Dental implants continue to grow in popularity as the best option for tooth replacement thanks to their aesthetic and functional benefits. They are designed to provide a long-lasting, natural-looking solution to restore smiles and improve oral health. However, patients who are considering dental implants often ask about the cost before making any treatment decisions.
This article explores the factors that impact the cost of dental implants in Framingham, MA.
Average Cost of Dental Implants
In Framingham, the cost of a single dental implant typically ranges from $5,000 to $7,500. This price includes the implant, the surgical procedure to place it, the abutment, and the dental crown. A few appointments will be necessary from start to finish, and the cost of these visits should also be included in this cost.
Any additional treatments that are needed to complete the dental implant will often be in addition to this amount. Of course, the best way to know just how much you can expect to pay for your dental implant is to schedule a consultation with your dentist.
Factors that Impact the Cost of Dental Implants
Many factors are considered when determining the cost of a dental implant procedure. Let’s take a closer look.
The Materials Used
Dental implants can involve different materials, which can affect the total cost. While the implant itself is often made of titanium, other materials can be used to create this artificial root. Another example is the dental crown. While porcelain crowns are the gold standard, many other material options can be used in their place. Depending on what your dentist recommends and what you choose will either increase or decrease the overall cost of getting dental implants in Framingham.
The Dental Practice
There are many steps to getting dental implants, from the initial consultation with your dentist to follow-ups once the implant is placed. Because dental practice sets its prices, you should do your research and choose someone who has the experience and precision to properly place your implant.
In other words, to ensure a successful procedure, you may want to base your decision on skill rather than going for the cheapest option.
The Complexity of the Procedure
In addition to the dental implant, abutment, and crown, some patients require additional procedures — which can increase your cost. For instance, solid bone density is required of a good candidate for a dental implant. Without it, you may still be able to move forward, but not without having a procedure, such as bone grafting or a sinus lift to improve your bone density.
Although this is not something every patient will encounter, it must be considered when discussing the cost of dental implants.
Learn More About Dental Implants
Are dental implants right for you? The skilled team at Periodontal Associates can help restore your smile and improve your oral health with dental implants. Find out how much the cost will be based on your needs by scheduling an appointment today at our Framingham office 508-875-6185 or our Newton Centre office 617-964-6185.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get dental implants?
On average, it takes about 5 to 8 months to get a dental implant. However, this length of time varies for each person as some require additional treatments and healing times.
How painful is getting a dental implant?
The dental implant surgery itself should not include any pain thanks to the local anesthetic used to numb the area. Once it wears off, it is not uncommon for patients to temporarily feel some level of pain and discomfort. Medication is typically provided to help with relief.
Getting dental implants can be a life-changing decision if you are someone who is missing one or more teeth. They not only look like real teeth, but they function like them, too.
The process of getting dental implants is quite long and there is no denying that the cost can be quite high. This leaves many patients questioning their longevity and whether or not they are worth the time and investment.
The good news is that dental implants are the best, high-quality solution for tooth replacement — and they have a long lifespan. But just how long do dental implants last? Let’s talk about it.
How Long Do Dental Implants Last?
Dental implants typically come in three pieces— the implant itself, the abutment, and the dental crown. To give you a very broad idea of how it works, the implant is placed in the jaw as the anchor and the abutment attaches to it, holding the crown in place.
Because the implant is fused with the jaw bone, it can last upwards of 25 years. The dental crown, on the other hand, has an average lifespan of about 10 to 15 years. Both of these can last even longer with the right care and attention.
Factors that Impact Dental Implant Longevity
How long your dental implants will last can depend on a few factors that you may or may not have control over. Taking these into consideration can help you to determine how long they may last for you.
- Poor oral hygiene
- Bruxism (grinding your teeth or clenching your jaw)
- Smoking
- Medical conditions, such as diabetes
- Certain medications
- Poor bone quality
- Smoking
If you have any of the above, discuss with your dentist how long you can expect your dental implants to last.
Caring For Your Dental Implants
Providing exceptional care for your implants can extend their life. You will keep decay, gum disease, and bacteria at bay — and promote a healthy mouth.
Brushing and Flossing. You will want to brush and floss your teeth and gums at least two times per day, especially before going to bed. A Waterpik is also a very effective tool for thoroughly cleaning around your implant and under your crowns.
