Cambridge Family Dentistry provides dental implants in Cambridge, MA. Call 617-868-7479 or contact us today to learn more and schedule an appointment.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are a replacement option for teeth that are missing or can’t be saved. A dental implant is a titanium post that is surgically placed in the jaw. It fuses with the bone to form a solid bond that provides support for a dental prosthetic. One implant can replace a single tooth and multiple implants can support a bridge or dentures.
Benefits of Dental Implants
Dental implant surgery offers a wide range of benefits:
- Natural function. Because of the strong bond they form with the jaw bone, dental implants provide the bite and chewing strength of a natural tooth.
- Natural appearance. Dental implants look natural because they are anchored in the jaw like a natural tooth.
- Versatility. Dental implants can replace anywhere from one to all of your teeth. They can support a single crown, a bridge, or dentures.
- Prevents bone loss. The presence of the implant in the jaw prevents the bone from weakening and resorbing (dissolving) as it would eventually do in the absence of a natural tooth and root for improved oral health.
- Prevents damage to existing teeth. An implant provides its own support for the prosthetic, which prevents damage to the existing surrounding teeth. Partial dentures and bridges that are supported by healthy teeth will eventually cause damage to the support teeth.
Types of Dental Implants We Offer
We provide the following types of implant restorations:
Single Tooth Dental Implants
A single tooth dental implant restoration has three parts: the implant itself (a small biocompatible metal anchor that is placed in the jawbone), an abutment that attaches to the implant, and a dental crown. Because the implant is fused to the bone in a process called osseointegration, the result is a stable, permanent replacement for tooth loss.
Implant-Supported Bridges
When three or more adjacent teeth are missing, we can replace them all with a single restorative solution called an implant-supported bridge. Two dental implants replace the outermost missing teeth and act as anchors for a porcelain bridge. Implant-supported bridges restore function and appearance without compromising healthy teeth like a traditional bridge.
What are the advantages of an implant supported bridge?
Because of the natural look and feel of the porcelain and the functional stability provided by the implants, implant supported bridges are an effective solution to replace multiple missing teeth.
A traditional bridge uses teeth on either side of the gap where there is tooth loss for support. An implant supported bridge uses two or more dental implants rather than the adjacent teeth. When a bridge uses natural teeth for attachment, the natural teeth must be prepped for crowns and are then subject to increased stress which may be damaging - particularly if the existing tooth, roots, or surrounding bone structure are already compromised. A dental implant supported bridge replaced your missing teeth and avoids putting any additional stress on your natural teeth.
Implant-Supported Dentures
If you are missing many or all of your teeth, implant-supported dentures offer a more natural, functional replacement than traditional dentures. There’s no messy denture adhesives involved—instead, implant-supported dentures are attached to dental implants for better stability. Partial dentures require the placement of at least two dental implants, while a full-arch denture needs a minimum of four dental implants. Implant-supported dentures can be fixed or removable (also known as snap-on dentures).
Why should I consider implant-supported dentures over traditional dentures?
This technique offers many advantages over traditional dentures.
Easy to care for, this solution can simulate the look and feel of natural teeth and stay fixed in place with the implants acting as anchors. Patients will not experience the typical rocking and movement or gum irritation associated with dentures.
Dental implant placement can also help alleviate the sunken look that can occur with bone loss in the jaw by stimulating bone growth in the area around the implant. This process can also help prevent future bone loss.
All-on-4® Treatment Concept
The All-on-4® treatment concept is a unique implant solution that allows patients missing all of their upper or lower teeth to replace a full arch of teeth using only 4 implants as “anchors.”
Easy to care for, the All-On-4® treatment concept can simulate the look and feel of natural teeth and stay fixed in place with the implants acting as anchors. Patients will not experience the typical rocking, movement, or gum irritation associated with dentures. Patients can often leave the same day with a full arch of teeth, reducing overall cost and healing time.
Dental implant placement can help alleviate the sunken look that can occur with bone loss in the jaw by stimulating bone growth in the area around the implant. This process is called osseointegration and can also help prevent future bone loss.
With the All-on-4® treatment concept, there is no plate covering the roof of the mouth, so speaking and eating are more natural and comfortable than with a traditional denture.
All-on-4® is a trademark of Nobel Biocare Services AG.
Are You a Good Candidate for Implants?
If you have one or more teeth that are missing or can’t be saved with restorative procedures, you may be a good candidate for dental implants. The biggest factor is the condition of the jaw in the location where the implants are needed. If the bone has weakened or dissolved, it may not be ready to support an implant. Bone grafting can help to thicken the bone and encourage regeneration of the bone tissue so that dental implants can be placed. A brief evaluation can determine your eligibility for implants.
Why Choose Cambridge Family Dentistry?
We keep up to date with current technology in all aspects of our dental services, and dental implants are just one example. Dental implants are the highest quality tooth replacement technology available in dentistry. It provides replacement teeth that look and function as closely as possible to your natural teeth.
Our family friendly atmosphere helps patients of all ages feel comfortable. We treat your family like family, with a warm greeting and compassionate care. Whether you come in for routine appointments or special procedures, we make sure you feel at home.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Implants
Are implant supported dentures better than traditional dentures?
There are many advantages of implant supported dentures over traditional dentures. They are more secure, staying in place when you eat and talk with no adhesives necessary. Implant supported dentures won’t pinch or irritate your gums, making them more comfortable as well.
What are the advantages of an implant-supported bridge?
Traditional dental bridges are supported by adjacent teeth on either side of the teeth being replaced. In order to anchor the bridge, these teeth must be filed down and have crowns affixed to them. This places stress on the supporting teeth, which can lead to damage. An implant-supported bridge places no stress on adjacent teeth because it needs no external support—instead, it’s held in place by dental implants.
How long do dental implants last?
Once the implant fuses with the bone, the bond can last a lifetime. The prosthetic portion of your restoration may need to be replaced over time due to wear and damage, but the implant itself should not.
How painful is a dental implant?
During the dental implant placement procedure, the area where we’re working will be numbed, so you won’t feel any pain during the surgery. Afterwards, you are likely to experience tenderness, swelling, and discomfort. Most patients describe dental implant placement as less painful than recovery from a tooth extraction.
Can I get new teeth in one day?
Most dental implant restorations require multiple appointments, but the All-on-4 treatment concept is designed to be done in one day. A brief evaluation can determine whether or not you are a candidate for All-on-4.
Do dental implants require surgery?
The implant placement procedure is considered to be minor oral surgery because gum and bone tissue displacement is required. However, it is minimally invasive and can be done under local anesthesia in most cases. Sedation options are available upon request.
What is the success rate of dental implants?
When properly placed, dental implants have a 98% success rate. A key factor in the success and longevity of dental implants is follow-up care and oral hygiene. Be sure to follow your dentist’s instructions to care for your implants after placement. Avoid smoking and tobacco products. Brush your teeth twice a day and floss daily.
The Benefits & Importance of Dental Implants
Want to know more about why you should choose dental implants?
Contact Us
To learn more, call 617-868-7479 or contact us today to schedule an appointment.