As a Westfield dental practice, our goal is to provide patients with the smiles they’ve always wanted. Dr. Jane Martone has skillfully been placing and restoring dental implants for over 31 years and is highly accomplished in all aspects of implant dentistry from surgical placement to bone grafting. Below are some common questions associated with dental implants and the process. Please take the time to read through them and if you have any additional concerns, our Westfield dental practice would be happy to address any questions you might have.
Upon your first dental implant exam, Dr. Martone will take x-rays and study models of your teeth to develop a treatment plan. She will also make surgical guides to use on the day of surgery.
If bone grafting is needed, it is typically done before the implants are placed and is allowed to heal for 3-6 months. When performing bone grafts, Dr. Martone uses platelet rich fibrin, which is obtained from the patient’s blood. The platelets trigger rapid growth of new soft tissue and new bone, accelerating the natural process in which the body heals itself. Platelet rich fibrin speeds up the healing process at a cellular level with a very low risk for allergic reaction or rejection because Dr. Martone is utilizing the patient’s own blood. She employs this method because it helps with post-operative discomfort and it helps the patient heal faster. Also, grafting can sometimes be performed at the time of implant surgery; but each case is different and Dr. Martone will address your case individually.
Once the implant is placed, a temporary crown, partial denture, or an essix appliance is provided for the patient to wear (depending on where the missing tooth is located) during the integration period. Implants can be placed with or without IV sedation depending on what the patient prefers.
After the implant has fully integrated with the jawbone, impressions are taken, a permanent fixture is crafted at a dental lab, and a follow up appointment is made for the restoration to be placed.
Possible restoration materials include e.max zirconia crowns, which avoid gingival graying with an all zirconia crown, an entirely biocompatible product.
What is a dental implant?
A dental implant is a small titanium screw that serves as the replacement for the root portion of a missing natural tooth. Dental implants can be placed in either the upper or lower jaws. Due to the biocompatible properties of titanium, a dental implant fuses with the bone and becomes a good anchor for the replacement tooth. Dental implants can be used in solutions for replacing single or multiple missing teeth. Titanium is lightweight and durable, which allows your restoration to last years when given proper care.
Why dental implants?
There are a number of reasons why you should consider a dental implant. Without the root structure of a natural tooth present, the jawbone can shrink, making your face look older than it is. With implants there are no loose parts to worry about losing as with dentures, crowns, or bridges. Dental implants are stable and comfortable, and when properly cared for, implants can last a lifetime.
How much do dental implants cost?
The fee for tooth replacement with dental implants depends on several factors, including the number of teeth being replaced and the number of dental implants required to support your replacement teeth. Some additional procedures may be required prior to the placement of your dental implants to ensure the long-term health of your dental implants. To obtain a specific fee estimate, it is first necessary to examine your mouth. After a thorough diagnostic examination, we can recommend the treatment that is best for you.
Who is a Candidate?
Anyone who is missing one or more teeth due to injury, disease or tooth decay may be a candidate for dental implants. With bone grafting, we can even offer implants to patients who are suffering from severe bone loss.
Is old age a problem?
Occasionally, older patients express concern that their age may prevent them from enjoying the benefits of dental implants. However, health is more of a determining factor than age. If you’re healthy enough to have a tooth extracted, you’re probably healthy enough to receive dental implants. Certain chronic diseases may contraindicate dental implant treatment. Dr. Martone will determine if you are a candidate for dental implants after a careful evaluation of your dental and health history.
What are the advantages of dental implants over dentures or a dental bridge?
· Improved Appearance: When you lose the entire tooth - crown and root - shrinkage of the jawbone may cause your face to look older. Implants can stop this process. A traditional denture or dental bridge doesn’t.
· Preserve natural teeth: With traditional dental bridges, teeth adjacent to missing teeth are normally ground down to be used as anchors for a dental bridge. Dental implants often eliminate the need to modify healthy teeth.
How will dental implants affect my life?
Dental implant-supported replacement teeth look, feel and function like natural teeth. This means that you can eat and drink whatever you choose. But most importantly, dental implants often improve quality of life in a very concrete way. People who have felt embarrassed and worried because of their tooth problems are often overwhelmed by what new permanent teeth can do for their self-esteem.
Will my new teeth look natural?
When dental implants are used in combination with modern restorative dentistry, their appearance, comfort and function are very likely to exceed your expectations. Often they are hard to tell apart from your natural teeth.
Will I be able to chew with the same force and pressure I use with my natural teeth?
Yes. Following a brief adaptation period, chewing capacity is comparable to that of natural teeth.
How much time is required for a dental implant placement?
Today, state-of-the-art guided surgical techniques are convenient alternatives to place dental implants and allow you to have the dental implant placed in a single session using keyhole surgery. This new method has significantly simplified the procedure, for both patients and dentists. The major advantage of the guided surgical technique is the minimal amount of manipulation of the soft tissue due to keyhole surgery. This significantly reduces the healing time and the discomfort normally associated with traditional dental implant surgical techniques.
The conventional process can take from three to six months. First, Dr. Martone places the dental implant, which is left for three to six months to heal and integrate with the jawbone. During the healing period, you are given a temporary prosthesis until the permanent crown is put in place.
Westfield Dental Associates, Inc.
75 Court St
Westfield, MA 01085
Phone: (413) 568-1062
Fax: (413) 572-6961
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