Dental Implants – Worcester, MA

The Gold Standard for Tooth Replacement

Our team of oral surgeons at Elite Oral Surgery Associates understands that tooth loss can be devastating. Even if only one tooth is missing, it can create many difficulties when attempting to eat, speak, or smile. Fortunately, we are pleased to partner with many dentists in the area to provide dental implant placement. By performing the surgical component of this process, we can ensure that patients’ new prosthetics are firmly in place and positioned for optimal comfort and support. Call us today if you are interested in learning more about the dental implant process, whether you're in Sturbridge, Dudley, Worcester, Fitchburg, Randolph, Lowell, or the surrounding areas. 

Older man in suit smiling with dental implants in Worcester

Why Choose Elite Oral Surgery Associates for Dental Implants?

  • 7 Convenient Locations
  • Sedation Dentistry Available
  • Dental Insurance Welcome

What Are Dental Implants?

Dentist showing a dental implant model to a patient

Dental implants are tooth replacement solutions that are made out of titanium, ceramic, or zirconia and mimic tooth roots to provide continuous stimulation to the jawbone. Designed to support a customized restoration (i.e., dental crown, bridge, or denture), they are positioned and placed within the gums so that they will fuse with the bone tissues over several months. These prosthetics are the only tooth replacement solutions that replace the entire root-to-crown structure, and they are made to last a lifetime as long as you commit to taking proper care of your smile as you age.

The 4-Step Dental Implant Process

Animated dental implant with abutment and crown being placed in the lower jaw

At Elite Oral Surgery Associates, we are pleased to help patients who have been recommended by their dentists for dental implant placement. Several steps must be followed to ensure optimal success, including:

  • Initial Dental Implant Consultation: You will meet with your dentist to discuss your candidacy for dental implants and find out if you require any preliminary treatments such as bone grafting, periodontal therapy, or tooth extraction. These may be necessary before moving forward with minor oral surgery.
  • Dental Implant Surgery: Our team will administer local anesthesia to ensure you remain calm and comfortable throughout the procedure. We will then make one or more small incisions in your gums to place each dental implant. Once positioned correctly, we will close the tissue and send you home to recover.
  • Dental Implant Osseointegration/Abutment: The recovery phase of treatment varies for each patient; however, osseointegration must occur, which is the fusing of the implant post to the bone tissue. This can take 3-6 months. You will then return to have your metal abutments added to the tops of your implants, as these will connect with your customized restoration.
  • Delivery of Dental Implant Restoration(s): Your dentist will place your customized restoration on top of your implants. Depending on how many teeth are missing and how many implant posts you need, you will receive a dental crown, bridge, or denture.

Benefits of Dental Implants

Woman in white collared shirt smiling outdoors

Over half a million dental implants are placed annually, meaning that there are many patients out there gaining access to all the benefits that they have to offer! They assist with day-to-day tasks, impart unique health benefits, and of course, set a patient up for a lifetime of healthy, happy smiling. Keep reading to learn more about how dental implants in Worcester can be used to masterfully rebuild your smile and grant you access to all sorts of incredible, life-changing advantages.  

Day-to-Day Benefits

a patient biting into an apple

Our teeth’s primary uses are to bite and chew food and to help us speak clearly; without our teeth, these types of daily tasks would be quite difficult to manage! Here are a few ways how dental implants vastly improve one’s day-to-day routine:

  • Since dental implants replace the entire root system of missing teeth, patients regain virtually all their lost oral functionality, which allows them to bite and chew even the toughest of foods with ease.
  • Unlike other traditional tooth restoration options (such as dentures), dental implants don’t impose any new challenges when it comes to speech or pronunciation.
  • Dental implants don’t require any highly specialized care or specific cleaning products; rather, you simply need to brush, floss, and care for them like you would your natural teeth.
  • Dental implants are carefully designed to complement a patient’s natural facial aesthetics. Since they’re identical to natural teeth, they cause a patient to experience an impressive boost to their self-confidence.

Health Benefits

a closeup of a dental implant

Teeth are important for more than just chatting with your friends and biting into your favorite foods; they’re also integral for maintaining overall health. Here are just a few of the noteworthy health benefits that dental implants can offer:

  • Did you know that even just one missing tooth has the potential to threaten the rest of your teeth? Dental drift, or the shifting of teeth, is common after tooth loss. However, dental implants serve as placeholders to ensure that every member of your smile stays in the proper position.
  • Your teeth’s roots are responsible for providing your jawbone with a healthy amount of stimulation that encourages it to grow and remain resolute. When teeth are lost, this stimulation is also lost; however, dental implants can replicate it, since they replace the roots of your lost teeth and fuse with your jawbone. This counters the bone resorption that can occur following tooth loss.
  • Research shows a link between tooth loss and an increased risk of several illnesses, including heart disease. Since implants essentially replace your natural teeth in every way, it’s reasonable to assume that they help to mitigate some of these risks.

