Getting dental implants in Framingham, MA doesn't have to feel intimidating. Read here for a patient's guide to dental implants to find out what you can expect.

Imagine losing your car keys or your phone. You wouldn't go on with your day without looking for a replacement. The same can be said of a missing tooth.

A missing tooth can alter your appearance, throw your bite out of alignment, and make you feel self-conscious. Instead, choose dental implants in Framingham, MA. Implants can restore the appearance and functionality of your smile before you experience complications.



Want to learn more? Read on for everything you need to know before scheduling your procedure!

What Are Dental Implants?

A dental implant is an artificial tooth root. It's surgically placed into your jawbone to function as an anchor for your tooth replacement (such as a crown or bridge).

Dental implants are made with titanium. Once fused with your living jawbone, it will become a permanent part of your mouth. Implants are surgically placed to ensure stability.

They're designed to match your natural teeth, which can ensure the implant becomes a seamless part of your smile. 

Dental Implant Options

The two most common types of dental implants are endosteal and subperiosteal implants. Endosteal implants are more common.

Endosteal implants resemble small screws. They're made from body-safe materials to ensure your body doesn't reject the implant. These implants are surgically placed deep within your jawbone.

A single implant can anchor one or multiple teeth. 

While endosteal means "in the bone," subperiosteal means "on the bone." Subperiosteal implants are used when you lack enough healthy jawbone to support an endosteal implant. Your dentist will place a subperiosteal implant under your gums instead of into the jawbone.

Before your dental implant procedure, discuss these dental implant options with your Framingham dentist. They can help you make an informed decision based on your health, needs, and goals. 

Benefits of Getting Dental Implants

Dental implants are durable and designed to resemble your natural teeth. Before getting dental implants, weigh the pros and cons with your dentist. Here are a few benefits to consider.

Durability

A titanium implant is considered the golden standard for tooth replacement. Dental implants last longer than alternative treatment options. They have a success rate of 97% for 10 years.

About 94% of dental implants last 15 years. In comparison, complete dentures last 10.1 years. Dental bridges need to be replaced every five to 15 years.

If you're searching for an option that offers longevity and convenience, consider dental implant surgery. 

Avoid Bone Loss

After you lose a tooth, the surrounding teeth may shift toward the gap. Your teeth could start to look crooked. Meanwhile, your jawbone will no longer receive the stimulation it needs.

Your body will start breaking down and absorbing your bone tissue. You could lose as much as 30% of the alveolar ridge (the part of your jawbone that contains the tooth socket) within six months.

A dental implant can preserve your alveolar ridge. It will provide your jawbone with the stimulation it needs, allowing you to avoid bone resorption.

Otherwise, jawbone deterioration can affect your appearance. Your cheeks will look sunken inward and wrinkles can form. You may look older than you actually are if you don't seek treatment.

Common cosmetic changes include:

• Bite misalignment
• Sunken appearance
• Sagging skin
• Wrinkles
• Collapsed cheeks

Visit your Framingham dentist before you begin experiencing these changes. They can install the dental implant to help you avoid facial changes.

Better Oral Health

A missing tooth could compromise your oral health. Plaque and bacteria will have more space to hide. Plaque can release acid, leading to tooth decay and gum disease.

Getting dental implants will close the gap in your smile. You'll have an easier time brushing, flossing, and maintaining good oral health. 

Natural Look

Your dentist can place a crown on top of your dental implant. The crown will look and feel natural among your existing teeth. 

An implant will function like your natural teeth, allowing you to chew and speak without issues. It can preserve your speech pattern by filling in holes caused by missing teeth. This changes how air passes through your mouth when you speak.

An implant can restore your biting force, making it easier to chew. Compared to traditional dentures, a dental implant will look and feel more like your existing teeth.

Restoring your smile with a dental implant can improve your quality of life. You won't have to feel self-conscious about missing a tooth. Instead, you can smile with the utmost confidence. 

The Dental Implant Procedure

Schedule a consultation appointment with your Framingham dentist to discuss the types of dental implants they offer. During this consultation appointment, your dentist will assess your oral health. They'll determine if you're an ideal candidate for treatment.

If you don't have sufficient jawbone volume to hold an implant, they may review other dental implant options. For example, they may recommend a bone grafting procedure or a subperiosteal implant.

Bone grafting and sinus lift procedures can add bone material to the treatment area. This can thicken your jawbone and encourage the regeneration of lost bone tissue. You can schedule treatment months in advance of your dental implant procedure.

During your dental implant surgery, your dentist will cut into your gums to reveal your jawbone. They'll surgically place the dental implant.

Over the next few months, the implant will fuse with your jawbone (a process called osseointegration). Osseointegration will ensure the implant remains stable.

During your next appointment, your dentist will attach an abutment to the dental implant. The abutment is a post that extends from the implant through your gums. Again, the gum tissue will need time to heal.



Finally, your dentist will attach a prosthetic, such as a porcelain crown, to the abutment. Though the initial surgery takes 90 minutes, this entire process can take six to 12 months. Talk to your dentist for a more accurate treatment timeline.

Request Dental Implants in Framingham, MA

One missing tooth can alter your appearance and compromise your oral health. Instead, consider getting dental implants in Framingham, MA. With treatment, you can restore your smile with a replacement that will last for years.

Want to discuss your dental implant options with a local dentist? Look no further than Atlantis Dental.



We have the experience and expertise to help you get the results you want! Contact us today to discuss your upcoming dental implant procedure.