June 14, 2021
General Dentistry

Thinking About Getting Dental Implants? Here’s What You Need To Know

If you’ve lost a tooth or about to, you may be wondering what to do. Before, dental bridges and dentures were the only options for replacing missing teeth, but now you have many more options. One of those options is getting dental implants. The development and use of implants is one of the biggest advances in dentistry in the past 40 years.

A dental implant is an excellent long-term solution for broken or missing teeth. It is a surgical fixture that is placed into the jawbone and allowed to fuse with the bone over the next few months. The implant acts as a replacement for the root of the missing tooth. It serves as an “artificial root” or “fake root” that holds the replacement tooth in place. In the case of someone missing all their teeth, implants can help make a denture stable, retentive, and ultimately much more comfortable for a patient to wear.  

Thinking About Getting Dental Implants? Here’s What You Need To Know

The Solution To Broken Or Missing Teeth!

Dr. George Orfaly answers all your questions about dental implants in detail here.

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How Do Dental Implants Work?

The procedure of getting dental implants is a long one and may take several months. Dental implants are done in two basic phases:

1. Surgical Phase:

During the surgical phase, the dentist will place the implant fixture into the jawbone. Most dental implants are made of titanium because of the metal’s lightweight, durability, and chemical makeup. Titanium makes it easier for the implant to integrate with the bone without being recognized as a foreign object in the body. The metal also does not have a history of reacting with other chemicals. 

After the fake root is placed, it will fuse with the jawbone. This process is called osseointegration. Osseointegration normally takes 12 weeks to complete. After the 12 week period is over, the dentist will verify through radiography (a type of X-ray) that the osseointegration process is complete.

2. Restorative Phase:

Once the implant is properly fused with the jawbone, it is ready to be restored with a dental crown. The dentist will take impressions to have the crown made by a dental laboratory. After the crown is ready, it will be placed over the dental implant.

Dental implants are one of the healthiest and most long-lasting solutions to missing teeth. With proper care, implants can last decades! 

The Solution To Broken Or Missing Teeth!

Dr. George Orfaly answers all your questions about dental implants in detail here.

Read More

The Solution To Broken Or Missing Teeth!

Dr. George Orfaly answers all your questions about dental implants in detail here.

Read More

John Dudley
John Dudley
January 20, 2022
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I could not be any more fortunate and grateful for Dr. George Orfaly accepting me recently as a new patient! I switched over from my previous provider in a nearby community after receiving subpar care and at risk of losing two teeth. He and the entire team at Fisher & Orfaly Dental have made my transition a smooth and comfortable one, setting me at ease and swiftly on the path to a promising prognosis! I also know that both Dr. Orfaly and Dr. Fisher care a great deal about the community beyond the walls of their practice, too, both quite supportive of local nonprofit and charitable efforts. This all makes me feel wonderful about being a patient, one of the best decisions I've ever made. You and your family should consider switching to Fisher & Orfaly!

William Stewart
William Stewart
January 20, 2022
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Needed a new dentist in Salem, picked Dr. Orfaly by location. I met him before agreeing to my first appointment, and so far, have been very happy. I'm a curious sob, and credit Dr Orfaly for being patient with my atmospheric river of questions. He knows how to relate to patients, and seems to be on top of his game. Highly recommend.

Carol Gray
Carol Gray
October 21, 2020
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Everything about my dental experience is professional and considerate.

Peter Gaudreault
Peter Gaudreault
August 5, 2020
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Made you feel comfortable, right from the start. Definitely five stars found my new dentist!

Ed Schutte
Ed Schutte
January 10, 2020
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I have been a patient of Fisher & Orfaly for many years now. But recently, my whole family moved to the practice. Their approach has always been kind, caring and practical.

John Dudley
John Dudley
January 20, 2022
Star-ratingStar-ratingStar-ratingStar-ratingStar-rating

I could not be any more fortunate and grateful for Dr. George Orfaly accepting me recently as a new patient! I switched over from my previous provider in a nearby community after receiving subpar care and at risk of losing two teeth. He and the entire team at Fisher & Orfaly Dental have made my transition a smooth and comfortable one, setting me at ease and swiftly on the path to a promising prognosis! I also know that both Dr. Orfaly and Dr. Fisher care a great deal about the community beyond the walls of their practice, too, both quite supportive of local nonprofit and charitable efforts. This all makes me feel wonderful about being a patient, one of the best decisions I've ever made. You and your family should consider switching to Fisher & Orfaly!

William Stewart
William Stewart
January 20, 2022
Star-ratingStar-ratingStar-ratingStar-ratingStar-rating

Needed a new dentist in Salem, picked Dr. Orfaly by location. I met him before agreeing to my first appointment, and so far, have been very happy. I'm a curious sob, and credit Dr Orfaly for being patient with my atmospheric river of questions. He knows how to relate to patients, and seems to be on top of his game. Highly recommend.

Carol Gray
Carol Gray
October 21, 2020
Star-ratingStar-ratingStar-ratingStar-ratingStar-rating

Everything about my dental experience is professional and considerate.

Peter Gaudreault
Peter Gaudreault
August 5, 2020
Star-ratingStar-ratingStar-ratingStar-ratingStar-rating

Made you feel comfortable, right from the start. Definitely five stars found my new dentist!

