Let’s talk about the advantages of dental implants.
If you have lost one or more teeth, you might have begun researching tooth replacement options. Dental implants are gaining in popularity as patients discover the many health and cosmetic benefits of implant dentistry. Choosing an experienced dentist to complete your dental implant treatment is essential for the best results.
Our implant dentists in Norfolk, MA, all have the training and skills to ensure that your results will last a long time. Our implant dentists will help you find a solution that gives you a confident smile and the ability to eat all the foods you love the most.
We invite you to call our dental office at to learn more about implants! Meanwhile, you can peruse the questions we’ve listed below to find answers to some of your inquiries.
Replace Missing Teeth with Implants
Replacing a missing tooth is about more than just your appearance. When you lose a tooth and don’t replace the gap with a dental prosthetic, you are putting yourself at risk of losing even more teeth.
When a tooth is missing, the rest of the teeth in your mouth have a tendency to drift over to fill in the empty space. This changes your bite and affects how you can chew food. Eventually, you will cause undue wear and stress on your remaining teeth from chewing improperly. This can lead to more tooth loss.
Candidates for Dental Implants
Dental implants are often considered the most natural tooth replacement option. Nothing beats a dental implant—except your own natural tooth. Patients at our Norfolk, MA dental office who have had dental implants tell us they are thrilled with their results.
With dental implants, you can eat all of your favorite foods without restriction. Caring for dental implants is no different from caring for your natural teeth.
Benefits of Dental Implants
Replacing missing teeth is important to your oral health. When tooth loss occurs, your remaining teeth will often tilt or drift into the gap and cause a negative impact on your bite. Drifting teeth will often have exposed roots, which feel sensitive and are more susceptible to decay.
Dental implants hold teeth in place and also prevent bone loss, which occurs when the bone is no longer needed to support the tooth.
Other dental implant benefits we share with our patients:
- Appearance and feeling similar to natural teeth
- Easy home hygiene
- Don’t move or shift
- Long-term solution
- No dietary restrictions
- Extra security for dentures or bridges
Procedure for Implants
We will begin with a comprehensive evaluation and precise planning to ensure you get the best possible results. The steps include:
- Evaluation—Rule out any conditions like gum disease or decay.
- 3-D cone beam images—Evaluate bone quality and ideal location for your dental implant.
- Virtual implant placement—Use computer-aided guidance to ensure ideal results.
Getting your custom dental implant crown or bridge is the exciting part and the final step of your treatment. Your dental crown or bridge will complete your chewing surface and your smile. Our patients are thrilled with their results.
After the dental implants are surgically placed, it takes anywhere from three to four months for the implants to become fully integrated into the bone. Every patient is different, of course, but that is the average time. Smokers or others who suffer from some medical conditions might take a longer time to heal.
Understanding the Cost of Implants
The cost of dental implants at our Norfolk dental office will vary, depending on your needs as a patient. But it is important to keep in mind that although the upfront investment for dental implants may be higher than that of dentures or other tooth replacement options, in the long run, dental implants can save you time and money.
Dentures will require adjustments as your jawbone begins to shrink because there are no tooth roots—or dental implants—to stimulate the bone. Dentures will also need repairs and even replacement through the years.
Dental implants are designed to last a lifetime with proper care and no extra maintenance.
Caring For Your Dental Implants
Another advantage of dental implants is how easy they are to care for. Whether you have one implant or a mouthful, you can simply brush and floss as you normally would. Unlike dentures, permanent implants are not removed for cleaning.
Your dental implants cannot develop tooth decay, but it’s still crucial to come to our Norfolk, MA, dental office twice each year for examinations and cleanings. Even with dental implants, you can still get periodontal disease, so it’s important to maintain good gum health.
One of the most common complaints we hear from patients at our Norfolk, MA, dental practice is that they have food restrictions with their dentures. With dental implants, patients can eat all of their favorite foods—without restriction. People who have gotten dental implants can chew confidently, knowing that their implants are stable and will not shift as do dentures.
Options for Patients with Low Bone Density
If your bone quality isn’t good, that doesn’t rule out the possibility of dental implants. If additional procedures are necessary, such as bone grafting to improve bone stability, we will discuss these with you. It is our intention to deliver the most reliable and long-lasting dental implants possible so that you can enjoy a healthy, comfortable smile.
Surgical placement of the dental implant into the jawbone is why dental implants are such an effective way to replace natural teeth. The dental implant replaces the root of the tooth and stimulates healthy bone growth.
Because the bone contains few nerves, the surgery is relatively mild. Some swelling and bruising are common but typically manageable with an anti-inflammatory medication.
Osseointegration for Dental Implants
Dental implants are designed to fuse with your natural bone, which is why they are so stable and reliable. Made of titanium or other biocompatible metals, dental implants will actually become part of your bone structure over the course of three to four months.
If you smoke, your dental implant may take longer to integrate. We will discuss what you can expect and closely monitor your progress.
Frequently Asked Questions
Rebuild Your Smile and Confidence with Dentures in Norfolk, MA
In addition to single dental implants and implant bridges, we also offer implant-retained dentures. We welcome your call to Norfolk County Dental Care at (508) 528-6510 to learn more about your tooth replacement options. Contact Norfolk County Dental Care today!
Our dentist office is located off Rockwood Road and Main Street near the Norfolk Public Library. We happily accept new patients of all ages to Norfolk County Dental Care, so schedule your next dental exam today!