Dental Implants – New Bedford, MA
Lay the Roots for a Better Smile
Traditional bridges and dentures are missing one key feature of natural teeth: roots. As such, they don’t quite have the same strength and stability of your original smile, nor do they perform all of its functions (such as keeping the jawbone healthy). Luckily, we can place dental implants in your jaw in order to act as the “roots” for prosthetic teeth. In other words, dental implants are the next best thing to having your natural teeth back! Call us today if you’re ready for the initial consultation to discuss tooth replacement with dental implants in New Bedford, MA.
Why Choose Sound Dentistry for Dental Implants?
- Board-Certified, Experienced Prosthodontist
- Dental Implants Can Be Placed Right Here
- Highly State-of-the-Art Dental Office
What are Dental Implants?
You might be surprised that a dental implant looks more like a metal screw than a tooth. That’s because the implant isn’t actually meant to be seen; instead, it’s placed in the jaw where it can fuse with the bone. The idea is that once the post has essentially become part of your body, a prosthetic such as a crown can be permanently attached to it. Most of the time, dental implants will be made out of titanium, a highly biocompatible metal.
The Dental Implant Process
While dental implants require a unique multi-step process to receive, it’s more than worth it thanks to the benefits they provide, especially compared to bridges and dentures. Over the several-month-long treatment, you’ll complete specific phases of care, all of which play an essential role in the longevity and functionality of your tooth replacement. At Sound Dentistry, we’re able to keep the entire process in-house for your convenience, so feel free to learn how it works ahead of your initial consultation!
Initial Dental Implant Consultation
Our experienced periodontist will perform a detailed examination of your mouth in order to determine key aspects about your future treatment. This includes how many dental implants are required to rebuild your smile and what preparations need to be made to ensure a successful implantation, including bone grafts, periodontal therapy, or other similar procedures. We’ll discuss your options following this exam as well as provide an opportunity for you to ask questions before setting up an appointment for your surgery.
Dental Implant Surgery
A minor surgery is required to place the implant posts into the jawbone. Thanks to the expertise of Dr. Govostes, this phase of your care can be performed in-house without you having to visit a separate specialist. After opening the gums and creating a tiny hole inside your bone tissue large enough to accommodate the implant, we’ll carefully place it into the open socket, then stitch the gum tissue closed so it can begin to heal. We’ll make sure to maximize as much bone tissue as possible to ensure a secure fit, especially if you intend to receive a more complex restoration (such as an implant denture).
Dental Implant Osseointegration & Abutment
After a few months pass, the implants will have joined with the jawbone. This process is known as osseointegration and is the most important factor in providing a tooth replacement that is durable and long-lasting. Thanks to the biocompatible nature of the titanium making up the implant post, you can expect it to integrate safely and effectively with your jawbone. Once the post is safely integrated, an abutment can then be put in place. This component is designed to provide ample foundation to your future restoration.
Delivery of Dental Implant Restoration(s)
Following the placement of the abutment, a few more weeks are set aside for the gum tissue to heal around it. From there, you’ll be asked to come back to our office so impressions can be taken. These molds are used to design the restoration that will eventually be attached to the implant via the abutment. At your final appointment, we’ll attach the restoration and make sure it feels comfortable in your mouth. If your bite feels uneven or other adjustments have to be made, we’ll make them before you leave.
Benefits of Dental Implants
How will getting dental implants change your life for the better? Simply put, they offer so many advantages that you wouldn’t see in other restorations due to the fact that they replace the root in addition to the crown. These advantages make dental implants the treatment of choice for patients and dentists alike. Below is a brief outline of the benefits that you’ll notice on a daily basis as well as the benefits you’ll notice regarding your health and the long-term.
Day-to-Day Benefits
You use your teeth every day without even thinking about it. As such, the quality of the restoration that you use to replace them can make all the difference in the world. With dental implants, you’ll enjoy these advantages every day:
- Improved Confidence: Dental implants look and feel like real teeth, and they don’t slip while you’re chewing and talking. This can help you feel more confident about smiling in front of others or eating in public.
- No Diet Limitations: Dentures usually require you to make some compromises in your diet. In contrast, dental implants are nearly as strong as your natural teeth and can handle most foods, letting you enjoy all of your favorite meals again.
- Easy Maintenance: Taking care of dental implants isn’t that much different than taking care of real teeth. You simply have to practice optimal oral hygiene and attend regular dental checkups in order to keep your new smile clean and healthy.
- Versatility: Compared to other tooth replacement options, dental implants can be used in many different situations. Whether you’ve lost just one tooth or an entire arch, you can fill in the empty space with an implant-retained solution.
