
You will require oral surgery to place your implant post into your jaw. Sedation will be used, so you don't have to worry about any pain. After your bone has healed to the post, the final step is placing your restoration. You can pay for each portion of your treatment separately
The Parts of Your Dental Implant
A dental implant consists of three components:
- Implant Post: Titanium is the go-to material for implant posts because it is strong and biocompatible.
- Abutment: Every implant will require an abutment, which is a special fixture that connects your restoration.
- Restoration: Depending on the number of teeth you are treating, you'll require a crown, bridge, or denture.
The number of each part required will be included in your estimate. Although discounted materials are available, they can be of low quality. Your implant dentist will help you choose the best material to get the most from your investment.
How Dental Implants Can Save You Money
Dental implants can cost more upfront than other methods, but they are the most affordable long-term because they have over a 95% success rate. They can last for 30 years or more with the right aftercare, so you'll never have to budget for replacements, unlike traditional prosthetics. Dental implants are also the only method to preserve your jawbone to avoid common issues caused by missing teeth. You'll avoid needing costly procedures later to save money down the road.
Does My Dental Insurance Cover Dental Implants?
It's unlikely your dental insurance will cover the entire cost of dental implants, but you can use your coverage to lower the amount you'll pay out-of-pocket. Your benefits may cover your consultation and medically necessary preparatory procedures, like gum disease therapy after meeting your deductible. Your insurance may also pay some of the expenses for your restoration.
Making Dental Implants Affordable
Besides using your dental insurance, we offer many solutions to keep dental implants in Norton affordable, including:
- Traditional Payments: Our office accepts cash, personal checks, and credit cards.
- Monthly Payments: You can pay any dental expenses using a monthly payment plan through CareCredit. Based on your credit approval, you can make installments with little or no interest in financing.
- Special Offers: We offer various promotions to keep our services affordable. We will review any ongoing deals during your consultation.
Dental Implant FAQs
Not really! Before the procedure, we’ll numb your mouth with a local anesthetic to minimize discomfort. Since the jawbone has few nerve endings, most patients feel little to no pain during surgery. However, mild soreness is common for a few days afterward. To manage discomfort, take prescribed or over-the-counter pain medication as directed and use cold compresses to reduce swelling. If pain worsens instead of improving after two or three days, contact your dentist for further evaluation and care.
A few signs that may indicate your dental implant is failing include severe pain around the implant, swollen or inflamed gums, and a loose or shifting implant are common warning signs. If you experience any of these symptoms, be sure to contact your dentist immediately. Early intervention can help address the issue and potentially save the implant. Regular dental checkups and good oral hygiene can also help prevent implant complications.
Fortunately, there is no upper age limit for getting dental implants. As long as you are an adult and in good overall health, you may be a candidate for the procedure. However, certain health conditions (i.e., osteoporosis or gum disease) could affect the success of the implants. A thorough evaluation will help determine if dental implants are right for you. With proper care and planning, many older adults successfully restore their smiles with implants, improving their ability to eat, speak, and enjoy life confidently.
Because dental implants are made of artificial materials, not enamel, they cannot develop cavities like natural teeth. Regardless, you must continue to maintain good oral hygiene, as your remaining natural teeth are still susceptible to cavities and your gums can become infected. Keep in mind that conditions like gum disease can compromise the success of your implants. Regular brushing, flossing, and dental checkups help ensure both your implants and natural teeth stay healthy. Proper care will support the longevity of your implants and protect your overall oral health.
Absolutely! However, several factors must be considered. Your bone density and gum health play a crucial role in implant success. Since rheumatoid arthritis is often treated with immunosuppressant drugs, healing may be slower, and the risk of infection may be higher. Additionally, maintaining good oral hygiene is essential, so consider whether arthritis affects your ability to brush and floss properly. Your dentist will evaluate your overall health, and you may need to consult your doctor about adjusting medications before and after the procedure for better healing.
