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Missing a tooth affects more than just your smile; it affects how you live. Whether you are struggling with chewing, feeling self-conscious in photos, or worried about your oral health, you deserve a permanent solution. At Nova Dental, Dr. Guldalian helps you reclaim your quality of life with state-of-the-art dental implants.
We move beyond temporary fixes to provide tooth replacements that look, feel, and function exactly like natural teeth. Stop hiding your smile and start living fully again.
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Many patients think a dental implant is just the new tooth they see in the mirror. However, a true dental implant is actually a replacement for the tooth root. It provides a solid foundation for a new permanent tooth that matches your natural smile.
A complete dental implant restoration consists of three main parts:
1. The Implant (Titanium Post): A small, medical-grade titanium screw is gently placed into your jawbone. It acts as an artificial root, anchoring the new tooth securely in place.
2. The Abutment (Connector): Once the implant has healed, a small connector piece called an abutment is attached to the top of the post. This serves as the interface between the implant below the gum line and the tooth above it.
3. The Crown (The Visible Tooth): This is the part everyone sees. We custom-design a porcelain crown that perfectly matches the shade and shape of your existing teeth. It is cemented onto the abutment, restoring full function and aesthetics.
The secret to the success of dental implants is a process called osseointegration. Because titanium is biocompatible, your body does not reject it. Instead, your jawbone actually fuses with the titanium post over a few months. This fusion creates a bond strong enough to handle biting into an apple or chewing a steak—just like a natural tooth.
Choosing the right provider is just as important as choosing the treatment itself. At Nova Dental, we combine clinical excellence with a compassionate, patient-first approach. We understand that dental surgery can feel intimidating, which is why Dr. Guldalian and our team go above and beyond to ensure your experience is seamless, safe, and stress-free.
Here is what sets our Arlington practice apart:
Dr. Guldalian is not just a dentist; she is a partner in your long-term oral health. With extensive training in implantology and prosthodontics, she focuses on restorative precision. She takes the time to analyze your specific bite, jaw alignment, and aesthetic goals to ensure your implant looks natural.
We believe in "no guesswork" dentistry. Nova Dental is equipped with state-of-the-art 3D CBCT (Cone Beam Computed Tomography) imaging.
Unlike traditional 2D X-rays, this technology allows us to create a 3D map of your jawbone, nerves, and sinus cavities before we begin. This ensures:
● Higher Safety: We avoid sensitive nerves and structures.
● Less Invasive Surgery: Precise planning often means smaller incisions and faster healing.
● Perfect Placement: Ensuring your implant has the strongest possible foundation.
We know that for many patients, visiting the dentist causes anxiety. Our office is designed to be a calming environment. From the moment you walk in, you are treated with warmth and respect. Whether you need a blanket, headphones, or just a moment to ask questions, we prioritize your comfort. We offer sedation options for those who need extra relaxation during their procedure.
Dental implants are widely considered the "Gold Standard" of tooth replacement because they are the only solution that restores the entire structure of the tooth, from root to crown. While dentures and bridges address the cosmetic gap, implants offer functional advantages that improve your long-term health.
Here is why patients in Arlington choose implants:
● Look & Feel Completely Natural
Your smile is your business card to the world. Implants are designed to match the color, shape, and translucency of your natural teeth. Once placed, they are indistinguishable from the rest of your smile. You can laugh, speak, and smile without the fear of your teeth looking artificial or slipping out of place.
● Prevent Bone Loss & Premature Aging
This is the most critical health benefit. When a tooth is lost, the jawbone beneath it begins to shrink (atrophy) due to lack of stimulation. This can lead to a "sunken" facial appearance that makes you look older. Implants are the only restoration that stimulates the jawbone, halting bone loss and preserving your natural facial contours.
● Eat the Foods You Love
Traditional dentures often sit on top of the gums and can slip when eating tough or sticky foods. Because implants are anchored into the bone, they provide bite force similar to natural teeth. You can enjoy crisp apples, corn on the cob, and steak without hesitation or pain.
● Protect Your Remaining Healthy Teeth
Traditional dental bridges require grinding down the healthy adjacent teeth to support the "bridge." Implants are self-supporting. We do not need to alter or damage your surrounding healthy teeth to replace the missing one, preserving your overall oral health for longer.