Health Benefits
Dental implants interface with your jawbone, which allows them to provide a number of health benefits.
- Enhanced Chewing Strength: The stability and strength of dental implants is what allows them to chew so many different foods. Being able to maintain a varied diet makes it easier to stay healthy.
- No Bone Loss: The process of resorption begins once your body determines that parts of your jawbone are no longer being used. But if dental implants are placed, they’ll encourage the body to maintain the area instead, thus preventing bone loss.
- Improved Oral Health: Placing dental implants prevents the adjacent teeth from shifting towards the gap, thus keeping your entire smile properly aligned. They also help prevent food and bacteria from accumulating in the gap and causing gum disease.
Long-Term Benefits
Dental implants will continue to benefit your smile for years to come thanks to these advantages:
- Longer Lifespan: When well-maintained, dental implants can last for decades. The estimate is usually over 30 or 35 years, but it’s not unusual for them to last a lifetime.
- High Success Rate: The success rate of dental implants remains extremely high even 10 or 20 years after the initial placement.
- A Youthful Appearance: Because dental implants help maintain a strong, healthy jaw, it can prevent the deterioration that leads to a sunken, aged look. As a result, you’ll maintain a more youthful appearance over the long term.
Who Dental Implants Can Help
Almost anyone who has lost at least one tooth can be considered a dental implant candidate. While it’s true that bone loss, gum disease, and other conditions can often serve as an obstacle to the surgery, such issues can often be addressed via a variety of procedures. We can discuss your candidacy for dental implants at your initial consultation. Implants are extremely versatile and can be used to replace any number of teeth, as detailed below.
Missing One Tooth
It only takes one implant to replace a single tooth. A crown made of porcelain or another tooth-colored material will be attached to the post once your mouth has healed, giving your new tooth a highly natural feel and appearance. In fact, some patients even occasionally forget which tooth was replaced!
Missing Multiple Teeth
A dental bridge can be used to replace multiple teeth in a row, but traditionally this means making permanent alterations to the natural teeth that are still in the mouth. However, if three or more consecutive teeth have been lost, your bridge can be supported by a pair of implants so that you can save as much of the natural dental structure remaining in your mouth as possible.
Missing All of Your Teeth
When you have lost all of your teeth, it’s possible to replace them all at once with 4 to 8 implant posts. When a denture is resting on implants instead of the gums, it does not slip, and it typically doesn’t have to be removed in order to be cleaned.
Understanding the Cost of Dental Implants
There are plenty of questions to ask when trying to figure out the overall cost of dental implants in New Bedford. We’ll spend your initial consultation gathering the information we need to give you a reliable estimate of the final cost. We can also discuss how dental insurance and financing can make it easier to afford dental implants. Although they have a higher upfront cost than other forms of tooth replacement, the many benefits they offer make them worth the price!
Preliminary Treatments & Dental Implant Surgery
Many patients require some preliminary treatments, such as gum disease therapy, tooth extractions, or a bone graft, before they qualify for dental implants. Each of these services comes with its own fee. The implant surgery itself has a separate cost, which depends on things like the number of implants being placed and the type of sedation used. Since we are able to perform this procedure right here in our office, you won’t have to worry about dealing with the pricing structure of an outside specialist.
The Parts of Your Dental Implant
Not all dental implant treatments are the same. Things like the material used to make your implants, the manufacturer it comes from, and your final restoration will all have a bearing on your final cost. We strive to use only the best quality materials, but we also understand that patients are concerned about pricing. If more than one type of implant or implant treatment might be right for you, we will be happy to help you compare your options.
How Dental Implants Can Save You Money
Although dental implants in New Bedford cost more upfront than other types of tooth replacement, we are confident that they offer an excellent value. They last for much longer than dentures. In fact, they can last for decades, while dentures need to be replaced every 5 – 7 years or so. Plus, dental implants can protect your oral health and spare you from having to spend money to address the issues that are common among people with dentures and those who choose not to replace their lost teeth at all.
Does My Dental Insurance Cover Dental Implants?
Some dental insurance plans cover implants, while others do not. You’ll have to look at your specific policy to find out how it applies. Even if it does not cover the implants themselves, it is likely to help you pay for preliminary treatments or your final restoration. Our practice is proud to be in-network with a few major insurance plans, and we can help you take advantage of out of network savings as well.
Making Dental Implants Affordable
As your implant dentist in New Bedford, we want you to be able to afford your new smile! In addition to helping you with insurance, we can also assist you as you apply for CareCredit. CareCredit is a third-party lender that offers low-interest and no-interest payment plans for medical and dental services. Most patients qualify for this type of financing, and you will probably have the ability to choose between several different plans that may work with your monthly budget.
