When it comes to tooth loss, you have a decision to make—not whether you should replace your missing teeth because that’s a must. However, you must decide which type of tooth replacement option is right for you. For many of our patients, the best choice turns out to be dental implants. Unlike other tooth replacements, implants substitute for both the crown and root of a missing tooth. Let’s take a look at exactly what you can expect when you have dental implants in Framingham, MA.
Receiving dental implants is a process that happens in phases. The first phase is when the implant is surgically positioned in your jaw. For your convenience, Dr. Maria Thomas and Dr. Erin Breen and implant specialist perform this phase in our office. After the site is sufficiently anesthetized, she makes a small incision in you gum tissue and then drills a pilot hole into your jawbone. The implant is then anchored into your jaw. After surgery, you may feel some minor discomfort. Most of our dental implant patients find that ibuprofen or acetaminophen alleviates this.
Depending on how many implants you need to restore your full smile, the healing process will take anywhere from two to nine months. During this time, a unique occurrence takes place below your gum line. The implanted post, which is made of the biocompatible metal titanium, fuses with the surrounding bone tissue. In this way, the bone is able to hold the implant firmly in place. At the same time, the implant performs a service for your jawbone, too. Now that you have a substitute tooth root, your jaw is less likely to lose volume because the implant stimulates your jaw every time there is pressure when you bite down or chew. And with bone volume, you avoid the sunken facial appearance that often accompanies tooth loss.
Once you’ve healed, you’ll return to see Dr. Fried for the final phase of your treatment. The implant is exposed so we can attach the appropriate tooth replacement. For a single missing tooth, Dr. Fried uses a natural-looking porcelain crown. Alternatively, for patients who are missing several teeth, we can attach a partial denture, or a full denture for those who are missing all of their teeth along an arch.
To learn more about the dental implant procedure, or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Fried, call our dental practice in Framingham, MA, today.
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