Routine Dental Visits. Visit your dentist every six months for a professional cleaning. This will elevate your oral health and allow your dentist to catch any problem areas before they grow. Regardless of how well you care for your teeth at home, there are still areas you miss — and your dentist will address them.
Ditch Bad Habits. Taking care of your teeth means having to give up some bad habits. If you smoke, bite your nails, grind your teeth, or find yourself chewing on pen caps, stop. These can cause serious damage to your natural teeth as well as your implants.
Learn More About Dental Implants
If you still have questions about dental implants or want to find out if they are a good option for you, the team at Periodontal Associates can help. Schedule an appointment today at one of our two convenient office locations.
Framingham Office: 508-875-6185
Newton Centre Office: 617-964-6185
Frequently Asked Questions
Will insurance cover the cost of dental implants?
It is very common for them to pay a percentage of the total cost. However, what your dental insurance will cover will depend on your specific policy. Be sure to reach out and learn about your benefits.
How painful is it to get a dental implant?
The dental implant procedure is done using a local anesthetic to keep you from feeling anything. As it wears off, you may have some temporary discomfort. Over-the-counter pain relievers for a couple of days are usually all that is needed.
Dental implants are one of the most popular tooth replacement options available. They look natural, function just like real teeth, and are long-lasting solutions, too. All of these benefits often prompt patients to seek out more information about dental implants — and to find out if they are a good candidate for them.
This patient’s guide to the dental implant procedure will give you a better understanding of what to expect.
Step One: The Consultation
Before you can move forward with a dental implant procedure, you have to know whether or not you are a candidate for it. Setting up an appointment with a skilled periodontist is the best place to start.
During this appointment, you can expect to have a comprehensive oral exam as well as some digital images and impressions. The dental specialist is trying to confirm that you have a sufficient amount of jawbone to support an implant — and that you have good oral hygiene without any sign of infection.
If you are a candidate for the procedure, your next appointment will be set.
Step 2: Placing the Dental Implant
During the procedure, the implant, typically made of titanium or zirconia, will be surgically placed in the jaw. Local anesthesia will be used so that you do not feel anything for the duration.
You will be given post-surgical instructions that you should follow carefully to reduce the risk of infection and give yourself the best chance for success. It will take anywhere from 3 to 6 months for the implant and the bone to fuse thanks to a process known as osseointegration. During this time, the surrounding soft tissue will grow around the implant as if it were a natural tooth root.
Keep in mind that if you do not have sufficient bone mass in the jaw, you will be required to undergo bone grafting before the dental implant can be placed. This may add several additional weeks/ months to the overall process but is necessary to ensure the success of the implant.
Step 3: Adding the Dental Crown
Once your dental specialist feels that the implant has fused to the bone and can become a strong anchor for the tooth, the dental crown will be attached to the post with the help of an abutment. This crown will be customized to match your other teeth in size, shape, and color so that it will blend in well and look just like one of your other teeth.
With this addition, your smile and your bite force will be fully restored.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does dental insurance pay for dental implants?
Some insurance plans will cover a percentage of the cost of dental implants. It is always a good idea to check the specifics of your coverage with your insurance carrier.
How long do dental implants last?
The average lifespan for a dental implant is 20 to 30 years. Dental crowns will typically need to be replaced in 10 to 15 years. With exceptional oral hygiene, you can give an ever greater boost to their longevity.
Interested in Dental Implants?
If you would like to learn more about dental implants or see if you are a good candidate for the procedure, the dental specialists at Periodontal Associates can help. We have extensive experience in the perfect placement of dental implants.
If you’d like to learn more or schedule your consultation, contact us today. Or, you can request an appointment online.
If you’re missing two or more adjacent teeth, you have three options to replace them: a conventional dental bridge or an implant-supported bridge or a removable partial prosthesis. While conventional dental bridges have been used to replace teeth for hundreds of years, implant-supported bridges have quickly become the preferred solution for patients who are missing teeth. Here’s why.
Implant-Supported Bridges Don’t Compromise Healthy Teeth
There are a few different options for dental bridges, but the most common type involves placing crowns on two or more teeth adjacent to your missing teeth for support. Placing crowns for bridges means removing otherwise healthy tooth structures in order to attach crowns to them.
