Category Archives: Dental Implants

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. Including dental implant surgery options.

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 at Lowell Dental Arts 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?

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 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 Dental Implants 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.

Statistics from the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research show that 92% of adults between 20 to 64 have had dental caries on their permanent teeth. 26% of them still live with untreated decay. Dental implant procedures are excellent options for replacing missing or decayed teeth.

A dental implant refers to an artificial tooth root lodged deep into the jawbone through surgery to support a dental crown. It can hold a single prosthetic tooth or a series of teeth in place. The result is an artificial tooth that looks, feels, and functions like a normal tooth. It can give you back your beautiful smile.

Here are three vital tips to help you find the right dental implants for a healthy mouth.

1. Choose an Experienced Dentist

The success of dental implant surgery is partly pegged on the expertise of the dentist carrying it out. Inexperienced dentists can damage your nerves or implant drills that cause constant bleeding and swelling. The best dentist qualifies to perform the surgical procedure and has the right credentials to back it up.

Find out their level of training and the dental school that they attended. Inquire about the number of implant operations that they have done within the past year. What is the local dentist’s success rate? You can easily find this information online from their website and other review sites. Read through the comments and testimonials about past patients’ experiences after the surgeries.

2. Pick the Right Dental Implant

First, you may need to determine whether you qualify for dental implants. The dentist in Lowell, MA, will schedule a consultation where they can inspect your bone and oral health. You can discuss your medical history, identifying conditions that can affect the type of dental implant that you pick.

There are generally three types of dental implants-endosteal, subperiosteal and zygomatic techniques. Endosteal implants are inserted directly into the jaw bone. It is considered the safest method but takes the longest period to heal (four to six months.)

Subperiosteal dental implant rests under your gum tissue, on top of your bone. It is ideal for patients with shallow jawbones, with healing taking around one to three months. Zygomatic dental implants are the most complex, with the metal base fixed on your cheekbones. Healing may take two to four months.

Your family dentist can advise you on the best option for you, depending on your bone strength and oral health.

3. Factor in The Cost

Before settling for your dental implants, you may need to factor in the dental implant costs. The procedure is often fully-customized, with the expenses varying on a case-to-case basis. The New York Times states that the average cost of dental implants is between $3000 to $4500.

Discuss with your dentists the different types of dental implants available and their estimated costs. Your insurance plan may cover the cost or part of the surgical expenses. Reach out to your insurance agent to find out what’s covered under your plan. You can also discuss a flexible repayment plan with your dentists.

Schedule an Appointment Today /h3>

Dental implants are excellent solutions to decayed or missing teeth. Lowell Dental Arts can help you get your smile back by offering affordable dental care services. To learn more about dental implant solutions available for you, call us today.

When you need to remedy permanent teeth loss due to an injury, dental implants are the most viable solution. An implant is made of mostly titanium and has a design that mimics the root of the tooth. Modern dental implants have been utilized for more than three decades to provide a strong alternative to teeth. The procedure requires the skill of a qualified dentist to complete successfully. Here are a few things you need to know before going for an implant procedure.

Purpose of Dental Implants

Missing teeth may be responsible for a host of physical, mental, and social problems. A missing tooth can impair your ability to speak and will make you self-conscious. Multiple missing teeth can actually interfere with your pronunciation. Luckily, dental implants can help resolve these problems.

Dental implants are an ideal alternative for wearing dentures. Additionally, the titanium base is designed to fuse with the gums, which prevents the deterioration of the gum line. When you are missing one or more teeth, the underlying bone can weaken due to dormancy. Dental implants stimulate the bone and can prevent resorption.

Risk Factors

Just like with any procedure, the surgery to place implants has risks. A dental care professional will evaluate you to determine if you are fit for surgery.

Individuals with diabetes are not qualified as their teeth would take a long time to heal, and one is generally more susceptible to infections. The jaws of young children are still growing, making them unsuitable for surgery. Smoking is another risk factor that may interfere with recovery.

Initial Consultation

The procedure to get modern dental implants starts with an initial dental consultation. You’ll get the opportunity to discuss details about the surgery with a dental care services provider. The dentist will take x-rays of your gum to develop a custom implant. It is at this stage that the dentist informs you about your specific risks and much more.

The Procedure

The procedure takes place in a dental office on an outpatient basis. You will undergo surgery carried out by a team of dental professionals with experience in oral surgery. Depending on the condition of your oral health, your gums may need preparation. A dentist may propose bone grafting to ensure your gumline is healthy.

Your family dentist will make an incision to place the dental implant root on the gums. After the placement, the incision is covered and allowed to heal. You will be requested to go back for follow-up treatment.

The Recovery Period

It is worth noting that different people will recover at varying rates. Some patients may have dental implants and teeth placed in one procedure. For others, the gums may take months before the placement of replacement teeth.

However, it is always advisable to go for all the follow-up treatments. When you have oral care problems during recovery, your local dentist can address the problem as it arises. You’ll also get advice on the medication, diet, and lifestyle habits that can impact your recovery.

Bottom-Line

You’ll need to adapt to new lifestyle habits to ensure a smooth recovery. Tobacco products, hard candy, and sugary foods are some of the things your dentist will ask you to avoid. Dental hygiene is also crucial during this period. Even though implants cannot decay, they can still be a factor in the spread of periodontal disease.