The Dental Implant Process

Male patient in dental chair, female dentist

Dental implants in Boston are far and away the most popular option to replace missing teeth because they have huge advantages over dentures. Implants don’t require high maintenance like dentures (creams, regular fittings, and special cleaning requirements), they last as long as you do, and they look, feel, and function just like natural teeth. So how do you get dental implants? Let’s take a look at the process.

Initial examination

When you first come to Dental Partners of Boston, we’ll look at the sites of your missing teeth and examine them to ensure that your gums, surrounding teeth, and jaw bones are healthy enough to receive implants. You’ll usually need an x-ray so we can see the shape and density of the jawbone in the area. These scans also help us place the implant in the right spot to ensure a proper bite.

Preparation

If we have concerns about the odds of implant success, we might need to go through a period of preparation before placing an implant. This may mean bone grafts to strengthen the jaw or periodontal treatment to reduce the chance of infection or implant rejection.

Surgery

Once you have the green light, you’ll schedule time to have the implant placed. The implant itself is a titanium screw-topped with an abutment and crown. The periodontist inserts the implant into your jawbone, which encourages the bone to grow around it and fix it in place. The doctor inserts the screw first, then the abutment. The crown tops off the implant to make it look just like a real tooth.

Post-surgery

After surgery, there’s a healing period of a few days during which you’ll notice some swelling and pain at the implant site. Depending on your pain tolerance and the advice of your doctor, you may receive pain medication. The osseointegration process continues for the next few months. Once finished, your implant is ready to stay with you for life.

The implant process can be long, but when finished, we promise you’ll be happy with the way your new tooth looks. The best part about an implant is the fact that no one, aside from a dentist, can tell that it’s not real. And as long as you brush and floss regularly, your implant will last as long as you do.

If you have any more questions about the process, please contact Dental Partners of Boston today. We’re more than happy to answer your questions about the most advanced modern tooth replacement option in the world.

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