Ed Schutte
Ed Schutte
January 10, 2020
Star-ratingStar-ratingStar-ratingStar-ratingStar-rating

I have been a patient of Fisher & Orfaly for many years now. But recently, my whole family moved to the practice. Their approach has always been kind, caring and practical.

Am I A Candidate For Dental Implants?

If you are in good general health and have the patience for the process to be completed, you are a good candidate for getting dental implants. However, there are two situations where getting a dental implant may not be a good idea:

1. If you have diabetes: Diabetics sometimes have slow or compromised healing, leading to an implant not integrating with the bone.

2. If you are a smoker: Smoking harms healing which could lead to an implant failing. If you are a smoker, you should be willing to quit smoking for the duration of the treatment.

If you are interested in dental implants, the dentist can help determine if the treatment is right for you. 

How Much Do Dental Implants Cost?

One of the most common questions asked about this treatment is “How much do dental implants cost?” The answer to this question for each case is different, because the treatment cost will differ in each case. Here are some factors that determine the cost of the treatment:

1. The number of teeth requiring implants:

The more teeth that need replacing, the higher the cost is going to be. With each tooth that needs to be fixed, the cost goes up as the amount of materials and time needed for the implant increases. Planning the treatment also takes more time, attention, and skill. 

2. Quality of the bone:

Patients who have bone loss might need to undergo a grafting procedure to improve the tissue quality at the implant site. While this type of procedure is billed separately from the implant surgery, it needs to be accounted for while considering the total price. 

3. Need For Extraction:

If you have damaged teeth that need to be extracted before the procedure, the extractions can add to the overall cost.

4. Periodontal Disease:

If you suffer from gum disease, you will need treatment before getting dental implants. This will likely increase the overall cost.

5. Quality Of Implants:

Higher-end implants may cost more, but they reduce the chances of complications. The cost of the dental crown must also be considered. A customized crown that feels like a natural tooth will have a higher cost.

6. Skill Of The Dentist:

Getting dental implants is a surgical procedure and needs to be planned. Some dentists have years of training and experience in placing implants. As such, the cost of the surgery may be high, but completely worth it as the skill of the dentist reduces the risk of complications. 

Due to these factors, the estimate of cost of the treatment will vary. Dental implants are not covered by most dental insurance plans, However, depending on the cause of the tooth loss, the coverage under your insurance plan may be possible. The dentist will discuss the cost and the payment plan with you, as it depends on the case.

This blog was first posted on December 9, 2019, and updated on June 14, 2021.
Maura Murphy
Maura Murphy
January 24, 2022
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I was not a fan of going to the dentist! One might say afraid… but thanks to the amazing team at Fisher & Orfaly I am back on track with my 6 month cleanings. The team did an amazing job calming my fears and I can actually say I may even enjoy going to the dentist now! The team is professional, accommodating, and they do a fabulous job cleaning my teeth! I am so grateful that they have me back on track with great dental habits. They certainly have given me something to smile about.

Corbin Bettencourt
Corbin Bettencourt
January 24, 2022
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Who likes to go to the dentist? Fear no more. Dr. Orfaly and his staff provide an environment of ease and professionalism that relieve the jitters that so many feel during visits to the dentist. Whether a routine check up or more complex procedure, our experiences have been most positive.

Jacqueline Traynor
Jacqueline Traynor
May 19, 2021
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I am someone who has been terrified of the Dentist from a very young age, but after seeing Dr. Orfaly and his team over the past couple of months I have 100% gotten over my fears. I have never felt more comfortable and taken care of by the staff. Everyone is so nice and down to earth they make you feel welcome! Dr. Orfaly even came in on a day they were closed because I was having extreme tooth pain, and he totally fixed the problem, I will never forget that. I’m so happy I decided to go to Fischer & Orfaly, best decision I’ve ever made!

Ashley Spencer
Ashley Spencer
April 1, 2021
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Dr Orfaly is the best dentist around! I have alot of anxiety around going to the dentist & Dr Orfaly always makes sure to check in to see how I'm doing & is so nice. If a referral is needed to a specialist, he makes the call for you & gets you an appt quickly (mine was even the same day) I love how they book you with the same dental hygienist for all cleanings.. Adds another level of comfort... Shoutout to mine, Kathy!! 😊

Martina Pena-Martes
Martina Pena-Martes
February 7, 2020
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Before coming to Fisher & Orflay my daughter hated coming to the dentist, she now looks forward to her appointments fully knowing and understanding every procedure being done. They make her visits pleasant each and every time, providing excellent service with the help of their friendly and knowledgeable staff.

Sam Smullin
Sam Smullin
January 22, 2020
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After many years of neglecting my my teeth due to fear of the dentist my dental issues got bad enough that I had no choice but to adress them. I randomly selected Fisher & Orfaly and am very glad that I did. Dr Orfaly did a great job while making sure I was as comfortable as possible.After completing the initial, extensive repairs my mouth looks and feels great. In the 10 years since I first visited I had had no new major work needed. Even better, I can walk into the office without that sense of dread that is familiar to so many people.

Dr. George Orfaly
Dr. George Orfaly, D.M.D.

About the author

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.

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