Maintaining & Caring for Your Dental Implant
Unlike traditional dentures and bridges, dental implants are designed to last for years to come. With proper care, they have a remarkable success rate of over 95%, ensuring they can endure for several decades. Fortunately, maintaining dental implants in New Bedford is straightforward and doesn't involve complex routines like removing your prosthetic before bed. In fact, dental implant care is quite simple – just follow these five easy steps!
Make Oral Hygiene a Priority
While the implants themselves cannot get cavities, bacteria may infiltrate the gum tissue surrounding them, compromising the supportive structures and potentially resulting in implant failure.
You can prevent bacterial buildup by brushing both your natural and implant teeth twice a day using fluoride toothpaste. Be sure to floss at least once a day, and if you have difficulty cleaning around the dental implant, consider using a water flosser or floss threader. Incorporating an antibacterial mouthwash into your daily routine can help eliminate bacteria in hard-to-reach areas, offering protection against oral health issues that could jeopardize the strength and success of your dental implant.
Eat a Healthy Diet
Enjoying the occasional candy or chips is fine, but moderation is key. Sugar and starch can attract harmful bacteria, increasing your risk of cavities and gum issues that could affect your implants. Opt for a diet rich in fresh fruits, veggies, greens, and dairy for better oral health. If you have dental implants in New Bedford, prioritize vitamin C for healthy gums and calcium for strong bones. Balanced choices keep your smile and implants in tip-top shape.
Break Bad Habits
Do you smoke, chew pen caps, or bite your nails during stress? Opening packages with your teeth may seem convenient but could harm your new pearly whites. Your teeth should only be used to chew food to avoid damage from unnecessary force. Smoking poses severe health risks, increasing the chances of gum disease and oral cancer. Consult your implant dentist for assistance in breaking these habits for improved oral health.
Protect Your Dental Implants
If stress causes you to grind your teeth or if you're active in sports that put your smile at risk, consider using a custom mouthguard. Whether it’s worn during sports or at night, this oral device protects your enamel and dental implants, preventing serious damage. Additionally, it’ll lower your risk of chronic jaw pain and potential temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD). These mouthguards are user-friendly, effective against impact and wear, and comfortable for regular use.
Schedule Regular Dental Checkups
Regular dental visits are crucial, even if you've lost all your natural teeth. These routine appointments are not only for any remaining teeth, but also allow us to inspect your dental implants. Early detection of damage or infection allows prompt treatment, preventing permanent damage to your smile.
Dental Implant Post-Op Instructions
Dental implants are the best tooth replacement option out there. Since they replace the roots of the missing teeth, they allow for a wide range of additional benefits that you can’t achieve with dentures or dental bridges. To achieve this, getting dental implants requires a multistep process, we will provide you with detailed post-op information. It will look similar to this.
What to Do Directly After Dental Implant Surgery
The most important part of dental implant recovery is to leave the blood clot at the surgical site undisturbed. This clot is necessary for the area to heal properly. Here are some things that you should avoid to keep this clot in place.
- Spitting: Swallow your saliva or use a tissue.
- Straw: The suction of the stray can dislodge the blood clot.
- Smoking: Don’t smoke following your procedure.
- Touching: Keep your tongue and fingers away from the surgical site.
Common Side Effects When Recovering from Dental Implant Placement
Side effects are common and to be expected following dental implant placement surgery. Here are some that you may run into.
- Bleeding: Minor bleeding during the recovery period is common. This can be reduced with clean gauze and light pressure.
- Inflammation: For the first 72 hours after your procedure, you may have some inflammation. This can be lessened with a cold compress.
- Discomfort: Soreness is common following dental implant placement. This can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.
Your Diet After Dental Implant Surgery
After your procedure, it is ideal to stick to softer foods so that you don’t aggravate that surgical site. Here are some suggestions.
- Scrambled eggs
- Mashed potatoes
- Pasta
- Soup
- Oatmeal
- Applesauce
- Yogurt
- Pudding
- Ice cream
Post-Op Health & Oral Hygiene
On the day following your surgery, brush your teeth and floss as you normally would. Be especially careful to avoid the dental implant site. To keep the area clean gently rinse your mouth with salt water after your meals. When you pick out a mouthwash, choose one that doesn’t contain alcohol. This is because alcohol can irritate the surgical site, causing discomfort.
What to Do After Your New Teeth Are Attached
After your replacement teeth have been secured to the dental implant, the difficult part is over. You may experience some slight discomfort and sensitivity as your mouth adjusts, but this should be easy to manage at home. At this point, you shouldn’t run into any swelling, bleeding, or extensive recovery. If you have concerns or questions regarding your post-op care, let us know so we can help.
