Cosmetic Dentist Wellesley    Paul R. Chalifoux, DDS,  277 Linden Street,  Wellesley, MA 02482  781-235-1747 

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IMPLANTS

Often, implants are preferred over fixed bridges because natural adjacent teeth are not damaged making their long term prognosis better. A dental implant is an artificial tooth root that is osteointegrated (bone joins to it) into your jaw. Permanent replacement teeth are joined to implants appearing and functioning like your own teeth. Often, implants are preferred over fixed bridges because natural adjacent teeth are not damaged making their long term prognosis better.

The modern day implant has been done for over forty years with great success. The jaw must have enough bone to place implants and a patient should be in good health. Diabetes, smoking, and other systemic diseases can limit implant success. Proper brushing, flossing and maintenance procedures are critical to maintaining gum and bone health that support implants.

If teeth are extracted, bone must fill the space where the tooth was prior to placing an implant. Healing can be six months or more before bone is dense enough to accept an implant. Placing the implant is a surgical procedure done with just local anesthesia.

Healing of bone into the implant requires three to six months and after the implant is exposed through the gums, restoration can take an additional three to eight weeks.

Since implants involve surgery and are more involved, they cost more than traditional bridge work. However, some dental procedures and portions of the restoration may be covered by dental and medical insurance policies. Your dentist can help you with this process.