Understanding the journey to your new smile can alleviate anxiety. At Nova Dental, we believe in transparency. We map out your entire treatment plan during your first visit so there are no surprises, financial or clinical.
Here is the typical 4-step path to restoring your smile in Arlington:
Everything begins with a conversation. Dr. Guldalian will discuss your goals and review your medical history. We use our advanced 3D CBCT imaging to assess your bone density and determine the optimal placement for the implant. This careful planning stage ensures your procedure is precise and predictable.
Many patients are surprised to learn that placing the implant is often less uncomfortable than a tooth extraction.This is a minor surgical procedure performed right here in our office under local anesthesia. You will be completely numb and comfortable throughout. Dr. Guldalian gently inserts the titanium post into the jawbone. In most cases, you can return to work the next day with over-the-counter pain relievers, managing any mild soreness.
This is the "magic" phase where your body does the work. Over the next 3 to 6 months, the process of osseointegration occurs. Your jawbone grows around the titanium post, locking it securely in place. During this time, we may place a temporary tooth so you don't have to worry about gaps in your smile while you heal.
Once the implant has fully fused with the bone, you will return for the final step. We attach the abutment and your custom-made porcelain crown. Dr. Guldalian checks your bite to ensure perfect alignment. You will leave our office with a restored, fully functional tooth that looks and feels like it has always been there.
While it might be tempting to delay replacing a missing tooth—especially if it is in the back of the mouth—waiting often leads to more complex and expensive problems down the road. A missing tooth is not just a cosmetic gap; it is a break in the structural integrity of your jaw.
Here is why prompt treatment is essential:
Teeth are designed to support one another. When a gap opens up, the surrounding teeth naturally drift into the empty space in an attempt to close it. This is known in dentistry as the Popov-Godon phenomenon.
The Result: Your bite becomes misaligned, which can lead to jaw pain (TMJ), cracked teeth from uneven pressure, and new food traps that cause decay.
As mentioned earlier, your jawbone needs stimulation from chewing to stay healthy. Without a tooth root, the bone melts away (resorbs).
The Result: Over time, this bone loss changes the shape of your face. Your lips may thin, and your chin can rotate forward, creating a prematurely aged appearance.
The longer you wait, the more bone you lose.
The Result: A patient who could have had a simple implant procedure today might require bone grafting or a sinus lift if they wait two years. Treating the issue now is almost always more affordable and less invasive than fixing the complications later.
How long do dental implants last?
With proper care, dental implants are designed to be a permanent solution. The titanium post that fuses with your jawbone can last 25 years to a lifetime. The porcelain crown (the visible tooth) may need replacement after 10–15 years due to normal wear and tear, similar to other dental restorations.
Is the implant procedure painful?
Most patients are pleasantly surprised by how comfortable the procedure is. We perform the placement under local anesthesia, so you feel no pain during the surgery. In fact, most patients report that recovering from an implant is easier and less painful than a tooth extraction. Any mild soreness afterward can typically be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers like Ibuprofen.
How much do dental implants cost in Arlington, MA?
The cost varies depending on the number of implants, the need for bone grafting, and your specific insurance plan. While implants are a higher initial investment than dentures, they are often cheaper in the long run because they do not require frequent replacements.
● Insurance: Many dental plans now cover a portion of the procedure (often the crown).
● Financing: We offer flexible payment plans (such as CareCredit) to break the cost into manageable monthly payments.
● Next Step: We provide a full cost breakdown during your consultation—no hidden fees.
Am I a candidate for dental implants?
If you have missing teeth and generally good oral health, you are likely a candidate! Even if you have been told in the past that you don't have enough bone, modern techniques like bone grafting or sinus lifts can often make implants possible. Dr. Guldalian will evaluate your specific situation using our 3D imaging technology.
Don't let a missing tooth dictate your life any longer. Whether you need to replace a single tooth or restore your entire smile, Dr. Guldalian and the team at Nova Dental are here to guide you every step of the way.
You deserve to smile with confidence and eat without worry. Take the first step toward a permanent solution today.
Contact Nova Dental
We are conveniently located to serve patients from Arlington, Winchester, and Woburn.
📞 Phone: (781) 369-5722
📍 Address: 304 Cambridge Rd, Suite 340, Woburn, MA 01801