Dental Implant Technology
Dental implant treatments are considered advanced, so it’s important to have the most up-to-date technology! At Sound Dentistry, we have two pieces of tech that promote precision, accuracy, and patient comfort during the dental implant process. Thanks to the best imaging and impression technology on the market, we can improve your overall experience and help make sure your treatment is a success.
CT/Cone Beam Scanner
Normal X-rays that we might take during a checkup and cleaning only capture images of your mouth from one angle and are only 2-dimensional. While this is perfectly suitable for checkups and diagnostics, it doesn’t give us a very detailed look of your jawbone.
A CT/Cone Beam Scanner (CBCT for short), on the other hand, can provide 3D, 360-degree imaging. We partner with a mobile service so we can use this device to get a fuller view of a patient’s oral structure, which is extremely helpful for strategizing where to anchor a dental implant to the jawbone.
You’ll simply step into the designated area, rest your chin on a comfortable perch, bite down on a sanitized rod, and wait as the machine spins around your head. Within minutes, we’ll have incredibly detailed and comprehensive images that will increase surgical precision.
Digital Impression System
If you’ve ever needed braces or to be fitted for a custom oral appliance, you’re probably familiar with the gray, goopy substance that would form a mold of your mouth. This is the traditional impression system, and patients generally found it to be uncomfortable and unpleasant. It could take multiple rinses to get all of the material out of your mouth, triggered sensitive gag reflexes, and tended to leave behind a strange aftertaste.
Now, we can simply use a digital system. Our 3Shape intraoral scanner looks like a slim wand, and has a camera on the end that captures impressively accurate, detailed images. In fact, a digital impression system is even more accurate than the old-fashioned one! We rarely have to re-take digital scans, and can use the images to create dental implants that fit better than ever.
All you have to do is sit back and relax. One of our implant dentists in New Bedford will hover the 3Shape intraoral scanner just inside of your mouth for a few seconds, and then we’ll be done taking your impressions. No goop required!
Dental Implant FAQs
Are you ready to lay the roots for a better smile? We fully understand that choosing to get dental implants is a big decision. If you have questions about the procedure or if it’s right for you, we invite you to give us a call and schedule a consultation so we can address them personally. In the meantime, we’ve gathered a few of the most common questions we get about dental implants below so you can learn more about them!
How Long Do Dental Implants Last?
Dentures and dental bridges are a quick way to replace missing teeth, but they lose their fit over time. After about five to seven years, they will need to be replaced. With dental implants, this inconvenience is a thing of the past! Dental implants are firmly rooted into the jawbone just like natural teeth, which in turn stimulates the bone tissue and keeps it strong. Not only does this give dental implants an unmatched lifespan, but it helps prevent future tooth loss from jawbone deterioration as well! Dental implants are designed to last upward of 30 years, but many patients can easily expect them to last a lifetime with the proper care.
Does Getting Dental Implants Hurt?
Having dental implants placed via minor oral surgery may sound intimidating at first, but we assure you that you have nothing to worry about. Your comfort and safety are our top priorities, and we will do everything we can to ensure that your dental implant treatment is a smooth and comfortable one. We offer sedation dentistry to help you relax during the procedure, as well as a powerful and reliable local anesthetic that will completely numb your mouth. Thanks to our talented and highly experienced team, most patients are pleased to find that the dental implant placement surgery itself isn’t very uncomfortable at all!
How Long Does It Take to Recover From Dental Implant Surgery?
How long it takes for you to recover from dental implant surgery will depend on several unique factors, including how many implants you received and your natural healing abilities. While your jawbone will undergo osseointegration for several months, you will likely only need a week or so to feel fully recovered from dental implant surgery. Directly after surgery, it’s normal to experience some swelling, discomfort, and intermittent bleeding as your mouth recovers. We will give you detailed instructions about pain management, diet suggestions, oral hygiene routines, and more to ensure the healing period goes quickly and effectively.
Will People Be Able to Tell That I Have Dental Implants?
Dental implants look, feel, and function just like natural teeth, which makes them virtually indistinguishable from the rest of your smile once they are in place. Every dental implant is covered with a custom-made restoration (crown, bridge, or denture) that is precisely crafted to blend in seamlessly with the rest of your teeth. The restoration itself will be made of high-quality dental porcelain, which is well-known for its strength, durability, and natural-looking appearance. It will be color-matched to the surrounding natural teeth for uniform, stunning results. Differentiating between your dental implant and natural teeth on appearances alone will be virtually impossible.