Before dental implants, this was the standard solution for missing teeth, but that doesn’t mean it’s an ideal one. Over time, these types of bridges are prone to breaking; the supporting teeth are also susceptible to damage and decay because each time you bite down or chew, you’re placing stress on them.
Other types of dental bridges still place stress on the abutment (supporting) teeth—a Maryland bridge, which places the least amount of stress, also offers the least stability because it’s only supported by a metal or ceramic framework that’s bonded to the backs of the supporting teeth.
Implant-supported bridges are self-supporting. They don’t need other teeth to anchor them in place; instead dental implants are used to replace the two outermost missing teeth and these implants support your bridge, leaving your healthy teeth untouched.
Implant-Supported Bridges Are More Natural
A traditional bridge replaces the visible portion of a missing tooth, but as anyone who has seen an extracted tooth knows, there’s even more tooth structure under the surface. Implant-supported bridges replace the roots of your teeth too, which makes them more stable. Instead of being held in place by two adjacent teeth, an implant-supported bridge is anchored by a dental implant, which acts as an artificial root.
Because of this, implant-supported bridges feel, look, and function more like your real teeth. Over time, you might even forget that you have them! Although it may seem counterintuitive, dental implants are actually a conservative treatment option for this reason—they offer predictable results because they are so similar to natural teeth in function and form.
Implant-Supported Bridges Prevent Bone Loss
The fact that implant-supported bridges replace the roots of your missing teeth is important for another reason as well: it prevents bone loss in the jaw.
When you have missing teeth, it sends a signal to the body that the bone that once supported the teeth is no longer needed. Through a process called resorption / atrophy, your body breaks down the bone and transports its minerals elsewhere. The result is a sunken, prematurely aged facial appearance. Implant-supported dentures prevent this from happening—and it can even reverse bone loss that has already occurred.
Learn More About Implant-Supported Bridges
If you’re interested in discussing the benefits of implant-supported bridges and finding out if you’re a candidate for the procedure, contact us at 508-875-6185 to schedule an appointment at our Framingham office or 617-964-6185 to schedule an appointment at our Newton location.
Another recent study confirms why women should keep those toothbrushes and dental floss handy! A comprehensive review of women’s health studies by Charlene Krejci, associate clinical professor at the Case Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine, has shown a link between women’s health issues and gum disease.
Across the ages, hormonal changes take place during puberty, menstruation, pregnancy and menopause. Krejci found female hormones that fluctuate throughout women’s lives can change conditions in the mouth that allow bacteria to grow, enter the blood, and exacerbate certain health issues like bone loss, fetal death and pre-term births.
Her overview of the literature was reported in the article, “Women’s Health: Periodontitis and its Relation to Hormonal Changes, Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes and Osteoporosis” in the May issue of Oral Health and Preventive Dentistry.
The Case Western Reserve University periodontist reviewed 61 journal articles with nearly 100 studies for a collective answer on whether hormones have a relationship to gum disease and specific women’s health issues like preterm labor, bone loss, and the side effect of hormonal replacement therapy.
“There’s definitely a gender-specific connection between women’s hormones, gum disease, and specific health issues impacting women,” Krejci said.
“Although women tend to take better care of their oral health than men, the main message is women need to be even more vigilant about maintaining healthy teeth and gums to prevent or lessen the severity of some of women-specific health issues,” Krejci said.
In addition to the brushing and flossing daily regimen, Krejci recommends visiting the dentist at least every six months, and more if there are any gum problems found or women suffer from bone loss or are pregnant.
She added that it is widely known that hormones cause some women gum problems during pregnancy. Women already susceptible to gum disease before being pregnant, she advises, need to make sure that these oral problems are treated.
Although women were once discouraged from seeing the dentist while pregnant, she said that scaling and planing of the roots of teeth to eliminate some gum disease is now recommended during pregnancy for women. Severe gum disease requiring surgery is still generally postponed until after the baby’s birth.
Gum disease begins with the build up of bacterial plaque on the teeth and under the gums. Untreated it can cause irritation and inflammation during which harmful and toxic byproducts are released. These toxins erode the bone that anchors teeth and cause breaks and bleeding in the gums.
Collaborating with Krejci on the study was Nabil Bissada, professor and chair of the Department of Periodontology at Case Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine.
