Dental Implants in Lexington MA: When Are Dental Implants Recommended?

Dental Implants in Lexington MA

Dental implants are one of the most amazing advancements in dental technology in recent years. They offer patients the ability to replace missing teeth without anyone being the wiser for it. Implants have the look, feel, and function of natural teeth.

But if you are considering dental implants in Lexington MA you will need some solid information to guide you. Because, while implants are a superior treatment option for most people, they are not always right for everyone.

What are dental implants?

Dental implants are simply a type of tooth replacement that involves the implantation of a titanium metal post, followed by two additional components.

Each implant consists of:

• A titanium metal post implanted within the jawbone
• An abutment
• A dental crown

What is it like getting a dental implant?

Getting a dental implant will require some patience on your part, as the entire process will take a few months. The first part involves the implantation of a metal post into your jawbone. Sensing the presence of an artificial tooth root, your jawbone will naturally fuse around your new implant over the next few months.

Once this fusing process is complete, your dentist will place an abutment on top of the metal post. The purpose of the abutment is to allow for the attachment of a dental crown on top of the entire structure. Your crown will provide the appearance of a natural tooth, as well as a firm surface for biting and chewing.

When are dental implants recommended?

As long as you are in good overall health, and can afford the procedure, dental implants in Lexington MA will likely be recommended for you if you have sufficient bone mass. If you do not have adequate bone mass to support an implant, you can still undergo a bone graft procedure so that the area is prepared to receive a dental implant.

Dental Implant Benefits

• Preserves facial appearance: After losing a tooth, one’s facial structure can begin looking sunken in. A dental implant maintains facial structure, allowing you to appear more youthful.
• Keeps teeth from shifting: If you have a gap in your smile, nearby teeth can shift into this empty space. Implants prevent this from happening.
• Better than dentures: It is not uncommon for patients to find dentures to be uncomfortable. They can slip, affect speech, and make biting and chewing challenging.
• Superior to bridges: Bridges place surrounding teeth under greater stress. They can eventually lead to the necessity for costly dental work. Making the initial dental implant cost become more economical in the long run.

Book Your Appointment

If you would like to receive more information about dental implants in Lexington MA, reach out to your dental office today at (781) 861-7645  to schedule an appointment or consultation.

Your consultation provides a great opportunity to share any concerns that you may have, or ask any questions that are on your mind, so that you are completely comfortable with the entire dental implant process.

Dentist in Lexington MA: What Are Dental Veneers?

Dentist in Lexington MA

Dentist in Lexington MA | If you’re looking for a treatment option for chipped or stained teeth from a cosmetic dentist in Lexington MA, you should give serious consideration to dental veneers. Veneers are a relatively inexpensive solution to minor cosmetic complaints like these.

Dental veneers are a great way to enhance the appearance of your teeth when they have been negatively affected by problems like chips, cracks, gaps or staining. If you require this kind of cosmetic dental work, veneers offer a nice solution to aesthetic complaints such as these. But you will need some solid information to help you make an appropriate decision.

Let’s take a look at dental veneers, what they treat, and what to expect. Then contact our dentist in Lexington MA.

What are dental veneers?

A dental veneer is a shell of thin material that your dentist can apply to the outer surface of one or more of your teeth to improve its aesthetics.

Furthermore, there are a couple of main categories of dental veneers: composite and porcelain. The type that works best for you and your individual needs can be determined at your initial consultation.

Some issues corrected by dental veneers include:

• Chips and cracks
• Gaps between teeth
• Stains and discoloration

Composite Veneers

Composite veneers are a bit different, in that they are directly applied by the dentist while you are sitting in the dental chair. So it is a bit of an art form. Your dentist will be carefully sculpting a composite material onto your teeth. This material is similar to that used in some dental fillings.

Benefits of Composite Veneers:

• Relatively inexpensive
• Only one appointment required

Drawbacks of Composite Veneers:

• Not as durable as porcelain
• More vulnerable to staining

Porcelain Veneers

Although it is more expensive than composite, porcelain is more favored as a dental veneer, largely due to its stain resistant properties. This makes it both a way of correcting problems like chips and cracks, as well as offering a smile-brightening effect.

In addition, porcelain veneers are normally placed during two dental appointments. At the initial appointment, your dentist will remove a bit of tooth enamel from the teeth to be treated. This makes room for the veneer and improves adhesion.

Next, your dentist in Lexington MA will create an impression of your teeth. This impression will be sent to a lab that will manufacture your porcelain veneers. Lastly, after they have arrived, your dentist will place them in a follow-up appointment.

Benefits of Porcelain Veneers:

• Highly durable
• Extremely stain resistant

Drawbacks of Porcelain Veneers:

• More expensive
• Requires multiple appointments

Who makes a good candidate to receive dental veneers?

Above all, if you have solid oral hygiene and healthy gums, you would probably qualify for dental veneers if you are unhappy with the appearance of your teeth or smile. Most patients have a specific issue in mind when they schedule a consultation. Some are unhappy with the color of their teeth, while others have front teeth that are chipped, or some other cosmetic complaint.

To determine if you would make a good candidate for dental veneers, contact our cosmetic dentist in Lexington MA at (781) 861-7645 to schedule a consultation.