Dental Implants – Medfield, MA

Missing One Tooth

Traditionally, the only way to replace a single lost tooth was to file down the two neighboring teeth and install a dental bridge. These days, we can instead place a dental implant post in the empty space and top it with a realistic-looking dental crown. That way, we won’t have to alter any of your healthy tooth structure.

Missing Multiple Teeth

If you’re missing multiple teeth in a row, we can place a dental implant on either end of the gap in order to support a bridge. If the missing teeth are not consecutive, though, we can strategically place a small number of implant posts to secure a partial denture.

Missing All Teeth

For patients who have lost all of their original pearly whites, an implant denture is the ideal solution. By placing just four to six implant posts at precise locations throughout the jaw, we can provide enough support for a full denture that won’t come loose or slip around.

Preliminary Treatments & Dental Implant Surgery

In order to ensure that the dental implant treatment is as successful as possible, we want to ensure that our patient’s jawbone density and oral and gum health are in good condition. Some of our patients require periodontal therapy, bone grafts, or sinus lifts before their surgery to minimize risk of dental implant failure down the road. These procedures incur separate fees that can affect the cost of your procedure.

Once the mouth has healed from any preliminary treatments, Dr. Hirshfield, your implant dentist in Walpole, is able to complete the dental implant surgery in-office, which is a unique benefit that many practices don’t offer. This makes payment easier for patients.

Cost-Affecting Factors of the Treatment

The overall cost of dental implants in Walpole is based on several factors. Some of which include:

• The Number of Implants Needed. Typically, one dental implant needs to be placed to restore a single tooth, two dental implants for consecutive missing teeth, and anywhere from four to eight dental implants for a full or partial denture.
• The Type of Restoration Required. Crowns are less expensive than bridges or dentures because they’re smaller and require fewer dental materials to create.
• The Materials Chosen. Implants can sometimes be made from zirconia instead of titanium, which can impact the price of treatment.
• There are multiple companies who manufacture implants, which can impact cost as well.

The Long-Term Investment of Implants

Dental implants in Walpole have a higher up-front price tag attached to them, which can cause many patients to raise an eyebrow and wonder if they’re getting the best possible deal. With the proper care, implants can last for 35 years or more, unlike their counterparts that need to be replaced every seven to 10 years. At the end of the day, many patients are grateful they spent a little more up-front, because they don’t have to worry about repeat visits for repairs and replacements.

Will My Dental Insurance Cover Dental Implants?

Unfortunately, it’s rarely if ever the case that dental insurance plans cover the cost of dental implants. However, our team will do our best to maximize your benefits and help you save from out-of-pocket costs. In some cases, we are able to get parts of the procedure covered. However, that depends on the individual patient’s coverage.

Making Dental Implants Affordable

At Hirshfield Dental Care, we offer plenty of ways to make your treatment affordable. We’re happy to file claims for most dental insurance plans and help you file for low-interest financing through CareCredit if your insurance coverage isn’t sufficient. As an alternative to insurance, our in-house benefits plan helps you save on most of our services in exchange for a small annual fee. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us directly if you have any questions.

How Long Do Dental Implants Last? 

Unlike traditional prostheses that needs to be replaced every few years, dental implants can last for decades. With a healthy lifestyle and the proper oral hygiene habits, dental implants can last for 35 years or longer. To safeguard your smile, it’s best to brush, floss, and rinse with a mouthwash at least twice a day. Don’t forget to visit your dentist at least twice a year for a cleaning and checkup. You’ll also want to avoid anything that may damage your new teeth, like using them as tools or chewing sticky foods. If you develop any concerns between your routine dental visits, like pain or swelling, contact your dentist right away.

Are Dental Implants Safe?

Dental implants are a safe and effective option for tooth loss if a patient has good oral and overall health. When the procedure is performed by a qualified implant dentist in Medfield, you can feel confident your smile is in good hands. Your dentist will perform a thorough consultation to ensure dental implants are right for you. In some cases, you may need additional procedures before your placement surgery, like periodontal therapy or bone grafting. Patients with pre-existing conditions, like diabetes, may need additional precautions to ensure there aren’t any complications during surgery or recovery.

Do Dental Implants Feel Natural?

After your mouth has healed, dental implants will closely feel like your real teeth because they have the support of your jawbone. The titanium posts will act as new roots to regain as much as 70% of your natural biting force, so you can enjoy many of your favorite foods. Since the implants don’t have any nerve endings, if you experience any sensations, they will come from the surrounding tissues.

How Long Does It Take to Recover from Dental Implant Surgery? 

Despite what you might have heard, dental implants don’t require a long recovery. Most patients can return to their daily activities the day after surgery, but it is best to avoid any strenuous exercising for about 1 week to prevent any delays in your recovery. You can expect there to be some bleeding, but it will stop after the first couple of days. You can manage it by applying a cold compress until it subsides in about three to four days. Be sure to take any prescribed or OTC pain relievers as instructed. Although your gums will heal quickly after your surgery, it can take over 6 months for your dental implants to fuse with your jawbone.