Source: Science Daily
Journal Reference:
- Krejci, Charlene B. / Bissada, Nabil F. Women’s Health: Periodontitis and its Relation to Hormonal Changes, Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes and Osteoporosis. Oral Health Prev Dent, 10 (2012), No. 1, Page 83-92 [link]
Do you really want to avoid cavities in your teeth and preserve a beautiful smile? Try massaging them with a high-fluoride toothpaste after lunch. “Rubbing toothpaste onto your teeth increases the fluoride protection by 400%,” says Anna Nordström, dentist, PhD and researcher at the Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Sweden.
Eight years ago a new brand of toothpaste was launched in Sweden with more than three times as much fluoride as standard toothpaste. Available without prescription, it is aimed primarily at those with high caries risk.
First scientific evaluation
Researchers at the University of Gothenburg’s Sahlgrenska Academy have now performed the first scientific evaluation of the effect of this so called “high-fluoride toothpaste.” The study has resulted in a new method that quadruples the level of protection from fluoride.
Four times better protection
In the study, 16 volunteers tested a variety of brushing techniques, using either high-fluoride or standard toothpaste, and brushing either two or three times a day.
“The study revealed that those who used a high-fluoride toothpaste three times a day had four times better fluoride protection in the mouth than those who used standard toothpaste twice a day,” says researcher Anna Nordström from the Institute of Odontology at the Sahlgrenska Academy.
Rub your teeth after lunch
Also tested was a new method developed in collaboration with professor Dowen Birkhed, which involves rubbing toothpaste onto your teeth with a finger.
“This ‘massage’ method proved to be at least as effective as a third brushing in increasing the amount of fluoride in the mouth,” Anna Nordström explains. “Rubbing the front of your teeth with toothpaste can be an easy way of giving your teeth a third “shot” of fluoride during the day, after lunch for example. But this should not replace brushing with a fluoride toothpaste morning and evening — it’s an extra.”
Daily use is essential
Brushing with fluoride toothpaste has played — and continues to play — a major role in combating tooth decay, and there is strong scientific evidence that daily use of fluoride toothpaste has a pronounced preventive effect.
The study Effect of a third application of toothpaste (1450 and 5000 ppm F), including a “massage” method, on fluoride retention and pH drop in plaque was published in Acta Odontologica Scandinavia.
THE RESEARCHER´S TOP TIPS • Use toothpaste at least twice a day, after breakfast and before going to bed. • If necessary, brush a third time or rub on some toothpaste instead. • If you have problems with cavities, choose a toothpaste with a higher fluoride content. • Avoid rinsing out the toothpaste with water.
SOURCE: Science Daily
Journal Reference:
- Anna Nordström, Dowen Birkhed. Effect of a third application of toothpastes (1450 and 5000 ppm F), including a ‘massage’ method on fluoride retention and pH drop in plaque. Acta Odontologica Scandinavica, 2012; : 1 DOI: 10.3109/00016357.2011.654238
A novel bacterium, thought to be a common inhabitant of the oral cavity, has the potential to cause serious disease if it enters the bloodstream, according to a study in the International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Microbiology. Its identification will allow scientists to work out how it causes disease and evaluate the risk that it poses.
The bacterium was identified by researchers at the Institute of Medical Microbiology of the University of Zurich and has been named Streptococcus tigurinus after the region of Zurich where it was first recognised. S. tigurinus was isolated from blood of patients suffering from endocarditis, meningitis and spondylodiscitis (inflammation of the spine). It bears a close resemblance to other Streptococcus strains that colonise the mouth. Bleeding gums represent a possible route of entry for oral bacteria into the bloodstream.
The similarity of S. tigurinus to other related bacteria has meant that it has existed up until now without being identified. Its recent identification is clinically important, explained Dr Andrea Zbinden who led the study. “Accurate identification of this bacterium is essential to be able to track its spread. Further research must now be done to understand the strategies S. tigurinus uses to successfully cause disease. This will allow infected patients to be treated quickly and with the right drug.”
Dr Zbinden said that while the discovery of the bacterium is no cause for alarm, it is important that it is recognised and the risk is quantified. “This bacterium seems to have a natural potential to cause severe disease and so it’s important that clinicians and microbiologists are aware of it,” she said. “The next step is to work out exactly how common this bacterium is in the oral cavity and what risk it poses. Immunosuppression, abnormal heart valves, dental surgeries or chronic diseases are common predisposing factors for blood infections by this group of bacteria. However, the specific risk factors for S. tigurinus remain to be determined.”
