Category Archives: Dental Implants

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 implants 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!

When you look good, you feel good. A missing tooth can have a negative impact on your appearance and, subsequently, your confidence. If you’ve lost a tooth, you might be wondering what you should do next. You might have questions about replacement options or about what happens if you don’t replace the missing tooth. If so, you’re in good company. Did you know that more than 156 million Americans are missing at least one tooth? Over the years, we’ve answered hundreds of questions about tooth loss from concerned patients. Below you’ll find more information about what happens if you don’t replace a missing tooth.

Your Teeth Will Move

If you fail to replace a missing tooth, the teeth around the gap will begin to move, resulting in changes in your smile. Gaps often develop, and teeth often become crooked if you don’t replace the missing tooth with a dental implant, denture, or bridge. This movement can affect the health of your other teeth and ultimately lead to the loss of your remaining teeth. If you alter the way that you chew to compensate for the lost tooth, you could end up damaging your bite, which, can lead to the need for further treatment.

Missing teeth have an impact on how well your bite works. Teeth are designed to work in pairs. Pressure is exerted from the top row and bottom row of your teeth when you chew. A missing tooth alters the alignment of your bite, decreasing your ability to chew efficiently. Some people even develop digestive issues after losing a tooth due to increased difficulty chewing.

The Alignment of Your Bite Will Change

If you don’t replace a missing tooth, the way your bite comes together will change. Your upper and lower teeth will start to come together differently. Misalignments often lead to other physical problems such as headaches and jaw tension. Your dentist can often prevent these issues from developing by placing a dental implant, bridge, or denture.

Reduced Confidence in Your Appearance

Many patients find that having missing teeth adversely impacts their self-confidence and feelings about their overall appearance. Many patients report feeling self-conscious when smiling, talking, or eating in public when missing teeth. Replacing missing teeth can play an important role in reducing negative impacts on self-confidence.

If you’re ready to get your smile back, contact us today to schedule a dental implant!

There are many ways to improve your smile and your self-esteem. For teens, it may involve using Invisalign. Nearly 47% of teens using Invisalign said they felt a boost in their self-esteem during teeth-straightening treatment compared to 22% of teens who had metal braces. For adults with missing teeth, it may be dental implants.

Why Should You Invest in Dental Implants?

When you are missing teeth or just a tooth, dental implants are a permanent solution that improves smiles and the functionality of bites. A local dentist can provide you with the best dental care regarding dental implants. More modern implants have been used for over 30 years and provide the most natural-looking and strong alternative for teeth that are missing.

What Are Dental Implants?

Implants are essentially artificial tooth roots with artificial teeth affixed to them inside your mouth. The treatment starts by placing a titanium screw in your jaw to support artificial teeth. The screw keeps crowns and artificial teeth in place, unlike dentures that can easily slip out of place. Besides, implants look and function more like natural teeth.

Implants are also more comfortable than dentures which can cause sores in your mouth as well as irritate your gums. The look of implants is natural, so you feel your best. Dentures also tend to warp or break over time. Dental implants are more durable and stronger since they are securely placed in the jaw. Since implants act like natural teeth, they are also easier to clean and maintain.

Dental Implant Procedures Are Proven, Safe, and Predictable

Getting implants requires a process that is proven, safe, and predictable. The first step is having tiny screws, usually made of titanium, placed in the jawbone. This will serve as the “root” for artificial teeth. It takes a few months for the screws to fully fuse with the jawbone, which gives more stability.

The next step is to be fitted for abutments and crowns. An abutment is a piece that connects the implant and crown. These are specifically created to fit you and takes two weeks, on average, to complete. Until then, the best dental care involved fitting you with temporary tooth replacements.

The last step is attaching the abutment and crown to your implant. Your dentist will make sure that your new tooth fits perfectly, comfortably, and seamlessly blends in with your natural teeth. There are many advantages when it comes to getting dental implants. Continue reading to learn about them all.

Implants Look Like Real Teeth

Implants feel and look like real teeth. Having them fused to your jawbone ensures they don’t shift or move. This is a permanent solution that will continue to look attractive over time with the proper care.

Improve Your Speech

Missing teeth can cause your speech to sound impaired. Having those spaces filled with implants will enable you to speak clearly again. If you were to choose dentures, one little slip can make it hard to talk. Implants stay secure making it much easier to speak.

Chew Better with Implants

Just like with speaking, implants can improve chewing. Chewing can be difficult when you are missing teeth or trying to wear dentures. Implants function like real teeth and make it much easier to chew like you should, to digest food easily.

Are You a Good Candidate for Implants?

If you have healthy gums and a healthy jawbone, you are a good candidate for implants. Many patients have stated they feel very little pain or discomfort going through the implant procedure. Local anesthesia is what makes the entire process as comfortable as can be. Soreness afterward is typically treated with pain relievers that can be purchased over the counter.

Schedule an Appointment

Improve your smile and replace missing teeth with dental implants. Schedule an appointment to learn more about implants. This restorative treatment is one of the best ways to get your beautiful smile back.

There are numerous reasons why you should consider getting dental implants. They have been used for more than 30 years, and they offer the strongest and most natural alternative for missing and decayed teeth. Nonetheless, dental implants are not for everyone. Are you unsure about whether you are a suitable candidate for dental implants? Before you seek dental care services, here are some questions you may want to ask your local dentist about them.

1. What Are the Alternatives to Dental Implants?

Dental implants are an excellent way to replace missing or decayed teeth. However, there are other options, such as veneers, dentures, and crowns. Ask your family dentist what option is suitable for you. While dental implants are often the best option, they may not be suitable for you.

2. What is the Lifespan of Dental Implants?

The longevity of implants depends on several factors, such as the material used and oral hygiene. Some implants have a short lifespan, while others can last a lifetime. If you are considering getting dental implants, ask your dentist how long they will last. Additionally, inquire about what you can do to extend their lifespan.

3. How Painful is the Process?

Some patients experience discomfort during the procedure. Before you sign up for it, ask your dentist what will be done to make the procedure more comfortable and alleviate pain afterward. Often, the pain experienced afterward can be reduced with over-the-counter painkillers.

4. How Long Have You Been Placing Implants?

Implant placement is a sensitive procedure. To give you peace of mind, find out the about dentist’s experience. Inquire about how long they have been placing implants, the number of procedures they have done, and their training. Ideally, the dentist should be a certified prosthodontist.

5. Do You Have Any References?

While asking about the experience is a great way to assess whether your dentist is skilled at carrying out the procedure, it is not always the best way. The best dentists will usually have a portfolio of work done. Additionally, they’ll be more than glad to give you references for consideration.

6. How Successful is the Procedure?

Dental implants have a relatively high success rate, and many patients successfully get them. But some patients reject them. Some patients are allergic to the metal used to make implants. However, this is rare. Before you seek dental care services, find out if your body may be sensitive to the materials used in implants.

7. How Much Will It Cost?

Finally, before you get implants, please find out how much they will cost. The cost of the procedure usually differs from one dentist to another. Also, before you pay for the procedure out of pocket, find out whether your dental insurance plan covers the procedure. Some insurers may cover part of the cost and, in some cases, even the entire cost.

Dental Care Services in Lowell, MA

Overall, dental implants are a great way to replace missing or decayed teeth. Plus, if you have a missing or decayed tooth, they can reduce your risk of contracting gum disease and losing more teeth.

Have more questions about dental implants? Contact Lowell Dental Arts today to learn more and schedule an appointment.