Dental Implants

Implant Dentistry in Wellesley Massachusetts

Implant dentistry has become a significant part of cosmetic dentistry. Dental implants can replace a tooth that has become damaged or lost. And a dental implant can be matched to look and feel just like your natural tooth.

Why Get Dental Implants?  Over time, teeth can become damaged or injured. Reasons for tooth loss include:

• Decaying of the teeth
• Physical injury (tooth knocked out)
• Gum disease
• Damage to the tooth root
• Chronic wear/damage

Dental implants can be used aesthetically to restore your smile and return the functionality you’ve lost.

Parts of the Dental Implant: The dental implant is made up of two parts. The first part is the metal root that one of the fine periodontists or surgeons that Weston, Massachusetts area cosmetic dentist Dr. Bullock recommends will anchor into your jaw and gum. The second part is the crown, or artificial tooth which Dr. Bullock will place. The artificial tooth is connected to the metal root, giving your new tooth the same look and feel as your natural teeth. Depending on your tooth loss, a single dental implant may be needed or multiple implants may serve as anchors for a permanent bridge or denture.

Implant Dentistry: The field of implant dentistry has grown and improved dramatically over time. State-of-the-art materials and techniques are increasingly becoming available, making the process of getting dental implants better than ever.

Each patient is different and has different cosmetic dental needs. When placing dental implants, Dr. Bullock will discuss with you some of the standard steps in preparing and placing your implant(s).

The first step is always to prepare the implant site for the procedure. A periodontist or Oral Surgeon will begin his work with the process called osseointegration –– which will anchor the dental implant into your jawbone.

The process of osseointegration may take a few months for your dental implant site to anchor and heal. However, once the site has healed, and Dr. Bullock has placed the restorations, your dental implants will look and act just as your natural teeth. Still, exercise care with your teeth. Like your real teeth, dental implants can be damaged by poor oral hygiene, smoking, bruxing (grinding your teeth), etc. Dental implants won’t succumb to cavities, but a strong regimen of oral hygiene is always recommended.

Advantages of Dental Implants: The advantages of receiving dental implants are three-fold: aesthetics, functionality and preservation of jawbone which would otherwise disappear when teeth are extracted. Dental implants will improve an unsightly gap in your smile. Dental implants will also return your teeth to functionality for chewing and speaking.

Who is a Good Candidate for Dental Implants? Come speak with us in our Wellesley, Massachusetts cosmetic dentistry office to see if you are a good candidate for dental implants. Dr. Bullock can usually determine during the initial consultation what implant and cosmetic options will best meet your needs. Just call today or fill out the simple form at the top of the page for a free dental implant consultation, and we will be glad to contact you.