Maybe you’ve been living with missing teeth or uncomfortable dentures for a long time, and the idea of doing something about it feels both exciting and a little overwhelming.
This is a walk-through of what our periodontists look at so you can come into a consultation with a realistic expectations. Most factors can be evaluated, planned around, or addressed before treatment begins. You don’t have to figure that out on your own.
Reach out to The Perico Group to schedule a consultation for a full arch restoration at our Reading, Chestnut Hill, or Swampscott locations.
Bone Density and Gum Health
Dental implants anchor directly into the jawbone, so adequate bone density is one of the first things our periodontists will assess. The implant post needs solid bone around it to integrate properly and support the restoration over time.
If you’re worried that bone loss has already happened, it doesn’t automatically take implants off the table. Bone loss after tooth loss is common. Bone grafting can often rebuild the site to a level that supports implant placement, and the timeline varies by individual, which is why an exam is the right starting point.
Gum health matters as much as bone density. If gum disease is present, our periodontists will typically address it before or alongside implant treatment so the surrounding tissue is stable and ready to support your new teeth.
What Candidacy Means for Daily Life
Many patients who pursue full mouth dental implants want to eat and speak with more confidence than removable dentures allow.
Favorite foods that became difficult to enjoy with missing teeth or loose-fitting dentures will often become accessible again after healing is complete. Implants function more like natural teeth than any other tooth replacement option. That difference shows up every single day—in your daily life as much as in the dentist’s chair.
With proper care, implants are designed to last for many years, making them a lasting investment in quality of life rather than a short-term solution.
General Health Considerations
Most health factors shape how treatment is approached, not whether it’s possible at all. Your body needs to heal well around the implant post after surgery, so overall health plays a real role in candidacy. Things like uncontrolled diabetes are factors our team goes through with you at your consultation.
Sharing any ongoing health concerns at your consultation gives our periodontists everything they need to develop the right plan for you.
How Many Teeth Are Missing
Full arch treatment is generally suited for patients who are missing most or all of their teeth in one arch. This is a different scope than a single-tooth replacement. That distinction matters when figuring out which approach fits your situation. In some cases, remaining teeth that are still in reasonably good condition can be factored into the treatment plan rather than removed unnecessarily.
The decision will be made based on what is present and what will serve you best long term. An exam is the most reliable way to determine whether full arch treatment or a more limited option is the right fit.
Why The Perico Group Is the Right Place to Start
A candidacy evaluation should give you a clear picture of your options and what comes next. The Perico Group serves the Greater Boston area from three locations in Reading, Chestnut Hill, and Swampscott. Dr. Simon Bernstein, Dr. Thomas Sterio, Dr. Rory Lock, and Dr. James Hanratty are all Diplomates of the American Board of Periodontology, a distinction that reflects a high level of specialty training and demonstrated expertise.
Dr. Hanratty completed a Certificate in Implantology at the Branemark Institute and has lectured throughout the United States and Europe. He serves as a visiting lecturer at both Tufts University and Harvard University and co-authored a chapter in the textbook Periodontal Therapy, Clinical Approaches and Evidence of Success. Dr. Lock served as Chief Resident at the University of Pittsburgh and graduated with four awards, including the AAP Dental Student Award and the Gerald Orner Award for Outstanding 4th Year Student Researcher.
When you’re ready to find out whether full mouth dental implants are right for you, contact The Perico Group to schedule a consultation at our Reading, Chestnut Hill, or Swampscott office.
