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. For anyone tired of adhesive, slipping, or a plate that covers the roof of the mouth, this is usually the single biggest quality-of-life improvement we can offer.

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. You’ll get a full written plan and cost estimate before anything begins.

2

Placement

The post is placed by the specialist. This is a smaller procedure than most people expect — local anesthetic, and most patients are back to normal the next day.

3

Healing

Three to six months while the bone fuses to the post. You won’t go without a tooth in the meantime; we’ll sort out a temporary.

4

The final tooth

We take impressions and fit your custom crown, bridge, or denture attachment. Then you use it like a tooth.

Who does what

Implant treatment has two halves. The surgical placement of the post 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 say this up front because patients reasonably want to know who will be doing what, and because it’s a genuine advantage: the surgery is handled by someone who does it every day, and the tooth you actually see and chew with is made by the dentist who knows your mouth. We plan the case together from the start.

What implants cost

Cost depends on how many implants you need, whether any preparation like a bone graft or extraction is required first, and what goes on top. That’s why nobody can quote you an implant honestly without looking at your mouth.

What we can tell you is that we’ll give you the whole number in writing before you commit, including the parts that come later. Implants are more expensive up front than a bridge or a denture and generally last far longer, which is worth weighing — but it’s your call to make, not ours to push.

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