Dental Implants Billerica | Single & Multiple Teeth

How an implant works

An implant has three parts. A small titanium post takes the place of the root and fuses with your jawbone over a few months. An abutment connects to it. On top goes a custom crown, bridge, or denture attachment made to match your other teeth.

Replacing the root is the part that matters most and the part other options skip. Bone needs the pressure of chewing to stay dense; when a tooth is lost, the bone underneath begins to shrink, and over years that changes the shape of the face. An implant keeps that bone working.

What implants can replace

A single tooth

One post, one crown. Nothing is done to the healthy teeth on either side — which is the main advantage over a traditional bridge, where those neighbors have to be filed down to carry it.

Several teeth in a row

An implant-supported bridge anchors on posts at each end instead of on your natural teeth. Fewer implants than teeth replaced, and no healthy enamel sacrificed.

A full arch, or a loose denture

Four to six implants can hold a full denture firmly in place, without adhesive, movement, or a plate covering the roof of the mouth.

What the process looks like

Implants take time, but most of it is healing, not appointments.

1

Planning

We examine the site, take imaging, and confirm there’s enough bone to work with. If there isn’t, a graft may come first — done by the same specialist who places the post, as part of the same plan. You’ll get a full written plan and cost estimate before anything begins.

2

Placement

The post is placed by the specialist under local anesthetic. Most patients return to normal activity the following day.

3

Healing

Three to six months while the bone fuses to the post. A temporary restoration is provided in the meantime; you will not be left without a tooth.

4

The final tooth

We take impressions and fit the custom crown, bridge, or denture attachment, which is then used as a normal tooth.

Who does what

Implant treatment has two halves. The surgical placement of the post — and any bone grafting needed beforehand — is done by a partnering specialist office we work with regularly. Once it has healed, you come back to us and Dr. Tran makes and fits the crown, bridge, or denture attachment that goes on top.

We state this in advance because patients should know who performs each stage. The arrangement also has a clinical advantage: the surgery is carried out by a specialist who performs it routinely, and the restoration is made by the dentist who knows your mouth. The case is planned jointly from the outset.

What implants cost

Cost depends on the number of implants, whether preparatory treatment such as a bone graft or extraction is required, and the type of restoration placed on top. An accurate figure requires an examination.

The full cost, including stages that occur later in treatment, is provided in writing before you commit. Implants cost more initially than a bridge or a denture and generally last longer; the decision is yours to weigh.

Common questions

Does getting an implant hurt?

The placement is done under local anesthetic and most people compare the recovery to an extraction — sore for a couple of days, managed with over-the-counter pain relief.

How long do implants last?

The titanium post is designed to be permanent and often is. The crown on top is a restoration like any other and may need replacing after many years of use.

Am I too old for an implant?

Age isn't the deciding factor — bone health and general health are. We've placed restorations on implants for patients well into their seventies and eighties.

Does insurance cover implants?

Some plans contribute, many don't, and coverage often differs between the surgical and restorative parts. We'll run a pre-estimate so you know your actual out-of-pocket number before you decide.

Dental implants in Billerica