Dental Implant Therapy in Belmont, MA

Schrott Perio Implants provides dental implant therapy in Belmont, MA. To make an appointment for a consultation, please call our office at 617-484-9240.

What Is Dental Implant Therapy?

Dental implant therapy involves creating replacement teeth that are both functional, comfortable and attractive.

Dental implants are small titanium fixtures that are inserted into the jawbone. Since they fuse with the jawbone in a process called osseointegration they become very strong anchors for fixed, naturally looking, and comfortable replacement teeth.

Dental implants can replace single teeth, multiple teeth, or an entire arch.

The Dental Implant Process

The first step toward receiving dental implants is extracting the problem teeth that need to be replaced – if they are not already missing – in a minimally invasive fashion.

Sometimes, the extraction sites will need to heal before the implant surgery can take place. Sometimes, implants can be placed at the time of extraction.

When the implant fixtures are inserted the patient receives appropriate local anesthesia and sedation as needed. The periodontist opens the gum to expose the jawbone. The biocompatible titanium implants are then inserted into the jawbone.

If the jawbone is too thin and a bone graft is needed the bone graft often can be placed at the same time. This will include the placement of a particulate bone replacement product (usually bovine) and a collagen membrane (usually porcine).

Sometimes, the jawbone is too thin to receive a dental implant. Then a bone graft is placed and a healing time of several months may be needed before the implant can be placed.

As a last step the surgeon secures the gum tissue with sutures, leaving the site to heal for a few months.

After the fixtures have bonded with the jawbone, it is time to place the dental restorations,  which may replace one tooth, several teeth, or an entire arch. This last step will be done by the restorative dentist.

According to the concept of specialty care Schrott Perio Implants only provides the surgical part of dental implant therapy. The restorative part, i.e. inserting the replacement teeth, is done by the primary care dentist.

Benefits of Dental Implant Therapy

Preserves Jawbone Health

If a tooth is missing for an extended time, the jawbone may break down in a process called resorption. When the implant bonds with the jawbone, it provides the stimulation the bone needs to stay healthy.

Restores Chewing Ability

If you have previously had dentures or bridges, you may be accustomed to limiting your diet. Implant patients have much more freedom. With dental implants, you can eat anything you want. This will not only improve your quality of life but also help your overall and digestive health since you are not limited to soft and high caloric food.

Easy Care

Caring for implants is as simple as caring for healthy, natural teeth. Regular dental visits, brushing, and flossing help keep the implants healthy.

Beautiful Appearance

Today, implant restorations look very much like natural teeth. They can revitalize your smile and help you improve your self esteem and outlook on life. You will not feel self-conscious about your teeth anymore, and you will attract positive attention.

Implants also prevent the cheeks from sinking as a result of missing teeth. This benefit gives implant patients a younger appearance.

 

Are You a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?

Overall Health

The healthier you are the less likely you will experience complications during or after dental implant therapy. However, in recent decades dental implant treatment has become a very reliable treatment option even in medically compromised patients and has helped countless patients to improve their overall health and quality of life.

Jawbone Amount and Strength

Dental implants require a sufficient amount of jawbone. If you do not have enough jawbone you will require a separate bone graft, which we also provide in our office.

These days implants work so well that they are a very predictable treatment option even in patients with weak or porous bone, such as in patients with osteoporosis or osteopenia.

Commitment to Oral Care

Committing to a robust oral care routine and regular dental visits is important to keep your implants healthy.

Smoking

Smoking is an important risk factor for dental implant treatment. While these days dental implants work well also in smokers you will be at a much higher risk for complications or dental implant failure if you smoke.

Why Choose Schrott Perio Implants?

Our practice has been specializing in dental implant services since the very beginning.

Dr. Schrott has been placing dental implants since 2003 and was one of the youngest Fellows of the International Team for Implantology. He has published and presented on dental implant treatment around the globe.

Since we are a specialty practice we see the most complicated dental implant cases on a daily basis. Complex is our routine.

We also maintain a friendly, compassionate practice with the most modern procedures and equipment.

For anxious patients and bigger procedures we offer oral and IV sedation.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Implant Therapy

I want to get an implant in the back of my mouth. What can I do if I don’t have enough jawbone height to support an implant?

The maxillary sinus cavity is very close to the upper molars, and sometimes a sinus lift is needed, which entails moving the sinus membrane upward and placing a bone graft. This is a standard procedure performed routinely in our office.

What is the success rate of dental implants?

If risk factors such as uncontrolled diabetes, heavy smoking or poor oral hygiene are absent, the success rate for dental implants is above 95 percent.

How long does the dental implant process take?

The length of time needed to complete the dental implant process varies in each situation. The standard healing time for a dental implant is two to three months. Prior tooth extractions or additional gum grafts will generally require an additional three months of healing.

The healing time for separate bone grafting procedures varies from three to nine months.

Placing the actual tooth restorations by your primary care dentist will generally take at least two months depending on the complexity of the restoration. Hence, the overall treatment time can vary from four months to over a year.

Are dental implants safe?

Dental implants are considered a very safe and predictable procedure when performed by a qualified and experienced clinician. Complications can ensue with any surgical procedure, but a highly trained practitioner can avoid or manage most complications. Practicing excellent oral care and following post-operative instructions after the procedure can help you heal without complications.

Call Schrott Perio Implants

If you have dental problems or missing teeth and want to determine whether implants will work for you, call Schrott Perio Implants at 617-484-9420. We can meet with you to discuss your options and assess whether you are a good candidate for dental implant therapy.