What are Dental Implants?

Quite simply, dental implants are artificial replacements of natural tooth roots. They attach firmly into the gum and jawbone, becoming solid. Your general dentist then places a crown onto this artificial tooth root which looks, feels and functions like a natural tooth. Implants can also be used to anchor partial and full dentures.


When are Dental Implants Appropriate?

Dental Implants are one method of tooth replacement. Other methods are bridges, partial dentures and full dentures. Your general dentist is the judge of which method is most appropriate.


What are Some of Advantages of Dental Implants?

1. More attractive appearance.
2. Speech improvement.
3. Greater comfort.
4. Greater ability to chew food naturally.
5. Greater cleansability and longevity than traditional bridgework.


Why are Fixed Restorations Better?

Implants look and feel like natural teeth. As dental implants are fixed in the jaw there are none of the problems that can be associated with removable appliances such as dentures and partials, including:

1. The slipping, irritation and pain that can accompany dentures.
2. The tedious removal for overnight soaking and cleaning.
3. Family members seeing you without teeth.
4. The reattachment with adhesives.


What is the Success Rate of Implants?

The success rate of Osseointegrated Dental Implants is between 94% and 98%. If you are a non-smoker with good oral hygiene habits, the percentage is closer to 100%.


How Long do Implants Last?

Dental implants integrate into the jawbone. Implants have been in patient's mouths for 30 years. With excellent oral hygiene and regular cleanings, your implant should last a lifetime.


How are Implants Placed?

First a detailed, clinical and radiographic examination will be done to ensure you are a good candidate for implants. If so, planning will be done in conjunction with your general dentist to ensure your implant is placed safely and in the right location. Then your dental implant will be placed by us during a routine office visit. The procedure can be done under local anesthetic.

Is Dental Implant Placement Uncomfortable?

Dental implants are placed in the jawbone which is quite easy to anesthesize using a local anesthetic. The procedure is usually done under local anesthetic and patients often comment that they hardly felt a thing. As with almost any dental procedure, there may be slight discomfort for several hours after the procedure. We normally prescribe a mild pain reliever in case this occurs.


Are Dental Implants Costly?

Dental implants are a investment and can cost slightly more than a bridge for the same area. However over time, the anchoring teeth for a bridge many times develop decay, need root canals, or fracture, necessitating their replacement with a larger bridge. For this and other reasons, implants often turn out to be much less expensive in the long run.


How Predictable is the Procedure?

The success rate of Dental Implants is between 94% and 98%. If patients practice good oral care and maintenance of their implants and receive periodic periodontal care if needed, dental implants can be their friends for life.


Am I a Candidate for Implants?

Implants begin with an evaluation by your general dentist who will decide if you are good candidate for the procedure. If he feels implants might be possible, he will send you to us for a placement evaluation.

Questions about Implants?

As a periodontist who has placed hundreds of implants, I am happy to answer any questions you may have on the subject. If you have a question, please do not hesitate to contact me by phone at (617) 969-9676 or click here to e-mail me.