Dental Implants in Boston
Boston Dental Implants
Dental implants are an important part of our practice and an important aspect of dentistry, as they are the best option for replacing missing teeth, and are one of the most successful treatments.
Why are dental implants important today?
Seventy percent of the U.S. population is missing at least one tooth. Missing teeth can be a result of genetics, decay, or periodontal problems. In the past, options for missing teeth were limited to removable dentures or fixed bridges. Today, placing implants in areas of missing teeth has become the best choice for patient comfort and long-term success.
Replacing a missing tooth with an implant is considered the best option for the following reasons:
- Implants with restorations are more aesthetic than gaps caused by missing teeth.
- Chewing function is restored.
- Bone loss is prevented.
Implants are placed on patients from teenage years until well beyond retirement. Placing implants on seniors is common because aging has a direct correlation with tooth loss. Seniors no longer settle for living with removable dentures or gaps between their teeth, and they want to retain the chewing function and aesthetics that they are accustomed to living with.
What is an dental implant?
There are three parts that compose an implant. The implant is the screw that goes into the bone. The abutment is the part which connects the implant to the crown. A cosmetic dentistry crown is placed on top of the abutment to look and feel like a natural tooth.
Implants are made of titanium, because it is lightweight and durable, and integrates into the bone well. It is the same material that is used in orthopedic joint replacements.
Who is a candidate for dental implants?
Many of our patients are candidates for Boston dental implants. Patients with medical conditions are usually okay, as long as the condition is controlled. For example, diabetics are permitted to receive implants as long as their blood sugar is controlled.
Adequate bone must be available in the area of the implant for it to be successful. Within the first year that a tooth is extracted, there is an average of 30% loss of bone width and a 4mm loss in bone height due to lack of stimulation. The rate of bone loss decreases after the first year, but bone continues to be lost throughout life. Through procedures such as sinus lifts and bone grafting, we can create healthy bone for the implant to be placed in.
How does the implant process work?
Initially, an i-CAT scan will be taken to determine the amount of bone present and the surrounding anatomy. For your convenience, this scan can be completed in our office in an open environment. Boston dental implant surgeries are completed by Dr. Stuparich in a sterile field in our office. During the surgery, patients are generally sedated in order to be more comfortable.
After the implant is placed into the bone, a certain amount of time must pass for the bone to osseointegrate, or become part of the jaw bone, usually about four to six months for implants on the upper jaw and three to four months for the lower jaw. After the appropriate healing time, a cosmetic dentistry crown is attached to the implant to look and feel like a natural tooth.