Category Archives: Dental Implants

When you notice a tooth that seems compromised, whether from severe decay, traumatic injury, or something else, you likely wonder how best to restore it. Two common options your dentist may recommend are dental crowns or implants. A modern dental implant offers the strongest and most natural alternative for missing teeth and has been used for over 60 years, according to News Medical. But how do you decide what’s right for your situation?

Evaluating the State of Your Tooth

The condition of the actual tooth in question is the first thing to look at. If significant tooth structure remains with no irreversible pulp damage, a crown may work well. Crowns cap damaged teeth, holding everything stable and secure while restoring form and function. However, if little solid structure remains or the pulp tissue has become infected with no chance of healing, extraction with an implant to replace the missing tooth may make more sense.

Considering Your Specific Needs

You also want to think about factors beyond the status of that single tooth’s health. Look at the bigger picture of your smile. Do you have other teeth already missing in the area? If so, a dental implant can allow you to rebuild a fuller, healthier smile. But if most teeth remain intact, crowning a salvageable one may suffice. Also, consider risk factors like periodontal disease or bruxism. Those may impact recommendations too. Talk through all the personal considerations that may influence which option integrates best for your mouth long-term.

Thinking Through Logistics

The process involved with installing a crown or implant factors into your decision too. Crown placement typically requires less invasive tooth preparation with fewer appointments over a shorter overall treatment timeline. So, if those logistical factors are priorities and the tooth itself can support a crown, it may have advantages over implants. In contrast, the surgical aspect of implants makes the process more intensive. You’ll need adequate bone density and a site clear of infection. There’s also integration time for true healing before final restoration. So, an implant takes more time.

In the end, what matters most is restoring your best possible function and aesthetics in a way tailored to what you need and want. Talk over specifics openly with your dentist. Be sure you understand the limitations or downsides to compare. Ask lots of questions so you feel good about how you’ll proceed. Our dental professionals at Lowell Dental Arts can help you select the best dental options for your needs, whether that be a crown or dental implant. Call us today to schedule an appointment

Dental implants are pretty much the best substitute for real teeth. If you’ve lost a tooth and now have a gap, an implant can make it seem like you never lost the tooth to begin with. In fact, the crowns used in the implants to mimic teeth look natural, and have been providing people with the strongest alternative for missing teeth for over three decades.

That’s a lot different than dentures or just leaving the gap alone. Implants are also the best choice for preventing some of the worse side effects of losing teeth. The one problem is that not everyone is a good candidate for dental implants. Are you?

What Requirements Must You Meet?

To be a good candidate for dental implants, you need to have a jaw that is in good shape with adequate, strong bone to hold the implant. Sometimes people have bone loss that makes the jaw not substantial enough to hold the implant. The jaws aren’t particularly fragile, but they sometimes don’t have enough bone to keep the implant secure.

You also have to be good at caring for your teeth and gums because you’ll still need to take care of your gums once you get the implant, and you don’t want food getting trapped under the crown. Finally, you have to be able to handle the surgery. There are certain health conditions that can make you not a good candidate, such as diabetes.

Why Would Implants Be Better Than Dentures?

If you’re a good candidate but aren’t sure you want to move on from dentures, think of the problems you’ve had with dentures already. You have to clean them, they can fall out, they can irritate your gums, and you have to get them relined every few years. You can also lose them, which is frustrating given that they aren’t the cheapest dental appliance out there.

What Options Do You Have if You Want Implants?

According to NCBI, modern dental implants have been used for more than 30 years and offer the most natural alternative for missing teeth. If you’re a good candidate for dental implants and want to know more about them, you can talk to your dentist at Lowell Dental Arts today. Ask about options ranging from the traditional dental implants that take two sessions to fully install, to same-day implants, to all-on-4 implants if you have a series of missing teeth. Your dentist can give you details about all these options.

We all know that dental health is a large part of overall health and wellness. Unfortunately, many people do not take proper care of their teeth until it is too late, and they have lost teeth. Dental implants have become a fantastic way to replace one or several teeth. According to the AAID, modern dental implants are the strongest, most natural alternative to missing teeth and have been used for over 30 years. You may have heard about modern dental implants but may not know about all the great facts about them.

Fact #1 – No Cavities

Dental implants cannot get cavities. Implants are just like your natural teeth, except for cavities and tooth decay. However, it is still critical to brush, floss, and have regular dental visits to care for your teeth. This ensures the health of your gums and overall oral health care.

Fact #2 – Dental Implants Use Space Shuttle Material

Modern dental implants are created from the same material that is used in rockets and space shuttles. This equipment is made from the best and most durable materials that can be found. Titanium is what is commonly used in these parts, as well as being the base for dental implants. Implants that have a titanium base are implanted in the jaw to act as a root for missing teeth. In addition, titanium can resist corrosion which is why it is ideal for a human mouth.

