Our Services
Less Invasive, More Natural Looking Dental Implants from the Boston Dental Implant Experts
Here at the Boston office of Helaine Smith, DMD, we use dental implants, such as 3i and Nobel Biocare, in order to replace teeth that have been lost to injury or disease. We also use mini dental implants to secure our patients’ loose dentures.
Specializing in Nobel Biocare Implants and Mini Dental Implants
Dr. Favaloro, our in-house dental implant specialist and periodontist, oversees all cosmetic dental implants at our Boston office. For routine dental implant procedures, Dr. Favaloro uses the Nobel Biocare dental implant system (or another implant system should the need require it). During the procedure, Dr. Favaloro places a small titanium pin inside the jawbone to mimic the root of the missing tooth. Dr. Smith then builds a crown on top of the implant, which acts like a tooth.
For patients experiencing discomfort with their lower dentures, Dr. Favaloro can place mini dental implants. A new technology, mini dental implants are placed into the jaw and act as a retaining fixture for the denture. Mini dental implants ease the discomfort of loose dentures, help eliminate bad breath due to food being caught beneath the device, and significantly increase the wearer’s confidence and well-being.
Advanced dental procedures require advanced training
Highly skilled in advanced periodontal plastic surgery procedures, Dr. Favaloro is one of the few periodontists in Massachusetts who specializes in advanced dental implant procedures, such as bone grafting and regenerative periodontal surgery.
A patient who lacks enough bone beneath the gum may be a candidate for bone grafting. If Dr. Favaloro determines the patient is a good candidate, he can harvest bone from other areas of the body and use this bone to build up the bone in the jaw in order to accept the implant.
All implant procedures begin with a CT scan
Before beginning any implant procedure, Dr. Favaloro’s patients undergo a CT scan in order that he may properly view jaw alignment. (Not all dentists scan the jaw before doing an implant.) Normally patients have to visit Harvard for the scanning procedure, however, we are very happy to report that XPresscan has opened an imaging center in our neighborhood. The specialists at XPresscan use a CB MercuRay Scanner from Hitachi Medical Systems — the only type of machine in use in New England outside of Harvard. In one ten-second rotation, the CB MercuRay provides 2D images and 3D volume reconstructions for advanced planning and diagnostic support – with 70% less radiation.
With this advanced technology, Dr. Smith and Dr. Favaloro can continue to provide the ultimate in patient care – with added convenience.
Pain-free dental implants
If you think you’re a candidate for implants (you have missing teeth or you have a bridge that needs replacing) but you’re terrified of visiting the dentist, please rest assured that both Dr. Smith and Dr. Favaloro are certified sedation dentists. During your consultation, either dentist will determine the correct sedation method for a pain-free dental procedure. Please call our office at 617-327-1350 to schedule your consultation.
Benefits of dental implants
With dental implants, you’ll enjoy the following benefits:
- Better oral health: Because dental implants are integrated into your bone, they prevent bone loss and the gum recession associated with bridges.
- Improved self-confidence: Dental implants look and feel natural and eliminate the worry and nuisance that come with dentures and bridgework.
- Longer life: Dental implants last much longer than traditional bridges or partial dentures, which typically have to be replaced every ten years (or less).
Dental implants versus bridges
Although the dental implant procedure sounds invasive, it is actually more tooth-saving than traditional bridgework, which requires a dentist to grind down the neighboring support teeth in order to fit the new bridge. Cosmetic dental implants such as 3i or Nobel Biocare dental implants look and feel natural – no one will ever guess you have “false” teeth — and, with proper care, will last a lifetime. Don’t let your fear and anxiety prevent you from getting the smile make-over you’ve always wanted. For more information about our cosmetic sedation dentistry techniques, please call the office at 617-327-1350 to schedule a private consultation.