Dental Implant Q&A
Below, you can learn more about dental implants by reading answers to these frequently asked questions:
Why should I choose dental implants over other dental restoration options?
Dental implants are the only tooth replacement option to preserve the jaw bone, preserve the health of the surrounding teeth and give you back full chewing function. Even though dental implants cost more upfront, other dental restorations like dentures will eventually need to be repaired, replaced, or adjusted.
That cost will add up over the years. Dental implants are permanent and require the same care as your normal teeth. Dr. Robert J. Gauthier offers complete treatment for dental implants in his Northborough dental office.
Do I qualify for dental implants?
Dental implants are for people who are missing one tooth, several teeth, or even all their teeth. People of any age can get dental implants except children since their jawbone has not completely developed. Healthy bone structure is the most important qualification for receiving a dental implant.
The bone structure must be healthy for the implant to fuse with the bone to support a dental restoration completely. If you have suffered from bone loss, Dr. Gauthier may recommend bone grafting to ensure the success of your dental implant. Patients also need to have healthy gums.
If you suffer from periodontal disease, you must first be treated for that before receiving dental implants.
How quickly can I get a replacement tooth?
The entire dental implant process can take from 3-9 months. Many factors go into how long it will take. The number of implants you need, the location, and if you require any other treatments before the implants are placed, like gum disease treatment or a bone graft, all affect how long the process will take.
Dr. Gauthier will perform a thorough dental exam and create a treatment plan. The implant procedure requires precise and careful planning to help increase long-term success. You will have the implants surgically placed, requiring a healing time of at least 3 to 6 months.
After that, an abutment will be attached to each dental implant, and a brief healing time will follow. Then you will return for the attachment of your dental restoration.
How do I care for my dental implants?
Dental implants require the same maintenance as natural teeth. This means you should floss once a day, brush your teeth twice a day and visit Dr. Gauthier at his Northborough, MA dentist office regularly. If you follow a basic dental health routine recommended by the American Dental Association, your dental implants should last a lifetime.
Does dental insurance cover the cost of dental implants?
Everyone’s dental insurance is different; coverage will vary depending on your plan. Dental insurance covers routine care, emergencies, and basic dental care. Typically, dental insurance will not cover dental implant placement. Some may cover the dental restoration (the dental crown, dental bridge, denture), or the tooth extraction if required.
Will I need to see a specialist?
Dr. Gauthier offers complete treatment for dental implants in his Northborough dental office. For most cases, Dr. Gauthier will perform the surgical placement of the dental implant as well as the restoration of the dental crown, dental bridge, or denture. If a specialist is needed, Dr. Gauthier will make the appropriate referral and coordinate the entire treatment plan.