100 Amesbury Street, Lawrence, MA 01840

Implant Dentistry

If you're missing teeth, it can impact much more than just your smile—it can also affect your ability to speak and chew with ease.

Dental Implants: A Comprehensive Guide

Dental implants represent a cutting-edge solution for replacing missing teeth. Unlike traditional dentures or bridges, dental implants offer a permanent fix that mimics the look, feel, and function of natural teeth. At Epident, we specialize in implant dentistry and are dedicated to providing our patients with top-tier care and advanced dental solutions.

Understanding Dental Implants

A dental implant is essentially an artificial tooth root, typically made from biocompatible materials like titanium or zirconia. These materials integrate seamlessly with the jawbone, providing a stable foundation for the placement of crowns, bridges, or dentures. This integration process, known as osseointegration, ensures that your new teeth remain securely in place.

Implants are particularly advantageous because they help preserve bone structure and prevent facial sagging, which can occur when teeth are missing for extended periods. They also eliminate the discomfort and inconvenience associated with removable dentures, such as slippage or irritation.

The Types of Dental Implants

Dental implants come in various types to cater to different needs. The most common include:

  • Single-tooth implant: Ideal for replacing a single missing tooth, this type of implant supports an individual crown.
  • Implant-supported bridges: These are used when multiple teeth are missing. They provide support for a bridge without the need to prepare or crown adjacent natural teeth.
  • Full arch replacement with four or six implants: This option is suitable for patients who have lost all their upper or lower teeth. It involves placing four or six implants to support a full set of replacement teeth, offering a fixed and stable solution that looks and functions like natural teeth.
  • Implant-retained dentures: These dentures attach to strategically placed implants, providing added stability and retention. They eliminate the need for messy adhesives and offer greater comfort and confidence while eating or speaking.

The Benefits of Dental Implants

Dental implants offer numerous benefits over traditional tooth replacement methods:

  • Natural appearance: With precise placement and custom-crafted crowns, implants look and feel just like natural teeth.
  • Durability: Implants are designed to last for many years with proper care, making them a long-term solution.
  • Bone preservation: Unlike other methods, dental implants stimulate the jawbone, preventing bone loss and maintaining facial structure.
  • Improved function: Implants allow you to eat and speak normally without worrying about slippage or discomfort.

The Dental Implant Procedure

Getting dental implants involves several steps, each crucial for ensuring a successful outcome. The process typically includes the following stages:

  • Consultation and Planning: During your initial consultation at Epident, our skilled dentists will assess your oral health, discuss your treatment goals, and develop a personalized plan.
  • Implant Placement: The surgical placement of the implant is performed under local anesthesia. Once placed, the implant will be allowed to integrate with the jawbone over several months.
  • Healing and Osseointegration: This critical phase allows the implant to fuse with the surrounding bone, creating a solid foundation for the replacement tooth or teeth.
  • Abutment and Crown Placement: Once the implant has fully integrated, an abutment is attached to connect the implant to the crown. Finally, the custom-crafted crown is placed, completing your new smile.

The Dental Implant Process at Epident

At Epident, we prioritize patient comfort and satisfaction throughout every step of the dental implant process. Our state-of-the-art facilities and highly trained staff ensure that you receive the best possible care.

Our experienced team takes the time to explain each stage of the procedure, address any concerns, and provide detailed pre- and post-operative instructions. We are committed to making your experience as smooth and stress-free as possible.

Bone Grafting for Dental Implants

In some cases, patients may require a bone graft before implant placement. This procedure involves adding bone material to the jaw to strengthen it and provide adequate support for the implant. Bone grafting is often necessary if there has been significant bone loss due to periodontal disease or tooth extraction.

At Epident, our specialists are skilled in performing bone grafts using advanced techniques and materials. We ensure that your jawbone is prepared properly, increasing the success rate of your dental implants.

Caring for Your Dental Implants

Proper care and maintenance are essential to prolonging the lifespan of your dental implants. Just like natural teeth, implants require regular oral hygiene practices and professional check-ups.

To keep your implants in optimal condition:

  • Maintain good oral hygiene: Brush and floss regularly to prevent plaque buildup and gum disease.
  • Visit Epident for regular check-ups: Regular dental visits allow us to monitor the health of your implants and address any potential issues early on.

Restoring Your Smile with Confidence

Dental implants from Epident offer a transformative solution for missing teeth, restoring both function and aesthetics. Our commitment to excellence ensures that you receive top-quality care tailored to your unique needs.

Whether you're missing one tooth or all of them, our dental implant services can help you regain the confidence to smile, speak, and eat without worry. Contact us today to learn more about how Epident can help you achieve a healthier, more beautiful smile.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best method of replacing missing teeth? Are dental implants worth it?

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If you've lost a tooth due to injury, decay, gum disease, or any other reason, we recommend dental implants to replace missing teeth. Dental implants come the closest to replicating the look, feel, and function of your natural teeth.

Are dental implants painful?

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Dental implants are placed into the jawbone and mirror the same function as the root of a tooth. The procedure for dental implants is usually performed while a patient is sedated. Patients who undergo IV sedation must have an empty stomach and transportation home following the procedure. Most sedation patients will have little to no memory of the procedure occurring.

What are dental implants made of?

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Generally, dental implants are made out of a biocompatible metal such as titanium. Biocompatible metals are also used for other common bone implants (such as shoulder, hip, and knee replacements). The visible portion of the implant is usually made out of porcelain and is custom-made to match your existing teeth.

Are dental implants permanent?

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Dental implants are designed to fuse to the bone, which makes them become permanent fixtures. Typically speaking, the success rate is nearly 100%. There are few cases in which the implant will not fuse as intended and must be removed. If this happens to occur, the procedure can be attempted again a few months later.

Are dental implants expensive?

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Dental implants are not usually covered by dental insurance, but may be covered under a patient's medical insurance. Our office and your insurance company can discuss coverage options with you based on your individual case and treatment plan.

How do I care for my dental implants?

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It's easy... just take care of an implant as if it's a natural tooth! This involves regular brushing, flossing, and dental checkups. If you have any concerns about your implant, contact us immediately.

Epident, founded in 1997 by Dr. Randall Davis, is a premier family dental clinic serving the Greater Boston Area and New Hampshire. We combine advanced technology with a patient-centered approach, offering comprehensive dental care in a comfortable, modern environment.