At South Natick Dental, we want you to love your smile. If you are missing one or more teeth, you may be embarrassed to share your smile with the world. Even worse, you risk your long-term oral health if you fail to promptly deal with your missing tooth. Dental implants are the strongest and most reliable tooth replacement solution available. Inserted directly into the jawbone, implants replace a tooth’s missing root – a unique feature that provides a number of implant-specific benefits.

If you are missing one or more teeth, we invite you to schedule a free initial consultation with our experienced dentist Dr. Svetlana Novak DMD. Contact us today by completing the form on this page or calling 508-691-9466. South Natick Dental proudly welcomes patients from several communities throughout Massachusetts, including Natick, Wellesley, Dover and Sherborn.

Learn more about dental implants below, with topics including:

• What Is a Dental Implant?
• The Importance of Replacing a Missing Tooth
• Benefits of Tooth Implants
• What to Expect During Your Dental Implant Procedure
• Mini Dental Implants
• Implant-Supported Dentures
• Can Dental Implants Be Used to Replace Several Missing Teeth?
• What Is the Cost of Implants for Teeth?
• Schedule Your Free Dental Implant Consultation Today

What Is a Dental Implant?

A dental implant is the most effective tooth replacement option available today, providing unparalleled levels of form and function. Unlike other restorative treatments, dental implants restore the entire tooth, from root to crown. Typically, a dental implant consists of three main components:

• Post: A titanium post is inserted directly into your jawbone to serve as the root for your replacement tooth. This root replacement will keep your bone structure healthy and stimulated.
• Abutment: The abutment is the connecting device that links the titanium post to the new crown. It is screwed onto the implant and rests just above the gums, where the tooth restoration is then placed.
• Crown: This is the visible part of the complete dental implant. It’s the lifelike crown that shows when you smile. Implants can be topped with a crown, bridge or denture. No matter what you need, Dr. Novak will ensure your results are beautiful and natural-looking.

Dental implants have the highest success rate of any tooth replacement solution.

The Importance of Replacing a Missing Tooth

If you’ve lost a tooth, it’s important to visit South Natick Dental right away to discuss your treatment options. Even if the lost tooth is near the back and doesn’t mar the visible aspects of your smile, any missing tooth contributes to bone loss under the surface of the gums.

Each one of your teeth is surrounded and supported by an alveolar bone. When a tooth goes missing, the bone deteriorates in a process called resorption. Due to the resorption process, you may lose up to 25 percent of your bone density around that particular area within the first year of tooth loss. After that, it only gets worse. This is why the mouths of many people who have lost teeth have a “caved-in” appearance.

Not only does a missing tooth harm its immediate surrounding area, it also affects remaining teeth. When a tooth is missing, your remaining teeth will shift to fill the gap and create bite problems and aesthetic issues. Tooth loss can also impact jaw muscles, joints and other structures of the face.

Benefits of Tooth Implants

Due to their ability to look and function just like natural teeth, dental implants boast a high rate of patient satisfaction. It’s no wonder; if you choose dental implants for your restoration needs, you can expect the following common benefits:

• Strengthen your bite: Dental implants comprise incredibly strong and durable materials: titanium and dental porcelain. When placed deep within your jawbone, your implants will function just like real teeth and be exceptionally long-lasting. With proper oral hygiene habits, your teeth implants can last for the rest of your life.
• Prevent bone loss: Tooth roots provide structure, stability and preservation for the jaw bone. When a tooth is lost, the bone tissue is more likely to weaken and dissolve. When a dental implant is placed, it is fused to the bone, thereby filling that missing void left by the loss of the original tooth root. If you would like to learn more, Dr. Novak would be happy to explain what you can expect from your implants.
• Easy Maintenance: There are a number of tooth-replacement options that require a great deal of maintenance and care. Dental implants, however, only require a proper dental hygiene routine: brush twice a day like you normally would, floss daily and visit South Natick Dental twice a year for regular check-ups.

What to Expect During Your Dental Implant Procedure

If you are ready to replace one or more missing teeth, you can learn about the dental implant process by talking to Dr. Svetlana Novak and reviewing the steps below. Please keep in mind that not every person will be a good candidate for implants, and you must have strong, healthy, ample jaw bone in order for this procedure to be successful.

Most dental implant procedures follow this general outline, and our team will provide in-depth details during your first visit with us.

