Dental Implants
Dental implants are a safe and effective tooth replacement option. Whether you have lost one tooth or many, implants can provide a permanent solution that looks and functions naturally.
What Are Dental Implants?
A dental implant is an artificial root upon which a manufactured tooth can be placed. Implants are used to support the replacement of a single tooth, multiple teeth, or larger prostheses such as dentures, depending on the individual’s requirements and condition. Placement of the implant stabilizes bone levels and may prevent bone loss, resulting in greater long-term support, function, and esthetics. Implants are a superior way to replace missing teeth, as they do not require alteration of adjacent teeth. They are also an excellent way to stabilize a denture.
Dental Implant Procedure
Dental implants involve multiple steps to complete the entire procedure. Each patient’s process will vary, depending on your oral health at the time, including if tooth extraction or bone grafting is required.
- Consultation and exam. Before deciding if dental implants are right for you, we will complete a comprehensive exam, including x-rays to measure bone health, then discuss your treatment options.
- Tooth extraction. If necessary, we will remove the tooth/teeth being replaced by implant(s). If there is bone loss around the extraction site, we will perform a dental bone graft.
- Dental bone graft / dental sinus lift. If your jaw needs additional bone mass to support an implant, we will perform a bone graft or a sinus lift. Both of these procedures involve attaching additional bone material, either to your jaw or between your sinuses and jaw. Then the newly placed bone material needs time to heal and bond to your jawbone before implant placement.
- Implant placement. The implant will be surgically placed in the bone and a healing cap is placed over the implant so the healing phase can begin. If you have an aesthetic concern, we will place a temporary tooth before the implant crown is completed.
- Implant healing. After your implant is placed, osseointegration begins. During this, your jawbone heals around the dental implant, fusing with the implant, and providing a solid base for your new artificial tooth. This process can take several months to complete.
- Abutment / crown placement. The abutment is the piece where your artificial tooth (crown) will be placed. The abutment is attached to the implant, and then the crown is placed on the abutment.
If you are interested in a dental implant consultation, schedule an appointment with our online scheduling tool or contact us today.
Dental Implant Cost
At Drum Hill Dental, we strive to offer affordable dental implants for our patients in Chelmsford, MA. Each part of the procedure has an individual charge, listed below, but please note that the prices can slightly vary, depending on the needs of each patient as every case is different.
Dental Implant: $1,025 – $2,450
- Custom Abutment: $1,025
- Implant Crown: $1,794
- Dental Implant: $2,450
Estimated total cost per implant is $4,508. Out of pocket cost for any procedure depends on your insurance coverage at the time of the procedure.
See All Office FeesDo Dental Implants Hurt?
During the procedure, pain is very minimal as local anesthesia is used. Local anesthesia will numb the nerves surrounding the implant area so you won’t experience any pain. You may feel some pressure but it should not be painful.
Once the anesthesia wears off, you may experience some discomfort for a couple of days. Follow the below aftercare recommendations for a speedy recovery.
Dental Implant Aftercare
Following the procedure, you may experience some of the typical discomforts associated with any oral surgery, such as: swelling of the gums and face, pain near the implant site, and minor bleeding.
- Pain management. We recommend our patients take Motrin for 24-48 hours after their procedure. You should not need to take any time off from work.
- Minor bleeding. It’s common to have a small of blood in your saliva for a day or two after your procedure. If you are experiencing bleeding, bite on a gauze pad for 30 minutes. If the bleeding persists for more than a couple of days, contact our office.
- Swelling. To minimize swelling, place an ice pack on the cheek near the surgical area for 10 minutes, then remove the ice pack for 20 minutes and repeat.
- Oral Hygiene. Properly caring for your implants will help them last a lifetime. Dental implants are used to mimic natural teeth and should be treated as such. In order to keep them healthy, make sure to brush and floss, twice a day, as you do with the rest of your teeth.
Meet Your Dental Implant Specialist
Dr. Daniel Coleman
Dr. Daniel Coleman is our dental implant specialist. He is a board certified periodontist and a renowned specialist in the field of implant dentistry. He has served as faculty at both Tufts and Harvard University.