How to Choose Between Getting a Dental Bridge or Dental Implant 

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Are you exploring solutions for replacing a tooth? Dental bridges and dental implants are good options to consider, but both have their pros and cons. Our dentist in Burlington, MA, at Advanced Dental Care can help you determine which is a better option for your missing tooth based on the following factors.

How Is Your Oral Health?

Getting a dental implant involves surgery to place the post in your jaw. You’ll need to have healthy gums and teeth for this to work effectively. Dental bridges don’t involve surgery, but you still need good oral health with strong teeth on either side.

What Is Your Budget?

Dental implants have a higher cost than dental bridges, making them less budget-friendly in terms of upfront costs. Their longevity helps make up for the initial cost, though. Dental bridges cost less, but don’t last as long.

Do You Want a Faster Solution?

When comparing dental bridges and dental implants in Burlington, MA, consider the timeframe. Dental implants can take months to complete, while dental bridges take two visits that are a few weeks apart.

Do You Want a Long-Lasting Solution?

Dental bridges usually have to be replaced as they wear out. But implant posts tend to last a lifetime, making them a long-lasting option.

Which Are You a Good Candidate For?

You’ll need to have enough jawbone to handle dental implants. For bridges, you’ll need to have healthy teeth that can support the bridge on both sides.

Set Up a Dental Restoration Appointment!

Do you need help deciding between a bridge and an implant? Our dentist at Advanced Dental Care can help you compare these options and select the right one. We offer both dental implants and dental bridges in Burlington, MA.

How Do You Know If Dental Implants Are Right for You?

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When you have a tooth missing, you might feel awkward about smiling. Missing teeth can also cause eating problems, depending on where they are and how many are gone. Dental implants might offer the right solution to replace these teeth. At Advanced Dental Care, our dentist in Burlington, MA, offers this replacement option, but is it the best choice for you? Here’s how you can decide.

Do You Want a Quick Fix?

The implant process isn’t a fast one. In fact, you’ll need to wait months before you have your replacement teeth, since it takes weeks for your jaw to heal.

Are You Ok With Having Surgery?

Implants involve having posts placed in your jaw. It’s an invasive procedure that may take a few or more months for your jaw to heal.

Do You Have Enough Jawbone?

You need to have an adequate amount to support the implant posts. If not, our dentist may recommend bone grafting to add more tissue.

Do You Have Good Oral Health?

Suitable candidates for dental implants in Burlington, MA, don’t have oral health problems, like tooth decay or gum disease. We need to address those before you get dental implants.

Do You Have Any Health Issues?

Diabetes and other medical conditions might affect your ability to heal after implant surgery. We may need to explore other replacement solutions if you have certain health conditions that affect your immune system.

Schedule a Dental Implant Consultation With Our Dentist!

Are you trying to decide if you should replace missing teeth with implants? Our dental team at Advanced Dental Care can help you determine if dental implants in Burlington, MA, offer the best choice for your situation.

What the Long-Term Outcome Studies Tell Us About Dental Implant Survival and Complications

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Has your dentist in Burlington, VA, told you that dental implants will last you a lifetime? They are designed to be permanent. But people often wonder how long they really last. Long-term studies provide valuable insight into implant survival rates and common complications.

What does the research say about implants 10, 20, or even 30 years down the road?

Let’s find out!

10-Year Dental Implant Outcomes

The 10-year survival rate of dental implants is around 96%. That means most implants that were properly placed and cared for (good bone health, healthy gums, good oral hygiene) do very well during the first decade.

20-Year Dental Implant Outcomes

Dental implants in Burlington, VA, can even remain stable for 20 years (with the proper care). If you smoke or have a medical condition (like diabetes), that could compromise your implant longevity over time. That’s why it’s so important to schedule regular dental checkups and maintenance visits. This will enable your dentist to catch and address your implant issues early.

