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Covid-19 Updates & Safety ProtocolsDental implants are artificial roots fixed into your jaw to hold the replacement tooth. Dental implants are an alternative to various other traditional treatments like dental crowns or dentures. At Fisher & Orfaly Dental in Salem, MA, we also restore old and damaged dental implants.
Many people lose their teeth because of tooth decay, injury, or a severe stage of gum disease. There are many different options to replace missing teeth like dental crowns, dental bridges, or dentures. One of the most popular options is getting artificial root or tooth replacements called dental implants.
Dental implants are a great way to replace missing teeth. They act as a replacement for the root of the missing teeth. Dental implants can also support and stabilize dentures, making them more comfortable to wear.
Dental implants made of metal are used to fit into hollow places as a replacement for roots
In phases that may take as long as 6-8 months
Local but may depend on patient’s comfort and doctor’s preference.
As the dental implant procedure takes place in phases, the recovery time is different for each phase
Endosseous fixture
Dental implants are artificial roots (usually made of titanium) that are surgically placed into the upper or lower jaw bone by a dentist or periodontist – a specialist of the gums and supporting bone. A dental crown is placed over this artificial root to take the place of the missing tooth.
Dental implants can be used to replace a single tooth or several teeth. Dental implants can even be used to replace all the teeth in the mouth, with “all on 4 dental implants” or full mouth dental implants.
Dental implants have a high rate of success, which makes them an excellent option for tooth replacement. Dental implants can be made to mimic the structure and appearance of natural teeth, so they are used to improve functionality and aesthetics. Dental implants are long-lasting and they rarely need to be restored. Even so, the procedure for restoring dental implants is relatively simple.
Here are a few reasons why people choose to get dental implants:
Replace one or more missing teeth without affecting adjacent teeth.
Resolve joint pain or bite problems caused by teeth shifting into missing tooth space.
Restore a patient’s confident smile.
Restore chewing, speech, and digestion.
Restore or enhance facial tissues.
Support a bridge or denture, making it more secure and comfortable.
Dental implants have in the real sense given hope to millions of people to live their lives confidently and stress-free.
Dental implants enact your natural teeth. This means they are here to perform all the functions of your natural teeth along with their strength. Dental implants help patients fully regain their chewing power.
Dental implants last for decades. Once fixed, they do not bother patients frequently.
In rare cases, dental implants might need to be restored but restoring dental implants is not a very complex procedure.
Dental implants can be brushed and flossed like the other natural teeth in the mouth, which makes it very easy to maintain them and prolong their lifespan.
Missing tooth space can act as a magnet for food to get stuck eventually causing gum disease. Dental implants help to fill the space along with performing dental functions.
Not only oral health but dental implants also prevent sagging of facial skin, thus preventing premature aging.
Dental implants help in improving speech.
A suitable candidate for the dental implants procedure:
Must have a healthy jawbone.
Should be a non-smoker or at least ready to quit smoking for the treatment.
Must have the patience to wait up to 12 months for the process to be completed.
Must not be on certain medications like blood thinners and steroids.
After examination, Dr. Orfaly of Fisher & Orfaly Dental in Salem, MA, suggests whether or not a person is suitable for immediate treatment.
Once you are at Fisher & Orfaly Dental in Salem, MA, Dr. George Orfaly will understand your dental background and examine your mouth. After knowing the exact cause of the missing tooth space he will plan the dental implants treatment accordingly.
Dental x-rays will be taken of the place where once there was your natural tooth and other teeth to note how much space is available. Dr. George Orfaly will discuss the dental implants procedure with you in detail.
The process of getting dental implants requires a number of visits over several months.
During the first phase of the dental implants procedure, X-rays and impressions (molds) are taken of the jaw and teeth to determine bone, gum tissue, and spacing available for an implant. While the area is numb, the dental implant will be surgically placed into the bone and allowed to heal and integrate itself for up to six months.
Depending on the type of dental implant, a second surgery may be required to place the “post” that will hold the artificial tooth in place. With other dental implants, the post and anchor are attached and placed at the same time.