Fact #3 – Promote Bone Growth

Not only is titanium solid and durable, making it ideal for modern dental implants. It is also capable of fusing to human bone. This is called osseointegration. People have been using the material for dental implants for generations. However, titanium has the unique ability to fuse to the bone, removing the need for adhesive. A post is inserted, and over the course of a few months, it fuses to the bone. A crown is mounted and creates a stronger tooth.

If someone is missing teeth or needs dental care, here are some reasons why they should consider having modern dental implants. Making the decision to get implants is a large decision and might be a hefty investment. Visit a professional dentist at Lowell Dental Arts to ask questions about implants and find out more information about why you should consider them.

Dental implants are arguably the best solution for severely damaged, broken, or missing teeth. According to WebMD, dental implants have a success rate of 98%. If you have dental problems and don’t know which dental solution to seek, here are six signs you may need dental implants.

1. Missing Teeth

Having a missing tooth or missing teeth is an obvious sign that you may need dental implants. Missing teeth can reduce your self-esteem thus preventing you from talking, smiling, or eating in public. Dental implants replace the missing teeth while looking, feeling, and functioning like natural teeth.

2. Severely Broken or Cracked Teeth

Having severely broken or cracked teeth is another telltale sign that you may need dental implants. Dental implants are especially necessary if your teeth are broken or cracked below the gingival line as well as if the broken or cracked teeth are damaging the pulp. Dental implants provide you with durable replacements for broken or cracked teeth.

3. Loose Dentures or Partials

Dentures and partials are also popular for replacing missing teeth. However, loose-fitting dentures or partials can easily fall off while eating or talking. Dental implants are a viable solution to loose dentures or partials as they fit properly and don’t fall off easily.

4. Jawbone Loss and Sunken Facial Appearance

The jawbone is preserved through chewing and biting. Missing teeth, especially in adults, can lead to jawbone deterioration. Jawbone loss can lead to a sunken-in facial appearance if not treated. Dental implants are made of titanium, which, easily bonds with jawbone tissues to prevent both jawbone deterioration and the development of a sunken-in facial appearance.

5. Difficulty Chewing Food

If you have problems eating food because of missing, cracked, broken, or other problems with your teeth, you may need dental implants. Since dental implants function like natural teeth, they will enable you to chew food without difficulty.

6. Infected or Decayed Teeth

You may need dental implant surgery if you have severely infected or decayed teeth that cannot be saved. A dentist will extract the affected tooth or teeth before replacing them with dental implants.

If you or a loved one is experiencing any of the above signs, you may want to consider dental implants. Book an appointment with the friendly team at Lowell Dental Arts today to learn more or to schedule an appointment.

If you and your dentist have decided that dental implants are the best treatment option to restore missing teeth, there are a few things you will need to know about caring for your implants. Dental implants are quickly becoming the standard of care to replace missing teeth. According to the Total Freedom Dental Implant Center, they have a 98% rate of success.

Basic Care Immediately Following Surgery

Dental implant care should start immediately following the implant surgery. The most important thing to remember about your new implants is that you do not want to wiggle the implant or apply too much pressure on the implant initially.

Expect some swelling and discomfort for the next few days. Over-the-counter pain relievers will help. You can also use an ice pack to keep the swelling down.

If your job requires strenuous physical labor, consider taking a couple of days off following the surgery. Most people return to work the day after surgery, but if you work in an environment where you have to do some heavy lifting, it is best to take off for 48 hours following surgery.

Oral Hygiene Is Critical

The tissue surrounding your implant needs a healthy environment to heal. One of the most prominent reasons an implant will fail is because of infection. Brush as you normally do but avoid the implant when brushing. For the next week, rinse your mouth with warm water and salt rinse after every meal to remove food particles and debris.

Add about a teaspoon of salt to a full cup of warm water. Your dentist may have prescribed a chlorhexidine rinse, which can follow your saltwater rinse. Be sure to follow this routine for a full week after your implant surgery.

Chew on the Side Without the Implant

If you do not have a whole mouth of implants, chew on the side where your natural teeth are for at least a week. You do not want to put undue pressure on a healing implant. Avoid overly hot foods or beverages for about a week. Room temperature foods and drinks are best for the week following your surgery.

Keep Your Follow Up Appointments

Be sure to keep your follow-up dental appointments. Dental implants are a great option and have a high success rate with the proper care. Regular checkups are necessary to ensure continued success. To learn more about dental implants and more, contact our friendly team at Lowell Dental Arts, today!