Dental Implants Boston, Wellesley Hills Dentist, Dr. Paul Schnitman

Below are some of the most frequently asked questions patients have about Implant dentistry.

For answers to any additional questions please contact our office at (781) 235-9988

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Q:	What do implants cost?

There are many factors involved in the cost of dental implants. Cost is generally more than traditional restorative dentistry because the cost of the implant needs to be added to the cost of the new teeth. Cost relates to your bone structure, the position in your mouth, the number of teeth you need replaced, the type of implant, the type of crown or bridge, and the method by which the implant is placed. Except for one or two teeth usually you don’t need an implant for every tooth In general only 4-6 implants are needed for an entire jaw of teeth. Most patients consider implants to be an investment in their future. Not only do they feel better about their physical appearance, they are able to eat a healthy, well-balanced diet. Furthermore, once a tooth has been replaced, it seldom requires as much attention as a conventional restoration.

Q:	What are dental implants?

Dental implants are today’s state of the art alternative to traditional restorative dentistry. In the course of the process, man made “tooth roots” fabricated of high grade titanium are implanted into the jaw. As they heal, thanks to a process known as “Osseointegration,” the titanium material bonds with the jawbone to form virtually permanent support for replacement teeth. The process of osseointegration was first observed more than thirty years ago by the pioneering research of, Professor Pe-Ingvar Brånemark, a Swedish scientist and orthopedic surgeon. Dental implants of today have been refined and perfected based on more than three decades of intensive clinical and scientific research. The result is a comfortable and virtually permanent tooth replacement system that looks, feels, and functions like natural teeth.

Q:	What are the benefits of dental implants?

There are many. Because your replacement teeth are firmly anchored, there is none of the slipping and sliding so common with conventional dentures, partials and bridges. Your biting and chewing function will be fully restored. You will be able to eat your favorite foods again. You will be able to speak and smile with confidence. Equally important, dental implants can be placed without grinding down adjacent healthy teeth as is required with conventional bridges and partials.

Q:	Are there benefits for my jawbone?

A:	Yes! Osseointegrated dental implants also serve another, more long term function. Without tooth roots to keep the shape of the jawbone, it slowly resorbs, or shrinks, changing the shape of your face. By bonding with the jawbone, dental implants keep the bone from shrinking.

Q:	Will my replacement teeth be natural?

A:	By any measure – appearance, comfort or function – if a dental implant is determined to be the right choice for you the result is likely to exceed your expectations.

Q:	What about the success rate of dental implants?

The dental implants of today which have received the ADA Seal if Acceptance for all treatment indications are highly predictable. The first patient received his Brånemark implants more than thirty years ago and they are still functioning today. Over the last decade, statistics confirms success rates over 90% for individual Brånemark dental implants, and even higher than that for bridges they support.

Q:	Who is a candidate for dental implants?

A:	Anyone whose jawbone has fully developed and has or will suffer tooth loss is a candidate for dental implants. The main limitation is the amount of available bone.

Q:	Who will perform my procedure?

Dr. Schnitman, a board certified and implantologist and one of the few dentists in the country who has been university trained and has extensive experience in both the surgical placement of the implant and placement of the prosthetic tooth, performs the entire procedure himself. He has a team comprised of a board certified anesthesiologist, a surgical assistant, an operating room nurse, and certified dental technician.

Q:	How long will it take?

The implant procedure itself is brief. After a diagnostic work-up placement of the implant is usually done in a single visit. This is followed by a healing period during which bonding of the dental implant to jawbone takes place. Typically, this requires from three to six months. Most patients use a temporary bridge during this period. Then several visits are required to make and place the crown or bridge on the implant. Today Dr. Schnitman has new procedures to place the implant and teeth all at the same time.

Q:	Is the procedure painful?

With modern anesthesia, you are unlikely to experience any pain during implant placement. Afterwards, discomfort will be based on the extent of your procedure and is usually controlled with medication. Most patients tell us the benefits of their implants far outweigh any discomfort and experience. Today Dr. Schnitman has new procedures to place the implant through the gum, eliminating the need for sutures. Little or no pain and swelling associated with these new treatments.

Q:	How will I care for my dental implants?

A:	Your new teeth are brushed and flossed at home and professionally cleaned and checked regularly, just like natural teeth.

Q:	Are there different types of dental implants?

There are different types of dental implants but Dr. Schnitman uses Nobel Biocare Brånemark dental implants which are the only implants that have been refined and perfected based on more than three decades of intensive clinical research, This commitment to state of the art products, coupled with safety and reliability based on science, form the cornerstones of Dr. Schnitman’s philosophy of treatment. The American Dental Association Seal of Acceptance for all treatment indications.