Replacing missing teeth with dental implants replicates your natural tooth function. Dental implants are the most natural-looking and advanced solution for replacing missing teeth.
Implants can improve your overall quality of life compared to other tooth replacement options like dental bridges, crowns, and dentures. They can also improve your long-term oral health. The benefits of dental implants far outweigh other dental restorations.
Northborough, MA, dental implant dentist Dr. Robert J. Gauthier, offers complete treatment for dental implants. For most cases, Dr. Gauthier will perform the surgical placement of the dental implant and restoration of the dental crown, dental bridge, or denture.
What are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are the best and most natural way to secure a restoration. They may be used to secure dental crowns, bridges, or dentures. Rather than securing restorations on top of gum tissue as traditionally done, implants secure restorations at the tooth root.
Implants are surgically placed into the jaw bone to give restorations natural structure and support. Although it takes longer to place implants, they help your restoration to function naturally. They also reduce the risk of jawbone deterioration as they replace the tooth at its root.
In general, the implant process takes multiple appointments to complete. The first appointment is a consultation. We will examine your oral health to ensure that your mouth is healthy enough for treatment. During this appointment, we will answer your questions and explain the full implant process. Next, we will surgically place the implant post into your jawbone.
The healing process for this takes a few months. During a process called osseointegration, the implant will fuse with your jawbone. Once you have healed, we attach an abutment to your implant. Finally, we place the restoration and you leave our office with a newly improved smile.
The Benefits of Dental Implants
Dental implants are the preferred way to secure restorations for many reasons. Restoring your teeth with dental implants can increase your self-confidence. At the same time, it can improve the function and aesthetics of your smile. Continue reading to learn more about the benefits of dental implants in our Northborough, MA office:
No Need for Tooth Preparation
With a dental bridge, the adjacent teeth will require grinding down, thus weakening them. With dental implants, the surrounding teeth are not involved in the process. We only replace the missing tooth or teeth without harming the surrounding teeth. There is no harm caused to any natural enamel in the process of placing implants.
Easy Care
Dental implants are easy to care for. You will brush and floss them just like your natural teeth. Dentures and dental bridges involve special care. You must remove them to clean them.
They are also fragile and can break if dropped. You can never let your dentures dry out, which can be a constant worry, especially when you don’t wear them.
Stability
Since dental implants integrate with your jawbone, they are stable. An implant restoration can eliminate the fear of your teeth slipping around in your mouth while you talk or falling out while you eat.
Dentures will deliver about a 30-40% normal chewing function. Dental implants will deliver a 100% normal chewing function.
Durability
Since the restoration placed on the implant is not real enamel, there is no risk of a cavity or tooth decay on the replacement tooth. Implants have a strong and durable foundation. Because of this foundation, they can function and be cared for like natural teeth, as there is never a need to remove them. With proper care and maintenance, your dental implant should last a lifetime.
Cost
Dentures are the more affordable option upfront. Dentures also require a lot of maintenance that can add up over time. You will have to buy adhesives, cleaning solutions, and maybe a replacement set.
They may also need to be realigned or rebased over time. All these costs can add up depending on the wear and tear. Dental implants will require investment upfront, but the results will last much longer.
Prevent Bone Loss
If you’re missing a tooth or multiple teeth, that void can cause bone loss and deterioration in your jawbone. Northborough, MA dentist Dr. Gauthier will recommend dental implants over dentures because they are the only option for lost teeth that stimulate the jaw bone. This helps stimulate bone growth. Implant posts prevent recession of the jawbone and facial collapse.
Long-Lasting
Dental implants are one of the longest-lasting restorations available. Implants can last a lifetime with proper care and maintenance. Traditionally secured restorations can be difficult to upkeep and care for.
However, you can care for implants like your natural teeth. The extended lifespan of implants reduces the need to replace a restoration.
Increase Confidence
After implant treatment, many patients report an increase in self-confidence. Implants provide a natural-looking tooth replacement option that blends in seamlessly with surrounding teeth. They also renew your smile so you can speak and smile.
Missing teeth can make it difficult to speak clearly, which can reduce your confidence. You may hide your smile around others. when you restore lost teeth with dental implants, it naturally restores your tooth function and self-confidence.
How Much Do Implants Cost?
Although dental implants offer a variety of benefits, many patients may still have concerns before treatment, as they are a large time and financial commitment. The most common concern we hear is that patients are worried about the pain and healing time after the initial implant is placed.
But you should remember that implants replace your tooth at its root. This restores full function to your smile. It also reduces the risk of many potential issues associated with restorations for lost teeth.
As technology advances, the implant process is easier, less invasive, and far less painful. These advancements make replacing missing teeth much simpler than it may have been in the past.
Learn More About Dental Implants on our website:
Schedule A Dental Exam and Consultation Today
If you have a knocked-out tooth or several missing teeth, we offer dental implants in our Shrewsbury, MA, Westborough, MA, and Northborough, MA. Schedule a dental consultation today with Dr. Gauthier to discuss your oral health, concerns, and budget to see if dental implants are the right choice.