Dental Implants
Boston, MA

Every day, people are getting dental implants to replace missing teeth. Dental implants are the best long-term state-of-the-art solution for the replacement of missing teeth.

Dental implants are small anchors made of biocompatible metal called titanium, which are inserted into the jawbone. After insertion, the anchors then begin to fuse with the surrounding bone. This critical biological fusion process known as “osseointegration” takes 3 to 4 months to occur, after which time, the final attachment of replacement teeth may be completed by your restorative dentist. When restored by your dentist, the look and feel of a dental implant is virtually indistinguishable adjacent to your natural teeth.

Dental implant placement is surgery – and is best performed by a trained surgeon. Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons are experts in dental implant procedures and this surgery is a specialty of Dr. Lucca and our Boston oral surgery team.

Dental implants are considered the gold standard for tooth replacement. Some of the health and functional benefits of dental implants include:

Replacement of one or more missing teeth
Enjoying the look and feel of natural teeth
Having the ability to eat the food that you love
Preservation and maintenance of bone health

At Lucca Oral and Facial Surgery, we understand that dental implants are implantable medical devices. As a practice philosophy, we invest in implant systems exclusively from trusted industry leaders with strong research and development and quality control programs. At Lucca Oral and Facial Surgery, we provide Straumann, Keystone Dental, Zimmer/Biomet 3i, and Nobel BioCare implant technology.

Please contact our office to discuss your treatment options with Dr. Lucca and our Boston oral & facial surgeons.

Lucca Oral & Facial Surgery performs dental implants in Boston, MA. Call 617-300-0345 to learn more and schedule an appointment.

Single Dental Implant

Dental implants are small anchors made of a biocompatible metal called titanium that are placed in the jawbone to replace missing teeth in the mouth. After placement, the anchors will begin to fuse with the bone over the course of a few months. After the fusing process, known as osseointegration, abutment posts are inserted into the anchors to allow for the permanent attachment of the replacement teeth.

Implant Supported Bridges

An implant supported bridge is a restorative solution for spaces where three or more adjacent teeth are missing. This restoration typically requires two implants to support the bridge that provides a functional and aesthetic replacement for a patient’s natural teeth.

What are the advantages of an implant supported bridge?

Because of the natural look and feel and the functional stability provided by the implants, implant supported bridges are an effective solution to replace multiple missing teeth.

A traditional bridge uses teeth on either side of the missing tooth space for support, and preparing teeth for crowns can weaken them. Because these teeth serve as attachments, they are subject to additional forces that can damage both healthy and compromised teeth or bone tissues.

A dental implant supported bridge replaces missing teeth by placing two or more dental implants rather than adjacent teeth. These implants avoid putting any additional stress on your natural teeth and help preserve the health and function of the surrounding bone tissue and teeth.

Fully Edentulous (Toothless) Solutions

For patients missing many or all of their teeth, implant retained or implant supported dentures may be an alternative to traditional dentures. These solutions can simulate the look and feel of natural teeth and stay fixed in place with the implants acting as anchors. Using implants for retention or the support of dentures allows for a smaller and more comfortable base and less shifting of the prosthesis during use.

Implant Supported Dentures

An implant supported denture requires the placement of four to six dental implants as “anchors” to provide a sturdier fit and minimal mobility for your denture. With implant supported dentures, there is no plate covering the roof of the mouth, so speaking and eating are more natural and comfortable than with traditional dentures. For qualifying patients, our doctors may be able to complete the removal of all teeth and the placement of a temporary arch on the same day.

Implant Retained Dentures

Available for full or partial dentures, implant retained dentures require the placement of two or more dental implants to secure the dentures in the mouth. This type of denture will “snap” onto the implants and can be removed for cleaning at night.

Guided Dental Implant Placement

3D technology allows our doctors to more accurately place dental implants using minimally invasive techniques that improve patient comfort and healing while maintaining the highest standard of treatment and restoring your smile.

The 3D digital guidance provided by this specialized software helps our team plan the implant placement procedure. It also allows the patient to visualize the implant’s future location and its support for the final restoration. Once planning is complete, our team uses this 3D-guided implant technology to create a customized surgical guide that provides greater precision and accuracy during implant placement.

Zygoma Implants

Instructions Following Implant Surgery

How to care for your oral health after implant surgery

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Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Implants

How long do dental implants last?

Once a dental implant has adequately fused with the jaw bone, the bond can last for a lifetime. The prosthetic portion of your restoration may need to be replaced after some time due to normal wear and tear, but a dental implant is the best available long term solution for tooth replacement.

Am I a good candidate for dental implants?

Most patients are candidates for dental implants. If you have one or more missing or severely damaged teeth, you may be eligible for a dental implant restoration. The most important factor in dental implant eligibility is the condition of the jaw bone. Depending on the density and health of the bone where the implant will be placed, some preparation may be required.

What is the success rate of dental implants?

Dental implants have a success rate that averages around 95-98% when placed by an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon for a healthy non-smoking individual. The success of your dental implant is a shared responsibility and compliance with your surgeon’s instructions for follow-up care and maintenance is essential.

Can dental implants replace all of my teeth?

Dental implants can replace anywhere from one to all of the teeth in your mouth. In the case of a single tooth replacement, one implant is placed in the jaw with a prosthetic crown attached. When a few teeth in a row need to be replaced, two dental implants can support a bridge. For a full mouth restoration, 4-8 implants can help replace an entire arch of teeth.

Are dental implants permanent or removable?

Dental implants are fixed in the jaw. Once they fuse with the bone they can not be removed without surgical intervention. In some cases, implants may support dentures that are removable. These dentures snap-on to the dentures and can be removed for cleaning and maintenance.

Are dental implants covered by insurance?

Insurance coverage for dental implants varies based on your provider and plan. For specific information about your coverage, contact your insurance provider or refer to your benefits guide.

Which is better, a dental implant or a bridge?

In the case of a single tooth replacement, a dental implant is a higher quality restoration than a dental bridge. A dental implant functions as closely as possible to a natural tooth, offering comparable function and strength. A bridge relies on support from the healthy teeth adjacent on either side of the missing tooth. A bridge requires surgery on healthy teeth, and if a problem arises with any of the teeth supporting the bridge, the entire bridge is compromised. A dental implant is the highest standard of care to replace a single missing tooth.

How long does it take to get a dental implant?

Replacing one or more teeth with dental implants is a multi-step process. The implant is surgically placed in the jaw and given a few months to fuse with the bone before the abutment and crown are attached. In the case of an implant supported bridge or dentures, there may be additional steps to create and fit your prosthetic. The total treatment time could range anywhere from a few months to a year or more, depending on your individual situation. Most commonly, teeth can be restored after tooth removal, in about 6 months.

Are dental implants safe?

Dental implants are made of medical grade titanium, and are a medical grade implantable device. Titanium is a biocompatible and safe material utilized in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and Orthopedics for decades.

What type of anesthesia is required for dental implant placement?

The type of anesthesia used for dental implant procedures is a matter of your surgeon’s recommendation and your personal preference. In many cases dental implants can be placed with local anesthesia. But if a patient prefers some additional relaxation assistance, we provide a range of sedation options that may be appropriate.

Call 617-300-0345 to schedule an appointment.

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