It’s no secret that time moves fast here in the heart of Boston. If you’re missing one or more teeth, we know there’s one thing you just don’t have room for in your schedule — an ill-fitting tooth replacement, or one that needs to be replaced or refitted every five years or so. While dental implants have a higher price tag and will take more time than other options initially, they are ultimately the most time-saving solution you could choose in tooth replacement. And Dr. Alan Sasson provides high quality, highly successful dental implants in Boston!
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are the only option in tooth replacement that rebuilds missing teeth from the root up. By replacing each tooth’s stabilizing root as well as its crown, or the part you see, dental implants provide an excellent solution, allowing you to eat, speak, and smile without slippage or discomfort.
Each dental implant is composed of three parts:
- Implant: The small titanium post that is surgically placed beneath the gum line.
- Abutment: Connects the dental implant with the prosthetic tooth replacement.
- Crown: The prosthetic tooth.
Dental implants can retain a single crown for just one missing tooth, or a bridge, partial, or full denture for more significant tooth loss.
What’s the Procedure for Dental Implants Like?
The treatment for dental implants is carried out in two phases: implantation and restoration. A recovery period of several months is required between phase one and two, but that doesn’t necessarily mean you will be without teeth that whole time. You may wear a temporary tooth replacement during the recovery period.
Dr. Sasson and periodontist Dr. Dempsey work closely to put together the treatment plan for your tooth replacement. First, each dental implant is surgically implanted beneath the gum line. Once here, it is allowed to heal together with the jawbone (or osseointegrate) over a period of four to eight months. When the dental implants have fused in the jaw, the final restoration can begin. The last step is placing the crown, bridge, or denture on top of the dental implants.
Dental Implants Are a Significant Time-Saver
It’s true that dental implants can take up to a year to complete — maybe even a little longer if you need a preparatory procedure like a bone graft or sinus lift first. But a lot of that time is the recovery period, during which you’re able to live your life as normal while the dental implants gradually heal together with the jaw.
Over several years, dental implants are definitely the biggest time-saving tooth replacement. That’s because after they are placed, they’re good to go — no replacements or re-fittings necessary. Dentures and fixed bridges, on the other hand, may require several adjustments over a lifetime.
You’ve Got Time for Implant Dentistry!
No matter how busy things seem right now, if you have lost one, two, or several teeth, it’s of the utmost importance that you make time for an effective tooth replacement. You really can’t do any better than dental implants! Request an appointment with our office to get started with tooth replacement today.