Do you need dental implants in Salem, MA? What do you need to know before getting this procedure done? Salem's top dental office gives the lowdown.

If you have a damaged or missing tooth, it can really affect the confidence that you have in your smile. Not only this, but it can also cause issues with chewing while leaving you open to tooth decay, gum disease, and infection. 

Fortunately, there are a few available options when it comes to replacing teeth. This includes dental bridges, dentures, and dental implants. The most effective option out of these is dental implants. 

So, what are dental implants in Salem MA, and what are the benefits?

In this article, we’ll take a look at dental implants and how they are placed by a dental office in Salam MA.

What Are Dental Implants?

What Are Endosteal Implants?

Often, when people mention dental implants they’re talking about endosteal implants. These are the types of dental implants that are most frequently used. 

In this type of procedure, a titanium screw will be used. This will go directly into the jawbone, creating a fixed bond. 



Because of the way that the implant is placed, the endosteal implant is the most effective.

What Are Subperiosteal Implants?

There might be times when someone is not a suitable candidate for getting endosteal implants. Where this is the case, it might be possible to have subperiosteal implants instead. 

In this procedure, the screw is not fixed to the jawbone. Instead, the implant is placed just above the jaw. 



This is a less effective solution in comparison to endosteal implants because the crown is not attached directly to the jawbone. 

Who Is a Suitable Candidate for Dental Implants?

f you’ve decided that you’d like to have the dental implant procedure, you’ll need to be an assessment by your dentist to find out whether you’re a suitable candidate. Following this assessment, your dentist will be able to make a decision about which type of implant you’ll be able to have.

There are a few pre-existing medical issues that you’ll need to let your dentist know about. These include HIV, AIDS, diabetes, osteoporosis, and uncontrollable metabolic diseases. 

Your dentist will need to also know whether you’re a smoker and how much you smoke on average. 

The condition of your jawbone is the main thing that will affect your dentist’s decision about which type of procedure they’ll carry out. To find this out, the best dentist in Salem MA will use x-rays.

This will provide them with information about bone density, the strength of your jaw, and its ability to withstand pressure from the implant.

If you’re not suitable for endosteal implants, you might still be suitable to have subperiosteal implants. 

How Do Dental Implants Work?

The whole process of getting dental implants might take several months to carry out. The very first stage would be to get your damaged tooth taken out if needed. 

If you don’t have the correct bone density or your jawbone is too soft, you may need to have a bone graft at this point. It is vital that your jaw can take the pressure from the implant. 

If your jawbone does need a bone graft, it could take a few months for your jaw to get to the right level of strength. Once it’s ready, your dentist will make a very small incision in your gum and then drill a tiny hole in your jaw. 

Following this, your jaw will need time to regrow and heal. Again, this could take several months. While you wait for the next stage, you may be given a denture to wear, temporarily. 

Once your jawbone is ready for the implant, your dentist will place the screw in position. 

Once the screw is placed, your dentist will make a replacement tooth. This will be made using impressions and x-rays from your mouth. 



Once your jaw has fully recovered, it will be time to have the replacement tooth fitted. 

Are You a Suitable Candidate for Dental Implants in Salem MA

If you’re looking for ways to improve the confidence that you have in your smile, while reducing the risk of developing tooth decay, gum disease, or infections, and improving your bite quality, then you should look into dental implants in Salem MA. 

Speak with your dental office in Salem MA to find out exactly how much dental implants will cost. 

For more information, get in touch with Smiles of Salem to discuss what dental implants can do for your smile.