• Step 1 – initial consultation: First of all, Dr. Novak will want to sit down with you to discuss your needs and explain how dental implants work. It is very important for us to communicate all of the benefits and risks of this procedure, and review your other tooth replacement options, before you make a decision. If you feel that this is an option that might work, we will schedule you for a full dental exam.
• Step 2 – your examination: Dr. Novak will perform a full oral evaluation, take X-rays, and review your health history to determine if you are a good candidate for an implant. During your exam visit, we will answer any additional questions about dental implants you may have and run through the details of each step.
• Step 3 – implant placement surgery: During your first procedure, Dr. Novak will open the gums to reveal the jaw bone, and then create a hole in the bone for the placement of your dental implant, or replacement tooth root. The titanium screw is added, then the gum tissue is stitched and the area is allowed to heal for several months before your next procedure. During the healing process, the titanium implant should fuse with the bone tissue (called osseointegration), providing a strong foundation for your replacement tooth.
• Step 4 – your abutment surgery: After a healing period that can last up to six months, Dr. Novak will again open the gum tissue to expose your replacement tooth root. An abutment is attached to the implant, which will connect the replacement tooth (dental crown) to the replacement tooth root (implant). A temporary crown is usually placed at this time.
• Step 5 – adding your new tooth: During an office visit, Dr. Novak then places your artificial tooth in the form of a dental crown. Follow the aftercare instructions described by our team and you will enjoy the benefit of your new tooth for years to come.

Dr. Novak prides herself on her gentle touch to make sure every patient has a comfortable experience under her care. Her soft approach combined with her advanced training make for an exceptional result from your dental implant treatment!

Mini Dental Implants

Mini dental implants are long-lasting restoration solutions that secure your dentures securely in place. The benefits of mini dental implants include:

• Can be completed in a single office visit
• Safe minimally invasive technique
• Long-lasting results
• Little pain or discomfort
• Restores natural chewing
• Affordable option for replacing missing teeth

Once your mini dental implants are placed, your dentures will be modified to snap onto the implants.

Not only will your replacement teeth look and feel great, you should be able to enjoy eating your favorite foods almost immediately.

Implant-Supported Dentures

For all of the benefits offered by standard dentures, they still have their shortcomings: they can agitate your gums and shift in your mouth; they require messy adhesives and strict food restrictions. On the other hand, implant-supported dentures provide an exceptional level of comfort, stability, and functionality that traditional dentures simply can’t touch.

Unlike a crown, which can be supported by a single implant, multiple implants are used to reinforce implant-supported dentures and restore your lifelike smile.

If you’re thinking about getting implant-supported dentures, consider the following benefits:

• Comfortable fit
• Improved chewing function
• Natural-looking smile
• No need for denture adhesives
• Improved ability to speak and chew

Dental implants offer significant benefits, but they aren’t right for every patient. During your free initial consultation with Dr. Novak, she will evaluate the condition of your oral health and determine your candidacy for dental implants. South Natick Dental is committed to providing you with your ideal smile; if implants aren’t an appropriate solution, Dr. Novak will help you determine an alternative treatment to help you reach your goals.

Can Dental Implants Be Used to Replace Several Missing Teeth?

Yes. Dental implants are used for single tooth replacement, but Dr. Novak can place multiple dental implants to help restore your smile assuming that your jawbone is healthy and there is ample bone structure to support multiple implants. If you have several missing teeth, talk to Dr. Novak about how multiple dental implants are done.

What Is the Cost of Implants for Teeth?

Just like our patients, every smile is different and has different needs. The price for dental implants can vary greatly, depending on the number of implants needed, the type of prosthesis being attached, and whether or not bone grafting is necessary.

The best way to get an accurate picture of what you can expect to pay for your dental solution is to meet personally with Dr. Novak in a one-on-one consultation. During this free visit, Dr. Novak will thoroughly examine your dental state and explain all of your treatment options. She will also discuss cost estimates for your potential treatments.

“Dr. Novak and her team’s compassion, excellence and patience put South Natick Dental in a league of their own.  I trust them implicitly with our smiles!” – Anne, Patient

Schedule Your Free Dental Implant Consultation Today

To learn more about how Dr. Novak can help you with dental implants or other tooth-replacement options, please call South Natick Dental today at 508-691-9466. We serve patients from throughout Massachusetts, including Natick, Wellesley, Dover, Sherborn, and other neighboring communities.

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