30-Year Dental Implant Outcomes

The good news continues. Many dental implants in Burlington, VA, from 30+ years ago (in most cases) are still functional (if they were placed correctly). They do require regular maintenance, though.

NOTE: It’s not uncommon for dental implants to last a lifetime, but the crown will more than likely need to be replaced at some point. Crown longevity is anywhere from 5 to 15 years, and sometimes even 30 years.

Need a Reputable Dentist in Burlington, VA?

Dental implants are one of the longest-lasting dental restorations available. Consider them a life-long investment. Please Contact Advanced Dental Care today for a consultation. We’ll let you know if implants are the right long-term solution for your dental needs. If not, we will provide you with an alternative.

What Happens During the Dental Implant Process?

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Has a missing tooth been bothering you? Instead of being shy about smiling or struggling with chewing, you can have it replaced with a dental implant. At Advanced Dental Care, our dentist in Burlington, MA, provides this treatment for tooth replacement. Let’s take a look at what you can expect if you choose this solution.

Implant Consultation

Are you a suitable candidate for dental implants? We have you visit for a consultation to determine this based on your oral health, overall health, amount of jawbone, and other factors.

Implant Insertion

The first part of getting an implant is having a titanium post put inside your jawbone. It ends up fusing to the tissue around it as your jaw heals, becoming an anchor for your artificial tooth.

Jaw Recovery

Our dental implants in Burlington, MA, aren’t a fast treatment for replacing teeth. In fact, it can take months before we finish the process, depending on how long your jaw takes to recover.

Abutment Attachment

The restoration that replaces your tooth needs something to connect it to the implant post. That’s why we attach an abutment to the post at the top, allowing it to hold your restoration firmly in place.

Restoration Placement

When your jaw is healed and the abutment is in place, we can move to the last part of the implant process. We place a restoration on the abutment, like a crown or bridge, to replace your teeth.

Set Up a Consultation with Our Dentist for Dental Implants!

Are you considering this replacement solution for missing teeth? Our dental team at Advanced Dental Care offers dental implants in Burlington, MA, to help enhance your smile and ensure that you can chew with ease!

4 Common Reasons For Dental Implant Failure

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When you get dental implants, it’s one of the best decisions you can make for your oral health. First of all, missing teeth can’t be ignored. They need to be addressed, and dental implants are a restoration procedure that’s natural-looking and permanent—at least they’re supposed to be permanent. But every once in a blue moon, dental implants do fail. Here are some common reasons why this happens.

1. Poor Oral Hygiene

Just like natural teeth, dental implants in Burlington, MA need daily brushing, flossing and regular dental checkups. Without proper oral care, plaque can build up around the implant, leading to gum inflammation and infection, which can compromise the implant’s stability.

2. Inadequate Bone Support

Successful implants rely on a strong jawbone to anchor them in place. If a patient has experienced bone loss due to gum disease, trauma, or long-term tooth loss, the bone may be too weak to support an implant. In such cases, a bone graft may be necessary before placement.

3. Medical Conditions

Certain health conditions, such as uncontrolled diabetes, autoimmune diseases, or osteoporosis, can interfere with the body’s ability to heal and integrate the implant with the bone. It’s important for patients to share their full medical history with their dentist or oral surgeon before treatment.

4. Implant Misplacement or Overload

Improper placement or too much pressure on the implant too soon can prevent it from fusing properly with the bone. This can happen if the bite isn’t balanced or if the implant is placed in a high-stress area without adequate planning, one of many reasons why it’s so important to get dental implants from a qualified dentist in Burlington, MA.

Dental implants are highly successful when planned and maintained correctly. By understanding these risk factors and working closely with your dental team, you can help ensure the long-term success of your implant and enjoy a healthier, more confident smile.

How Long Do Dental Implants Last?

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Thinking of getting a dental implant — or more than one? These restorations are a great way to replace missing teeth! But how long can you expect them to last? Our dentists in Burlington, MA, at Advanced Dental Care can provide dental implants that last a long time. We’ll explore their lifespan in more detail based on different factors.