Long-Term Benefits

a patient with dental implants smiling

Dental implants can be thought of as a long-term investment in your smile; you’re picking a solution that’s going to serve you well for the foreseeable future. Here are some of the long-term benefits of dental implants:

  • One reason that dental implants are so sought-after is their expected lifespan; they can last for up to several decades under ideal circumstances! Even after 10 years, their impressive success rate of 95% holds true. This longevity gives most patients unmatched peace of mind.
  • Since dental implants can last for quite some time, they’re considered an incredibly cost-effective solution. Despite their higher initial cost than some other options, they shouldn’t ever need to be replaced or refurbished.
  • A beautiful, symmetrical smile is often associated with youth, meaning that dental implants can actually make a patient look much younger in the face! Since they also prevent the jawbone from deteriorating, they avert facial collapse, which also tends to make patients look older.

Who Dental Implants Can Help

Woman looking pensive while sitting at desk with laptop

Most patients who suffer from tooth loss can receive dental implants. However, it may be that the timeline for treatment varies because preliminary services must first be performed. If your jawbone or oral health is not in prime condition for oral surgery, you’ll need to undergo additional dental care before moving forward with your new dental implants.

You will be pleased to learn, however, that dental implants are extremely versatile, which means they can replace any number of missing teeth, so when you’re ready, you can expect these prosthetics to address:

Missing One Tooth

If only one tooth is missing, you might assume it’s not worth replacing. However, it can create significant challenges as it relates to your eating and speaking habits. With just one post, a metal abutment, and a custom dental crown, your smile can be fully restored.

Missing Multiple Teeth

When two or more teeth are missing consecutively, there is the option to have two dental implant posts positioned and placed in the exterior spaces before a custom dental bridge is secured. This will eliminate the need to alter healthy abutment teeth, allowing you to keep more of your natural tooth structure.

Missing All of Your Teeth

Instead of replacing an entire arch of teeth with traditional dentures, we can use four to eight dental implant posts to create a solid foundation for your new denture that will be secured into place by your dentist. We will position these for optimal support so that your new smile will last decades and deliver optimal functionality while performing normal daily tasks.

Understanding the Cost of Dental Implants

Older man in light blue dress shirt talking to dental team member at front desk

Naturally, the cost of dental implants in Worcester is different for each patient. Apart from the cost estimate you will receive from your dentist, you will also have a separate estimate from our team, as we will perform the surgical placement of your implant posts. As always, you’re more than welcome to bring any questions you have to our team. We’d be happy to go over our available payment options to ensure that you feel confident and comfortable placing your smile in our hands. Until then, you can also learn more about the cost of dental implants right here!

Preliminary Treatments & Dental Implant Surgery

Oral surgeon showing a senior patient x rays of her mouth

For some patients, the dental implant process starts with gum disease treatment, tooth extractions, and other preliminary treatments. Naturally, each of these comes with its own price, which needs to be factored into the overall cost. Then, there is the fee for the surgery. Since our team handles this portion of the treatment process, we can be transparent with you about the price as well as the financial solutions available. That way, you don’t have to stress about any unwanted surprises when it comes to the cost.

The Parts of Your Dental Implant

Dentist pointing out the part of a dental implant on a model

Although “dental implants” is often used as an umbrella term, this tooth-replacement solution doesn’t look the same from patient to patient. In addition to different manufacturers, there are different sizes, materials, and techniques that need to be considered. Plus, the type of restoration needed to restore the visible portion of your smile (i.e., crown, bridge, denture) will play a role as well.

Note: our team at Elite Oral Surgery Associates takes pride in using state-of-the-art, world-class materials. If you ever have a question about the parts of your dental implant or want to learn why we use the manufacturers we do, don’t hesitate to ask!

How Dental Implants Can Save You Money

Dental patient admiring his new smile in mirror

Since the upfront cost of dental implants is higher compared to other tooth-replacement solutions, many patients assume that they aren’t a smart investment. In reality, their 30+ year lifespan means they have the potential to be the most cost-effective option in the long run. Furthermore, dental implants stand apart from the rest because they are inserted directly into your jawbone, which helps prevent bone loss, preserve your youthful face shape, and provide you with a stronger bite.