Photo: CCOS
Source: Science Daily
Journal Reference:
- A. Zbinden, N. J. Mueller, P. E. Tarr, C. Sproer, P. M. Keller, G. V. Bloemberg. Streptococcus tigurinus sp. nov., isolated from blood of patients with endocarditis, meningitis and spondylodiscitis. International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Microbiology, 2012; DOI: 10.1099/ijs.0.038299-0
Immediate placement of a dental implant right after a tooth is extracted, along with attachment of the temporary tooth, is a predictable treatment option for patients who must lose a tooth. My partner and I have been placing dental implants in our private periodontal practice in Newton and Framingham, MA for over 25 years. We have personally witnessed the evolution of implant dentistry to this point. Patients are thrilled with the results of “same day” dental implants and restoration. And, the esthetic results are typically outstanding; usually better than the outcomes that are achieved in delayed, staged-out treatment protocols.
Critical factors for success include using an implant that provides superior stability in the bone of the extraction socket, right after the damaged tooth has been removed. We also prefer using an implant that has a “platform shift” design to avoid loss of crestal bone during healing. An internal connection is also desirable to provide maximum stability for the abutment which supports the crown (tooth). The NobelBiocare NobelActive implant fixture has been the perfect solution for us.
Comments are welcome.
Gum disease affects millions of people around the work. And, gum recession ( the loss of gum tissue and supporting bone around a natural tooth) makes up a big part of the problem. Unfortunately, loss of gum and bone can eventually lead to tooth loss.
But there is a cure! Dentists and periodontists (dentists who specialize in the treatment of gum disease) can repair the damage caused by gum recession. With a traditional treatment approach, a small amount of gum can be removed from another part of the mouth and used to repair the tooth that has lost gum. The exposed root can oftentimes be covered to improve the cosmetic appearance of the tooth. This is generally considered to be the “gold standard” of treatment because the patient’s own gum is used. The downside is that the area that the gum is borrowed from (it grows back) can be sore during the healing phase after treatment.
Over the years, various materials have been developed to be used as a substitute for using the patient’s own gum as the donor. These include donor grafts from cadavers……Yes, it sounds unappealing, but it is perfectly acceptable and has been used for decades. Newer materials are now available that are made from collagen (the building block of all skin)! The general benefits include avoiding a second surgical site to borrow the gum, so there is less soreness. And the results appear to be quite promising.
We, at Periodontal Associates, have been using Mucograft collagen matrix for awhile now with much success in treating gum recession (and, no, we do not have any affiliation with the company). Our patients are very happy with the outcomes which include improved cosmetic appearance, improved gum health, and their improved quality of life.
Comments are appreciated!
My partner, Giovanni Castellucci, and I have been placing dental implants in our periodontal practice for over 27 years. Every day, we see an ever increasing amount of requests from our restorative colleagues and patients from Boston, Newton, Framingham, and the surrounding metrowest communities for extraction of a compromised tooth, followed by immediate dental implant placement and restoration (Teeth in a Day). Years ago, this was a very challenging proposition for a variety of reasons, and we oftentimes had to decline these requests and follow a more traditional treatment protocol. However, with the current advances in dental implant design (including surface technology, thread pattern, and restorative connection), we can confidently and predictably deliver immediate dental restorations in one dental appointment. One of our favorite dental implants for “teeth in one day” is the NobelActive fixture from NobelBiocare. We have been impressed by the tremendous stability at insertion (70 Ncm), platform switch – bone preservation design, surface technology to maximize bone-implant contact and osseointegration, and ease of restoration.
Case selection is paramount to assure a successful outcome, and not every patient is truly a candidate for these procedures. Every case has to be thoroughly evaluated on its own merits. And, there is no substitute for clinical experience and surgical expertise. In the end, our mission is to have a happy and healthy patient with normal function and a beautiful smile.
Have any of you had similar experiences? Please share them with the community.
Cary Feuerman, DMD
PERIODONTAL ASSOCIATES
photo credits:
Dental Implant #9 – Cary Feuerman, DMD
NobelActive Graphic:
