We offer affordable dental implants in Worcester, MA. This treatment option is the most popular procedure for replacing lost teeth. Dental implants are considered the “gold standard” of tooth replacement. In fact, they are a large part of our restorative dental services. The dental implant procedure provides patients with a permanent, secure option that can last a lifetime. We will coordinate the surgical phase of your implant dentistry procedure with a local specialist and place the final restoration in our office.
The dental implant process involves three major steps: the planning phase, the surgical phase, and the placement phase. Our dentists will be with you through each phase of the procedure. Since it will include surgical procedures, we will monitor your progress with a local oral surgeon.
Benefits of Dental Implants
A dental implant can be used to replace a single lost tooth, anchor a dental appliance, or replace several lost teeth. Affordable dental implants from our dentists in Worcester, MA, offer patients several important dental and overall health benefits:
- Patients can eat a normal, varied diet without restriction
- Patients enjoy normal speech without fear of a slipping appliance
- No need for daily maintenance or adhesives
- Retains bone in the jaw, reducing jaw shrinkage and teeth shifting
How Long Do Dental Implants Last?
Dental implants don’t require any special maintenance. They are cared for just like natural teeth, requiring brushing and flossing to ensure plaque does not build up between the implant and the natural tooth.
The crown may require replacement after 10-15 years due to normal wear and tear, but this is a much simpler procedure and does not require full implant surgery. Mouth location is also a factor in how long implants last. Implants that replace molars are used to chew and grind food, which may cause them to wear out more quickly than implants in the front of the mouth.
Dental Implant vs. Bridge vs. Denture
All three of these restorations can replace missing teeth, but a dental implant is the only one that replaces the actual root structure of a tooth. This means that the prosthetic tooth (or teeth) is permanently fixed in the mouth. It does not require any support from neighboring teeth or the use of adhesives. The implanted titanium post acts as a tooth root and retains healthy bone growth.
It also supports a custom dental crown, which replaces the lost tooth and can secure a denture or dental bridge. Dental implants allow you to enjoy the same- or better– oral health that you had before losing your tooth. There is no need to change dietary or social habits due to a slipping dental appliance or embarrassment over a missing tooth. Patients today enjoy an over 95% success rate with dental implants.
Dental Implant FAQs
Read answers to common questions about dental implants:
Can a dental implant fail?
Dental implants provide a long-term, indefinite replacement for missing or damaged teeth when properly cared for, but there are several factors that can cause an implant to fail prematurely. Patients suffering from diabetes or other pre-existing medical conditions, such as cancer, have a higher risk of dental implant failure. Additionally, poor oral hygiene can lead to periodontal (gum) disease, which weakens the underlying jawbone and could cause the implant to become less stable.
How do I care for my dental implants?
The implants themselves do not require special care. As long as you keep your teeth and gums healthy, your implants should last a lifetime. You should follow your dentist’s instructions to properly care for the dental restoration. This is important because the restoration can suffer from wear and tear. Mouth location plays a role in how much wear and tear your restoration will endure. Generally speaking, a dental restoration can last up to 15 if cared for and does not suffer any trauma.
I have worn dentures for years. Can I still get dental implants?
Yes! It is never too late to consider dental implants. Although you may have significant bone loss, which will require a bone graft. If there is not enough bone present to secure the denture, you will undergo a bone graft, and once you are healed from that, we can continue with the implant process.
Schedule A Dental Exam Today
We will assess your dental health during a consultation and discuss your personal concerns and goals. We will only recommend the most suitable and effective treatment options. Our Worcester, MA, dentists believe the best outcome results from a doctor-patient partnership in your dental health care. Contact us at 508-590-9383, or schedule a dental visit online.