Does My Dental Insurance Cover Dental Implants?

Finger clicking button on keyboard that reads dental insurance

While some dental insurance providers cover dental implants, that’s not the case across the board. That’s why we encourage our patients to talk to their insurance company directly or review the fine print on their plans. Our team also has extensive experience filing claims and maximizing our patients’ benefits, so we’re happy to help as well.

Making Dental Implants Affordable

Smiling senior man in dental chair holding mirror

If you are uninsured, don’t automatically assume that rebuilding your smile with dental implants is too expensive. Our team at Elite Oral Surgery Associates also welcomes flexible financing through CareCredit, which is a trusted third-party financier that’s helped millions of patients. With their low-to-no-interest payment options, you can break down the cost of your dental implants into manageable chunks that fit easily into your monthly budget.

Dental Implants Post-Op Instructions

a closeup of dental implants against a green background

After you’ve had your dental implants placed, it falls on you to take the recovery period seriously to ensure that your implant sites heal up without any issues. Our team here at Elite Oral Surgery Associates is ready to assist you with every single step of this process, so if you’re feeling worried or anxious about your recuperation, allow us to guide you! Below we’ve provided some general post-op instructions that don’t just make absolute sense but are also easy to comply with. Of course, if you have any other questions during your healing period or are experiencing a complication, contact us promptly!

What To Do Directly After Dental Implant Surgery

a patient relaxing at home

Perhaps the single most important thing to keep in mind while recovering from dental implant surgery is that you must protect the blood clots that form over the surgical sites. These clots are instrumental in the healing process, and if one is damaged or dislodged, it might result in a painful issue known as a dry socket. However, safeguarding these regenerative blood clots is a straightforward task—consider the following guidelines:

  • Avoid drinking from a straw, since the suction can dislodge the blood clots.
  • Don’t smoke or use tobacco products since they impair the body’s healing capabilities.
  • Avoid spitting, using tissues instead, or swallowing your excess saliva.
  • Don’t touch the surgical sites with your tongue or fingers.

Common Side Effects When Recovering from Dental Implant Placement

a patient using a cold compress on his cheek

Sometimes, it’s tricky to differentiate between normal symptoms and concerning ones after you’ve undergone oral surgery. Some mild soreness is to be expected, but should resolve within a few days. Here are several common side effects you can expect following your procedure:

  • Minor discomfort, which can be relieved with over-the-counter or prescribed medications.
  • Swelling in the gums which can last for more than a week. Cold compresses placed on the outside of the mouth can provide relief.
  • Intermittent bleeding, which can be managed by applying gentle pressure with gauze on the surgical site.

Your Diet After Dental Implant Surgery

a woman preparing a fruit smoothie

After your procedure, you’ll be advised to stick to eating softer foods and liquid items for the first few days, to avoid interfering with the blood clot(s). Here are some things you should include in your meals:

  • Lukewarm soups and broths
  • Mashed potatoes
  • Cooked pasta
  • Scrambled eggs
  • Yogurt
  • Pudding
  • Smoothies
  • Ice cream

Post-Op Health & Oral Hygiene

a patient brushing her teeth at home

By maintaining excellent oral hygiene following dental implant placement, you’re setting yourself up for a functional and beautiful smile that lasts for decades. Remember, if osseointegration isn’t facilitated and your implant posts cannot fuse with your jawbone, your implants will suffer. Here are some practical hygiene tips you should follow moving forward:

  • When brushing your teeth after your surgery, be especially careful around the surgical sites.
  • Rinse with salt water a few times every day, especially after your meals. Instead of spitting out the water, let it pour from your mouth into the sink.
  • Avoid using mouthwashes that contain alcohol, as they will cause discomfort.

What to Do After Your New Teeth Are Attached

a patient admiring her dental implants

Once you’ve recovered and your implants have fused with your jaw, you can receive your final restoration that sits atop the implant post(s). You might feel mild sensitivity in your gums, but this can easily be managed with pain medications. If you notice any bleeding or swelling once your restoration has been attached, don’t hesitate to let us know right away so we can resolve the issue. Otherwise, you’ll be all set to enter the world with your brand-new restored smile!

