Don’t hide your smile because of broken or missing teeth. Replacing missing teeth is key to supporting your long-term oral health. Missing teeth can lead to secondary dental health concerns that could impact your health and quality of life. Patients with missing teeth are more prone to gum disease, tooth loss, and jawbone loss. Fortunately, dental implants can restore your smile and give you the chance to speak and eat with the comfort and confidence you deserve.
Dr. Robert Gauthier provides many dental services to replace missing teeth at Apex Dental. He offers complete treatment for dental implants in his Northborough, MA dental office near you. In most cases, Dr. Gauthier will perform the surgical placement of the dental implant procedure and the restoration of the crown or denture. If we need a specialist, our dental care team will make a referral and arrange the entire treatment plan. Continue reading to learn more about dental implants and their process.
Dental Implants in Northborough, MA
Getting dental implants is a multi-phased treatment. The process is distinct for each patient because each smile is unique. For example, the extent of your dental implant treatment will depend on the type of dental implants you choose, the number of dental implants you need, and if you need additional procedures. Your Apex dentist, Dr. Robert Gauthier will review the treatment plan with you before your procedure. He will take the time to answer all of your questions as well to ensure that you are confident in the care you are receiving. Below is the basic outline of a dental implant procedure.
Phase 1: Treatment Planning
The implant procedure requires precise and careful planning to set you up for long-term success. First, your dentist will create a detailed plan for your reviewal. He will show you the location and angle at which he will place the implants to optimize healthy bone tissue. Using modern technology, he can actually show you what your smile will look like before any restorations are placed He may also review the costs, timeframe, and other options. Dental implants require healthy bone and gum tissue for survival, so you will be free of gum disease and have healthy jawbone tissue.
We encourage patients to ask questions and discuss sedation options with Dr. Gauthier during this time. Dr. Gauthier uses digital imaging software to give patients a virtual model of what their new teeth may look like.
Phase 2: Surgical Procedure
After you approve the treatment plan, your dentist will schedule you for the surgical phase. During this phase, your dentist or oral surgeon will conduct the surgical procedure. He will surgically implant small titanium posts into your jawbone. Do not be worried about this part of the procedure. We use dental sedation and anesthetic to calm nerves and make this part of the procedure as pain-free as possible. Then, we wait 3 to 6 months for your mouth and gums to heal over the dental implants. During this wait, the dental implant post will begin to fuse with the jaw bone and create a secure bond during a process called osseointegration. You may get a temporary dental restoration so you can eat and speak normally while you wait for your mouth to heal, and for the new restoration.
Phase 3: Final Restoration
Once your dentist sees that your mouth and jaw have successfully fused with the dental implant, he will create the final piece. The final restoration can either be a dental crown, a dental bridge, or a full denture. Then, Dr. Gauthier will tailor the restoration to enhance the look and function of your mouth and smile. Finally, the dentist anchors the final restoration to the dental implants so that the restoration is permanent. Patients will return to our Northborough dental office for follow-up appointments, adjustments, and checkups. After receiving dental implants it is also crucial to maintain a good oral care routine at home.
Learn More About Dental Implants:
Benefits of Dental Implants
Dental Implants FAQs
Cost of Dental Implants
Types of Dental Implants
Dental Implants vs. Dentures
Benefits of Dental Implants
Dental implants are virtually indistinguishable from your other teeth; due in part to the structural bond between the implant and living bone. The titanium post acts as an artificial tooth root and fuses to the jawbone. This part of the dental implant procedure is key to structural support. This reduces patients’ risk of bone deterioration. Dental implants are stronger than their traditional match because they don’t rely on neighboring teeth for support.
Dental implants offer patients a range of benefits, such as:
- Bite stability
- Bone retention
- Natural smile
- Comfortable fit
- Lasting results
Implant-Secured Dentures
Dental implants can also support full sets of dentures for patients who need to replace all of their teeth. Dr. Gauthier can work with patients who have an existing denture. We can also replace old dentures for a more secure and stable fit. For patients undergoing a “teeth-in-a-day” procedure, Dr. Gauthier will remove all of the hopeless teeth, strategically place the dental implants, and then secure a denture for the swift restoration of teeth.
Dental Implants FAQs
Do you have more questions about dental implants? Continue reading to find answers to common questions about dental implants:
Are dental implants right for me?
With advancements in dental implant technology, more patients can receive dental implants. Traditionally, patients required strong, healthy bone tissue for a successful implant. With the development of All-On-Four, patients with deteriorating bone health may still be able to receive the benefits of dental implants. To learn more about implants and whether or not you are a successful candidate, contact our Northborough dentist’s office.
Do dental implants require additional maintenance?
No, a dental implant acts just like your real teeth. Daily brushing, flossing, and routine dental health exams are necessary for long-term success. Good oral hygiene and biannual dental exams can keep your implant healthy and secure for years to come.
Receive Dental Implants Today
If you are seeking a permanent tooth replacement option, call (508) 506-1691 today or request a dental exam online anytime. If you have a missing tooth or several missing teeth, we provide dental implants in our Shrewsbury, Westborough, and Northborough, Massachusetts. Schedule an appointment today with Dr. Gauthier to discuss your oral health concerns and budget to see if dental implants are the right choice.