Replacing a Tooth Without Touching Its Neighbors
When a tooth is lost, the usual way to replace it with a bridge involves shaping the healthy teeth on either side. An implant stands on its own. It goes into the jawbone where the root used to be, and the teeth next to it stay as they are.
That matters to Dr. Kaceli, who sees keeping your natural tooth structure as the most important part of her work. For many patients with healthy teeth beside the gap, an implant is the option that leaves the most of their own smile intact.
What Is a Dental Implant?
An implant has three parts. The post is made from titanium or another biocompatible material and is placed in the jawbone. An abutment connects to the top of the post. The visible tooth, a crown or another restoration, attaches to the abutment.
Over a few months the bone grows around the post and holds it firmly. This process is called osseointegration, and it is what lets an implant carry the force of chewing.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Implants?
The main question is whether your jawbone can support an implant. Dr. Kaceli evaluates the bone with imaging during your consultation, along with your gums and overall health.
If the bone has thinned, which often happens after a tooth has been missing for a while, bone grafting may be done first to build it up. Our team includes periodontist Dr. Milagros Serrano, DDS. Her focus is dental implants, bone augmentation and soft tissue grafting, and she is LANAP certified.
A damaged tooth that is still in place may need to be removed before an implant goes in. See our page on tooth extractions in Newton.
One Tooth, Several Teeth or a Full Arch
- Single tooth. One implant supports one crown.
- Several teeth. Implants can support a bridge across a row of missing teeth. Compare this with a traditional dental bridge.
- Full arch. Implants can hold a denture in place for patients missing all their teeth in one jaw. Read more about dentures in Newton.
The Implant Process in Newton
Implant treatment happens over several months. Here is the general order:
- Consultation and imagingDr. Kaceli examines your mouth, takes images and checks whether your bone can support an implant.
- Treatment planYou go over the plan together, including any extractions or bone grafting needed first.
- Implant placementThe post is placed in the jawbone under local anesthesia, with sedation available.
- HealingOver a few months, the bone fuses with the post.
- Abutment and restorationThe abutment is attached, and your crown, bridge or denture is fitted on top.
Why Choose Kaceli Dental Studio in Newton?
Implants are a bigger investment than most dental work, so you deserve clear numbers. Amy Orsini at our Newton front desk answers insurance benefit questions and prepares pretreatment estimates, and we offer monthly payments through Cherry and Sunbit.
Our office is at 1400 Centre St in Newton Centre, and we see patients from Wellesley, Needham, Brookline and Dedham as well. Patients can reach us with questions any time during treatment, day or night.