Dental Implant FAQs

a thought bubble containing a question mark

We understand that the process of rebuilding your smile with dental implants can be a little intimidating, and you might have a few questions that you’d like answered before you feel comfortable about committing to treatment. With that in mind, we’ve gathered a few of the most frequently asked questions that we receive about dental implants, along with their respective answers, so that you’re making a well-informed decision about the future of your smile. Of course, if you have any other questions about dental implants or the process for receiving them, don’t hesitate to contact our team today for help!

How Long Do Dental Implants Last?

Dental implants are designed with the future in mind; they’re made to last for several decades under ideal circumstances, capable of lasting even 30 years with proper care. This greatly exceeds the lifespans of other restorative treatment options. That said, it falls on you to ensure that your implants serve you well for the foreseeable future. To prolong their longevity, you’ll want to adhere to a solid oral hygiene routine and continue visiting your dentist for routine preventive care. It’s also sensible to avoid poor oral habits that might compromise your implants: nail-biting, chewing on ice cubes, smoking cigarettes, and using your teeth as tools are all ill-advised habits.

Does Getting Dental Implants Hurt?

Since the process of receiving dental implants involves surgery, it’s reasonable for patients to have initial concerns about pain and discomfort. That said, the very first thing your oral surgeon will do is numb your mouth, to ensure that no pain whatsoever is felt during the process. Fortunately, the jawbone itself doesn’t have many nerve endings to begin with to register pain. While the surgery portion itself will be painless, it’s normal to experience soreness for a few days afterward as your mouth heals up. You can counteract this discomfort by taking prescribed or OTC pain medication as directed, using cold compresses or ice packs, and getting plenty of rest. If you experience worsening pain following the procedure, contact your dentist at once.

Am I Too Young or Too Old to Get Dental Implants?

You’ll be delighted to hear that there is no upper age limit for dental implants! As long as you’re in good oral health and have adequate jawbone density (or you’re willing to undergo any necessary preliminary procedures), you can receive this life-changing procedure. However, the same cannot be said for younger patients; dental implants typically aren’t recommended for patients under the age of 18, since the jawbone is often still growing and maturing throughout the teenage years.

Will People Be Able to Tell That I Have Dental Implants?

Perhaps the biggest reason why dental implants are considered the “gold standard” of tooth replacement is that they restore lost teeth in terms of functionality and appearance. The implant posts themselves, made from titanium alloy, are embedded into the jawbone and are not visible. The restoration that’s secured on top of these posts, whether it’s a crown, bridge, or denture, will be crafted from precise impressions of your mouth, ensuring that it handsomely resembles your natural teeth. This means that no one aside from your dentist and those trusted few people that you tell will even know you have dental implants; they’ll just see a dazzling, beautiful set of symmetrical teeth!

Select a location below to learn more

Dudley

Contact us (774) 220-7355 219 W Main St. Dudley, MA 01571 Located in Dudley Family Dental
Office Hours

8:00 am – 7:00 pm
8:00 am – 7:00 pm
8:00 am – 5:00 pm
8:00 am – 5:00 pm
8:00 am – 4:00 pm

Fitchburg

Contact us (774) 220-7355 50 Whalon St, Fitchburg, MA 01420 Located in Simply Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics Fitchburg
Office Hours

8:00am - 5:00pm
8:00am - 5:00pm
8:00am - 5:00pm
8:00am - 5:00pm

Lowell

Contact us (774) 220-7355 155 Market St, Lowell, MA 01852 Located in Simply Dental of Lowell
Office Hours

8:00am - 5:00pm
8:00am - 5:00pm
8:00am - 5:00pm
8:00am - 5:00pm
8:00am - 3:00pm

Randolph

Contact us (774) 220-7355 15 Warren St, Randolph, MA 02368 Located in Simply Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics Randolph
Office Hours

8:00am - 5:00pm
8:00am - 5:00pm
8:00am - 5:00pm
8:00am - 5:00pm

Sturbridge

Contact us (774) 220-7355 3 Wallace Rd Sturbridge, MA 01566 Located in Sturbridge Dental
Office Hours

9:00 am – 6:00 pm
8:00 am – 7:00 pm
9:00 am – 5:00 pm
8:00 am – 8:00 pm
9:00 am – 3:00 pm

Worcester - Plantation St

Contact us (774) 220-7355 330 Plantation St, Worcester, MA 01604 Located in University Dental Group
Office Hours

8:00 am – 5:00 pm
8:00 am – 7:00 pm
8:00 am – 5:00 pm
8:00 am – 7:00 pm
8:00 am – 5:00 pm