Parts of an Implant

Different components of dental implants may not be permanent. The posts placed inside your jawbone or just under your gums are made to last a lifetime. But the crown or artificial tooth that goes on these posts might not last as long. You may need this restoration replaced after many years — or even sooner if it becomes damaged or loose.

Proper Care

You’ll need to take care of your dental implants if you want them to last. Failing to brush and floss regularly might cause plaque to form around the implant, shortening its lifespan. Regular exams and cleanings are also needed to maintain your dental implants.

Tooth Grinding

Do you clench or grind your teeth? Doing this regularly puts more pressure on your implants, causing them to fail. We can help you find a solution to stop this behavior, such as wearing a night guard.

Type of Implant

Traditional implants are designed to replace teeth permanently. Mini implants used when people don’t have enough jawbone might not last as long.

Visit Us for Dental Implants!

Are you exploring options to replace a missing tooth? Our dental team at Advanced Dental Care offers dental implants in Burlington, MA. We can see if you’re a good candidate for this procedure and recommend the right type of implant for the best results!

Are You a Candidate for Dental Implants? Key Factors Dentists Consider

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If you show up to your dentist and ask for dental implants, you should know that your dentist needs to first assess whether or not you’re a good candidate. The reason is that dental implants require oral surgery, which is not to be taken lightly. It’s not like you can just pop in between errands, get dental implants and then be on time for your aerobics class. There’s a complex process, and your dentist needs to be sure that the process has a good chance of success, for your own safety. Understanding these considerations can help you decide if dental implants in Burlington, MA are the right choice for restoring your smile.

Commitment to Oral Hygiene

Those who struggle with consistent oral care or have a history of severe gum disease may need additional evaluation or treatment before getting implants. You don’t want to invest time and money in implants to go to an area where there is a serious underlying condition that can threaten the implants.

Oral and Bone Health

Since implants are anchored into the jaw, there must be enough bone density to support them. If bone loss has occurred due to missing teeth, periodontal disease, or other factors, a bone graft may be necessary before implant placement. Healthy gums are also important, as gum disease can increase the risk of implant failure.

Overall Health and Lifestyle Habits

Certain medical conditions and habits can affect healing after implant surgery. Uncontrolled diabetes, autoimmune diseases, or a history of radiation therapy to the jaw may impact the body’s ability to heal properly. Smoking is another major risk factor, as it reduces blood flow to the gums and increases the likelihood of implant failure.

A consultation with your dentist in Burlington, MA can determine if you are a good candidate and what steps may be necessary to prepare for the procedure. Contact us today to book your appointment!

The Pros and Cons of Dental Implants

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If you are thinking about getting dental implants in Burlington, MA, you probably want to weigh the pros and cons first…right? So, let’s do that right now. Then, you can decide if getting implants is the right decision for you.

The Pros and Cons of Dental Implants

Your dentist in Burlington, MA, will go over everything you need to know about getting dental implants. But for now, let’s talk about the pros and cons.

Pros:

  • No Dietary Restrictions – You can eat anything you want.
  • Low Maintenance – You care for your implants just like you do your natural teeth.
  • Permanent – Implants are not removable, so they are considered permanent dental appliances.
  • Durable – Implants are inserted into your jawbone. So, they are just as durable as your natural teeth.
  • Helps Prevent Bone Loss – Implants fill the gap left by missing teeth, which maintains stimulation so you don’t lose any bone.
  • Look and Feel Like Natural Teeth – Implants are designed to look and feel like your natural teeth.
  • Prevents Teeth from Shifting – Implants fill the space left by missing teeth, so they prevent your teeth from shifting.
  • Long Lasting – Implants can last a lifetime with proper dental care. However, that’s just for the implant itself. The crown portion of the implant might need to be replaced after 10-15 years or so.
  • Restores the Cosmetic Appearance of Your Face – Getting implants will improve your smile. You no longer have to worry about a missing tooth smile.

