Address

1 River Place, Lowell, MA 01852

Phone

(978) 458-1114

Hours

Mon-Thu: 7:30 AM - 6 PM
Fri: 7:30 AM - 4 PM
Request An Appointment

Category Archives: Dental Restoration

  HomeLowell Dental Arts  |  Blog  |  Dental Restoration
Top Options for Replacing Missing Teeth
Author Lowell Dental Arts Categories Dental Restoration

Top Options for Replacing Missing Teeth

Lowell, MA – Missing teeth can be a source of embarrassment, but it can also impede on your daily life. It can be difficult to eat and speak properly and can cause other dental issues. Luckily, there are so many options today to replace missing teeth. Ranging from dental implants to dentures, there is an option that is right for you. Dr. Thakore of Lowell Dental Arts explains some of the most common options to replace missing teeth.

Dental implants

Dental implants have become the gold standard when it comes to replacing teeth. They are the most stable, and the most natural looking and functioning option. Implants are small titanium screws that are affixed directly into your jawbone to act as a tooth root would. Then, a replacement tooth, or crown, is affixed to it. Because the implant goes directly into the jaw, it is as stable as a natural tooth would be.

Dental implants are an excellent option because they can prevent future bone loss, function just as natural teeth do, and there is no impact to the surrounding teeth. However, the procedure is a surgical procedure and requires several months of healing in between steps.

Dental bridges

Dental bridges can be used to replace one or more missing teeth. They consist of a false tooth or teeth that are anchored in place to crowns placed on the adjacent teeth. Dental bridges are more affordable than implants, however, they require the surrounding teeth to be fitted with crowns that the bridge can attach to. Bridges can properly restore function and aesthetics to your smile but may need to be replaced every 10-15 years.

Partial dentures

Partial dentures are a very cost-effective way to replace missing teeth. They consist of a base that is made to look like your gums with fake teeth attached. They fit directly over your gums to replace any missing teeth. They can be removed to properly clean. Dentures are not only cost-effective, but they are less invasive than either implants or bridges. However, they may not feel as stable in the mouth and may require periodic adjustments.

Complete dentures

Complete dentures replace an entire arch of teeth that are missing. They are custom created for every patient to fit as snugly and securely as possible. They are the most affordable option for replacing a full arch or mouth of teeth and are less invasive than other options.

Implant-supported dentures

Implant-supported dentures provide the stability of implants with the ease of dentures. The dentures are anchored to implants that are inserted directly into the jawbone. This makes them as stable as possible and will help preserve the jawbone. Implant-supported dentures are more expensive than traditional dentures and do require the same surgical implant procedure as traditional dental implants.

So, how can you know which tooth replacement option is right for you? The experienced team at Lowell Dental Arts, led by Dr. Thakore, is here to help. Our goal is to restore your smile to proper function, aesthetics, and health, while also considering your personal preferences and needs.

After a consultation, we’ll discuss which options we believe will be best to restore your smile and help you understand the process and costs involved. And our caring team will be with you every step of the way.

If you’re ready to see how we can help you return your smile to optimal health and beauty, call us today at 978-506-0027.

How Much Does a Root Canal Cost in Lowell, MA?
Author Lowell Dental Arts Categories Dental Restoration

How Much Does a Root Canal Cost in Lowell, MA?

Lowell, MA – Root canals are important dental procedures that can save broken, infected, or severely decayed teeth and prevent further damage. The procedure involves removing a damaged nerve (dental pulp) from within the root of a tooth and thoroughly cleaning and sealing off the space left behind. Root canals can preserve a natural tooth and prevent future pain. If you end up need one, you’re probably wondering how much a root canal is going to cost. Dr. Thakore of Lowell Dental Arts explains the costs involved in a root canal and factors that can contribute to the final price.

The average cost for a root canal in Lowell, MA is around $1,600 without dental insurance. But there are several factors to consider when looking at your cost. They include:

Factors Affect a Root Canal’s Cost

The location of the tooth. Teeth that are more difficult to reach may be more expensive to treat. Molars also tend to have multiple branches of nerves that need to be cleaned and filled, requiring more time.

The extent of your issue and variable size and structure of your particular tooth. The more complex your procedure is, the higher the cost will be.

Your location. Areas with higher living costs will have higher costs for resources like dental care. That means your root canal can be more expensive in a more highly populated and expensive area of the country.

Experience of your dental team. The more experienced and skilled your dental team performing the root canal, the higher your costs can be. However, you are paying for their knowledge. With a highly skilled dental team, you can rest easy knowing your smile is in excellent hands.

The dental crown. After your root canal procedure, you will typically require a dental crown to cover the tooth. When the nerve is removed during a root canal procedure, the tooth is hollowed out in the cleaning process, rendering it a bit more fragile and brittle. A crown will cover the entire chewing surface of the tooth, helping to prevent any fractures to the tooth. Crowns alone can cost anywhere from $800 to $3,000.

Your dental insurance. If you have dental insurance that covers dental crowns, you can see the portion that you owe significantly decrease after the cost of the root canal is subtracted from your allowance for the year. Even the best insurance plans may not cover the entire cost of the root canal or crown, and allotted yearly maximums vary.

There may be other components to a root canal procedure that may or may not be included in the cost. This includes x-rays, a physical exam and consultation, anesthesia, and the root canal procedure itself. 

Do I really need a root canal?

Root canals are common procedures, saving millions of teeth every year. If a root canal is recommended, it is important that you follow through with the procedure.

Root canals can:

  • Treat infection. If you have a tooth that has cracked or become badly decayed, bacteria can reach into the nerve within the root of the tooth. This can lead to infection. A root canal cleans out all of the infected nerve and then seals the area to prevent any future infection.
  • Relieve pain. Infected nerves can cause severe tooth pain. By properly cleaning and sealing the tooth and its roots, your dental team can relieve pain and prevent future issues from reappearing.
  • Preserve your natural tooth. After treating the infection and sealing it, the natural tooth can be saved. You may require a crown to cover the tooth, but you will not have to undergo a tooth extraction. Saving your natural tooth also ensures proper chewing and bite force, while saving your surrounding teeth from excess wear and strain.
  • Prevent further complications. If an infected tooth isn’t treated, the infection can spread. This can lead to abscesses and more health problems.
  • Improve oral health. Root canals can ensure the future health of your smile and prevent future oral health issues, such as additional infections, from occurring.

How do I know if I need a root canal?

Root canals can repair a tooth that has been cracked or severely decayed. For some patients, these issues may not cause immediate problems, but it is still important to have a decayed or cracked tooth looked at. Other patients may have symptoms indicating they could benefit from a root canal. Those symptoms include:

  • Severe pain, especially when eating
  • Random, throbbing pain within a particular tooth
  • Lingering sensitivity to temperature changes in the mouth
  • Tiny pimples on the gums
  • Swollen or tender gums
  • Change in color of the gums, such as darkening
  • Bad taste in the mouth

If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to be seen by a dental professional as soon as possible.

At Lowell Dental Arts, our team is adept in treating cracked or damaged teeth with root canals. We can help you restore the look and function of your smile; while removing infection and insuring you are pain-free. Call Lowell Dental Arts today at 978-506-0027 if you believe you may need a root canal.

Lowell Dental Arts