After several weeks of healing the artificial teeth are made and fitted to the post portion of the anchor. Because several fittings may be required, this step of the dental implants procedure may take one to two months to complete. After a healing period, the artificial teeth are securely attached to the dental implant, providing excellent stability and comfort to the patient.
At Fisher & Orfaly Dental in Salem, MA, Dr. George Orfaly will plan the dental implant treatment and determine where the dental implant should be placed. Then, he will refer you to a trusted oral surgeon for the surgical phases of the procedure. After the healing is complete, Dr. George Orfaly will attach the artificial teeth to the anchor.
At Fisher & Orfaly Dental in Salem, MA, Dr. George Orfaly also restores dental implants. Restoring dental implants is a procedure where the dentist replaces the old dental crown of the dental implant with a new one. The restoration of dental implants is a very important procedure that becomes necessary if the original dental crown of the dental implant gets damaged in any way and needs to be replaced.
The patient may experience soreness or discomfort immediately after the dental implants surgery. There also may be some oozing which happens in a typical surgery, but this should subside each passing day. Generally, patients recover in as little as 1-3 days after the dental implants surgery if no additional procedure is followed during the dental implants procedure.
Dental implants are strong and durable and will last many years. On occasion, they might have to be re-tightened or replaced due to normal wear and tear. In that case, the dentist will restore the dental implant by replacing the dental crown.
Until you receive permanent crowns, it is very important to maintain oral hygiene to avoid complications.
For the first 24 hours after the dental implants procedure, one must eat soft foods. After the 1st day, you can eat harder foods but strictly consider your comfort level.
Start brushing and flossing regularly to maintain oral hygiene.
Avoid chewing tobacco or smoking as they can damage the area of dental implants gradually.
You will receive care instructions when your dental implants treatment is completed. Good oral hygiene and eating habits, alongside regular dental visits, will aid in increasing the lifespan of your new dental implant.
Dental implants are made to last at least 10 to 20 years because dental implants were designed to be a permanent solution to tooth loss. With proper care and maintenance, dental implants can last a lifetime without needing to be replaced.
Of course, the lifespan of dental implants depends on the lifestyle and habits of the patient. When you get dental implants you need to take care of them by maintaining good oral health and visiting the dentist regularly to make sure that the dental implants are in good shape and don’t need to be restored.
“How much do dental implants cost?” is a concern that many patients have. Dental implants cost depends on the type of dental implant you are going to fit. After a thorough study of the individual’s case, Dr. Orfaly of Fisher & Orfaly Dental in Salem, MA, suggests which dental implants to fit.
There are three types of costs incurred during the dental implants procedure:
Cost of the dental implant
Cost of the dental crown
Cost of the surgery
The cost of a custom-made crown is generally higher. The total cost of the dental implants procedure is high because it is a surgical procedure and requires expertise and experience.Depending on the case, the dental implants costs will be different. Dr. Orfaly will carefully examine your teeth and discuss the dental implant costs for your individual case with you. The dental implants cost may seem too high to you, but it is important to remember that dental implants are a lifelong investment. Dental implants are one of the most effective solutions to missing teeth and they can last decades. With these factors in mind, the dental implants cost is worth it. In the case of restoring dental implants, that is, the dental restoration procedure, the cost of the dental crown must be considered.
Most dental insurance plans do not cover dental implants costs. However, depending on the cause of the tooth loss, coverage under your insurance plan may be possible. At Fisher & Orfaly Dental in Salem, MA, the dental implant treatment can also be financed with CareCredit.
Dr. George Orfaly, of Fisher and Orfaly Dental, has written a detailed blog about dental implants, how they work, and the factors that affect the cost.
Dr. George Orfaly is a Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry and has been practicing as a dentist in Salem, MA since 2005. He has consistently improved the lives of his patients by providing them relief, confidence, and healthy smiles. He believes that oral health is directly related to overall health and well-being. Dr. Orfaly has also been an active member of the American Dental Association, Massachusetts Dental Society, and North Shore District Dental Society.
18 Hawthorne Blvd. Salem, MA 01970
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