Dental Implant Restoration
Beverly, MA
 Every year thousands of Americans experience tooth loss for different reasons like injuries, disease, or decay. Previously they only had two options: dentures and bridges. However, now people can opt for dental implants to preserve their beautiful smile permanently. Dr. Thomas Rafferty and Dr. Rafferty specialize in dental implant restorations. They recommend dental implants to patients with missing teeth because of their versatility, durability, and visual appeal.
What Are Dental Implants?
A dental implant is a new artificial root for a damaged or missing tooth. It is a metal fixture surgically fastened into the jawbone of the patient by the dentist. Next, a crown is placed onto the implant to provide stability and ensure a natural-looking tooth.
As an implant is surgically installed in the bone, it provides stability, looks, acts, and feels like your normal tooth. They are comfortable and offer numerous benefits. These include but are not limited to the following:
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Enhanced cosmetic appearance
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Smile restoration
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Improved ability to eat and chew food
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Improved speech
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Doesn’t slip around the mouth like dentures
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Ensures bone and gum health
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Improved oral health
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Improved quality of life
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Convenient as there is no need to use messy adhesives to keep the implants in place |
Dental implants can be divided into two basic types: endosteal and subperiosteal. However, to determine the best type, your dentist may consider multiple factors, such as your oral health, goals, and the structure, shape, and health of your jawbone.
Endosteal Implants
Endosteal implants are the most common and basic type of implant. Featuring titanium cylinders like blades and screws, to infuse endosteal implants, the patient must have a healthy jawbone. Endosteal implants work like placeholder posts. They are placed into the bone through a surgical procedure where the teeth are missing.
Subperiosteal Implants
Unlike endosteal implants, subperiosteal implants are placed above the jawbone. It sticks through the gum and holds the implant in place. Dr. Thomas Rafferty recommends this type of dental implant if the patient has experienced bone loss in the jaw or the health and shape of the jaw don’t support the surgical insertion.
As dental implants are permanent, the procedure is lengthy and is completed over a few weeks. The procedure begins with a thorough oral examination of the patient. During the examination, the dentist performs x-rays to determine jawbone and gum health. If they think you are suitable for the procedure, the dentist may proceed further.
A titanium post is installed in the bone socket of the missing tooth. It’s also called the root implant. The dentist waits for four to six weeks for the bone to heal. As the bone heals, it starts to surround the implant. The next step is to install the abutment, which secures the tooth. After that, a replacement tooth is custom-made by creating a model of your bite. It is attached firmly to the abutment. The custom-made tooth is better known as a crown.
For more information, please call us at (978) 720-9009 to schedule a consultation at Thomas P. Rafferty, DDS. |