Cons:

  • More Expensive Than Other Tooth Replacement Options – Implants can be more expensive (up front). However, over time, they could help save you money because you do not have to pay for ongoing dental repairs to your natural teeth.
  • Requires Invasive Surgery – Implants require the removal of your natural tooth/teeth. So minor, in office surgery is required.
  • Takes Time for Bone Fusion – It could take four to six months or so for your bone to fuse to the implant.
  • Not Everyone Is a Good Candidate for Dental Implants – If you don’t have enough jawbone, you might not be a good candidate for some types of dental implants. Your dentist will let you know.

Contact a Reputable Dentist in Burlington, MA

If you want more information about getting dental implants, please Contact Advanced Dental Care today. Dr. McGonigle, DMD, has many years of experience, thousands of hours of continued education, and is a well-respected member of the community. At Advanced Dental Care, we love perfecting smiles.

Signs Your Dental Implant is Failing

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Dental implants are durable and have the potential to last a lifetime. But they aren’t impervious to failure, just any other kind of surgical implants, like a hip implant or knee replacement. One of the critical factors in how likely your implant is to last a lifetime is where you have it done. It pays—in the long-term and the short-term—to have your dental implant in Burlington, MA done at a reputable, experienced dental practice like Advanced Dental Care. If you notice any of the following signs, it could be that your dental implant is failing for one reason or another.

Persistent Pain and Discomfort

Mild discomfort is normal after implant surgery, but you shouldn’t be popping pain relievers for any length of time after the dental implant is supposedly healed. Contact us for help if this happens to you.

Implant Mobility

Your implant should feel like a natural tooth. In fact, lots of people forget they even have a dental implant, since it feels such a normal part of their teeth. If your implant feels loose or wobbly, it means something’s not right.

Swelling and Inflammation

Sure, a little swelling post-surgery is normal, but not after several days. Lingering inflammation could indicate peri-implantitis, a bacterial infection that affects the gum and bone around the implant. It’s not a good sign.

Gum Recession or Bleeding

If you notice receding gums around an implant, contact your dentist in Burlington, MA immediately. If this keeps up the titanium post might get exposed, which will compromise the stability of your implant.

If you notice any of these signs, get in touch with us ASAP. With early intervention, we may be able to save the implant. At Advanced Dental Care, we take care of your oral health.

The Different Types of Dental Implants Explained

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Are you thinking about getting dental implants? It’s exciting…right. But first, you will need to schedule an exam and consultation with your dentist in Burlington, MA, because there are different types of dental implants, and you might not be a good candidate for all of them.

The Basics of Dental Implants

Dental implants are small titanium posts (screws) that are surgically implanted into your jawbone (usually but not always). Then, an abutment and artificial tooth are placed on top of that implant after the bone has fused.

There are different types of dental implants available. After performing an exam, your dentist will let you know which one is best suited for your specific situation.

The Different Types of Dental Implants and When They Are Used

These are the three most commonly used types of dental implants in Burlington, MA.

  • Endosteal Dental Implants

Most people get endosteal implants. They are surgically implanted directly into your jawbone. However, you must have enough jawbone to insert the implant. If you don’t, you won’t be a good candidate for these without having bone graft surgery first.

  • Subperiosteal Dental Implants

If you don’t have enough jawbone for an endosteal implant, your dentist might suggest subperiosteal implants. These are placed on top of your jawbone instead of being implanted into your jawbone.

Your dentist will place a metal frame with a post under your gums. Your gums will heal over that frame, and that’s what holds your implant in place. Then, an artificial tooth will be attached to the top of the post.

  • Zygomatic Dental Implants

Zygomatic implants are rarely used because the procedure is extremely complicated. These implants are placed in your cheekbone instead of into your jawbone.

Contact a Reputable Dentist in Burlington, MA

If you are thinking about getting dental implants, please Contact Advanced Dental Care today. We offer high-quality, award-winning services at an affordable price.