DENTAL IMPLANTS IN FRAMINGHAM

MetroWest Prosthodontics provides dental implants in Framingham, MA. Contact us at 508-620-6622 to learn more or schedule an appointment.

Dental implants are considered the gold standard in dental restorations for missing and failing teeth.  They provide virtually all the functionality of natural teeth and prevent bone loss that occurs when tooth roots are removed.  

In the past, when a patient would lose a tooth or teeth, bridges or partial dentures may have been recommended to restore their dentition. In the case of the bridge, teeth adjacent to the extraction site would be prepped and covered to restore the empty site and the functionality of the bite.  Partial dentures are removable appliances that are taken out daily.

If extraction sites are not restored, the adjacent and opposing teeth will start to drift changing the bite.

When placing dental implants, only the extraction site needs a restoration.  The initial appointment begins with a comprehensive evaluation including 3D cone beam scanning technology to view the affected area of the mouth.  This allows for the dentist to plan the precise placement of the dental implant.  An implant of biocompatible titanium is then surgically placed in the jaw.  As healing takes place, the implant osseointegrates with the jaw, forming a strong and durable base for the final restoration.  After the implant heals, an impression is taken to fabricate a custom abutment and porcelain crown to restore the site and your smile.

To learn more about dental implants and schedule an appointment, please call Metrowest Prosthodontics at 508-620-6622.

Dental implants are small anchors made of a biocompatible metal called titanium that are placed in the jawbone to replace missing teeth in the mouth. After placement, the anchors will begin to fuse with the bone over the course of a few months. After the fusing process, known as osseointegration, abutment posts are inserted into the anchors to allow for the permanent attachment of the replacement teeth.

An implant supported bridge is a restorative solution for spaces where three or more adjacent teeth are missing. This restoration typically requires two implants to support the bridge that provides a functional and aesthetic replacement for a patient’s natural teeth.

What are the advantages of an implant supported bridge?

Because of the natural look and feel and the functional stability provided by the implants, implant supported bridges are an effective solution to replace multiple missing teeth.

A traditional bridge uses teeth on either side of the missing tooth space for support, and preparing teeth for crowns can weaken them. Because these teeth serve as attachments, they are subject to additional forces that can damage both healthy and compromised teeth or bone tissues. A dental implant supported bridge replaces missing teeth by placing two or more dental implants rather than adjacent teeth. These implants avoid putting any additional stress on your natural teeth and help preserve the health and function of the surrounding bone tissue and teeth.

An implant supported denture requires the placement of four to six dental implants as “anchors” to provide a sturdier fit and minimal mobility for your denture. With implant supported dentures, there is no plate covering the roof of the mouth, so speaking and eating are more natural and comfortable than with traditional dentures. For qualifying patients, our doctors may be able to complete the removal of all teeth and the placement of a temporary arch on the same day.

How effective are teeth implants?

Dental implant surgery is a procedure that replaces teeth roots with a titanium screw-like post. Dental implants can last a lifetime with proper care. In general, their success rate is up to 98% depending on where they are placed and the integrity of the implant restoration (implant crown).

How painful is it to get dental implants?

During the dental implant surgery, you shouldn’t experience pain as you will be given local anesthesia. After the numbness wears off, you will experience some pain and discomfort. The amount of pain and discomfort is dependant on how involved the procedure was and how many implants were placed.

Will insurance cover dental implants?

Your dental insurance may cover part of the implant procedure and restoration. If you have an FSA (Flexible Spending Account) or an HSA (Health Savings Account), you can use that money to pay for your Implant procedure and restoration.

Can dental implants be done in one day?

Traditionally, dental implants are done in three steps.

The first would be the extraction of the diseased tooth followed by bone grafting to ensure there is enough bone for the placement and success of the implant titanium screw (implant fixture). 

Step two will occur 4-5 months after step one, the bone graft. This is when the implant titanium screw is placed.  Once the implant has healed with the surrounding bone, the fabrication of the implant restoration can begin. 

Step three consists of the fabrication of the final implant restoration.

Some implants can be done in one day, depending on a few factors determined by the surgeon placing the implant. In this case, the implant fixture and the temporary restoration are placed on the same day. 

How long does it take for dental implants to heal?

Once a dental implant is placed in the bone it will take about 4-5 months for the bone to heal tightly (integrate) around the metal titanium post.

Can I eat after implant surgery?

Yes, for the first couple of days after implant surgery you can eat a soft diet. After the initial healing, a regular diet can be resumed.

Contact us at 508-620-6622 to learn more and schedule your appointment.