Dental Implants in Boston MA Area

Replace Missing Teeth with Dental Implants

Single Tooth Loss

Consequences of Bone Loss

Missing a tooth isn’t just bad for your looks; it can be bad for your health as well! Healthy teeth play an important role in the body from head to toe. When you are missing one, your jawbone deteriorates, your self-esteem suffers and so does your diet, which negatively affects the health of your entire body. Dental implants look, feel and function just like natural teeth and are widely recognized as the best replacement method.

Missing Teeth? We Can Help You Smile with Pride Again! Request an Appointment

How Do Dental Implants Work?

Our bodies are truly amazing – their ability to coexist with a variety of native and foreign materials means that our treatment options, as oral surgeons, are constantly expanding. “Osseointegration” refers to the fusing of bone with an artificial material. Its origins date back to the 1940s and 50s, when Swedish physician Per-Ingvar Branemark discovered that titanium fuses so well with bone that it is nearly impossible to remove! Since then, the biocompatibility of titanium has proven itself to be amazingly reliable over and over again.

A smiling elderly man

“Don’t be afraid to Smile.”

For years I’d felt like a part of my body was missing — because my teeth were. My dentist told me that dental implants would make me feel and look a lot better. OK, I said. Now, I’m thrilled. I can smile, eat anything, and enjoy a good laugh with my friends.

What is a Dental Implant?

Dental implants are made of titanium. A completed implant includes three pieces: the implant itself (a titanium screw that is placed in the jawbone), the abutment (a connector between the implant and crown) and the crown (the part that is visible and looks like a tooth). Dr. Bernstein, Dr. Hanratty, Dr. Sterio, Dr. Lock and Dr. Singh will place the implant and the abutment, and the crown will be completed by your general dentist.

What Happens If You Don’t Replace Missing Teeth?

You may be surprised to hear that your jawbone is a lot like a muscle, in that it must be stimulated regularly in order to maintain its volume. Therefore, when a tooth is extracted (or falls out naturally), the jawbone begins to deteriorate almost immediately. In fact, studies show that within a year of tooth loss, there is a 25% decrease in bone width. Thankfully, dental implants can take the place of natural teeth to provide the stimulus needed by the jaw. If done early, this greatly reduces the need for bone grafting down the road.

What Is the Difference Between a Bridge and a Dental Implant?

Learn more about how dental implants are different from dental bridges:

How Much Do Dental Implants Cost?

While the upfront cost is often more than that of alternatives such as bridges and dentures, dental implants outlast those approaches by several decades. This increased longevity makes implants the more affordable choice in the long run. For further information, visit our dental implants cost page.

How Are Dental Implants Done?

  1. Consultation and Treatment Plan: During the initial phase of the dental implant process, imaging is gathered along with your medical and dental histories to give us a clear picture of your current health. We will then explore your treatment options with you to formulate a plan that ensures that both your health goals and budgetary needs are met.
  2. Extraction: The next step is to have the tooth in question extracted. In some cases, we may be able to place the implant at the same time of extraction. In others, bone grafting will be required prior to implant placement (see next step).
  3. Bone Grafting: It is fairly common for the jawbone to lack the mass needed to accept an implant. In this case, a bone graft will be performed first to strengthen the target area. Bone grafting is typically followed by several months of healing before the implant can be placed.
  4. Dental Implant Surgery: During the implant procedure itself, a titanium screw is inserted into your jawbone. You will be anesthetized for comfort during the surgery, which takes about 1-2 hours.
  5. Osseointegration: After placing the implant, we cover it with the surrounding soft tissue and let it sit for 3 months in order to fuse with the bone.
  6. Final Restoration: After osseointegration is complete, an abutment is placed on the implant to connect with the final crown restoration. Typically, the final restoration is done by a general dentist.

For more information, please visit our dental implant FAQs page.

At Perico, we are proud to offer a safe, comfortable and affordable dental implant experience to our patients with the help of cutting-edge technology and utilization of the latest techniques. Call us at Reading Office Phone Number 781-245-8811 to get started on your journey – we are here with the support, guidance, and expertise you deserve.

A Natural-Looking, Permanent Solution to Missing Teeth
Serving Swampscott, Reading, Chestnut Hill, & Boston MA.


Call us at Reading Office Phone Number 781-245-8811 to book or choose an option below:

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Perico

5 out of 5 stars based on 119 Dental implants reviews.

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Excellent care

- Laurene A

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Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Felt at ease. Entire staff was great!

- Sue R

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Our Latest Patient Testimonial

I was incredibly scared and even cried at both my consultation and before my procedure started. Everyone was so patient and kind. I could not have had a better experience and I would recommend Dr Bernstein and his team to anyone who is anxious or scared. They were truly an amazing team.

- Ilana H

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

My experience was wonderful from beginning to end. The staff is very professional at every level. My procedure was entirely during the Covid crisis and they took every possible precaution. Dr Bernstein was fantastic as were his assistants. The office is state of the art. My procedure went perfectly. Kudos to Dr Bernstein and his amazing staff.

- Jay M

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Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Both Dr. Santa and staff were phenomenally courteous and kind. All took the time to explain the procedure. I even got a follow up call by Dr. Sabra that evening. I highly recommend.

- Barb M

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Such an easy visit. Had my front tooth extracted and an implant. Made me very comfortable and absolutely pain free.

- Michelle S

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Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Excellent experience.

- Jonida V

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Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Very friendly staff. Procedure well explained.... never feel rushed.... ALWAYS a pleasant experience.

- Anthony D

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Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Appreciate Dr Lock’s personable, professional, scientific approach. At once informative and reassuring.

- Jon S

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Our Latest Patient Testimonial

efficient and professional

- Bob G

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Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Very professional and personable. I would recommend to family and friends

- Lisa S

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Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Dr. Bernstein and his team are very professional and pleasure to work with.

- Elena B

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Everyone is great

- Colleen K

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Dr. Makes you feel very comfortable

- Barry B

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Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Great Doctor

- Bob B

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Very good appointment. I'll be back!

- Michele L

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Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Dr. Lock is simply the BEST. Knowledgeable, skilled, compassionate, kind, friendly. Goes above and beyond to make his patients comfortable.

- Joanne V

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Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Have been a Perico patient for decades because the doctors have excellent surgical skill and compassion. The entire team gets it. Dr Bernstein’s care is exceptional and much appreciated.

- Dick S

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

I appreciate the help and kindness shown to me by all!!! Thank-you!!

- Gayle B

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Our Latest Patient Testimonial

My first implants were done by Jim Hanratty over 15 years ago, and I've never had a problem with them . He is the very best, technically skilled, and highly engaged with his patients.

- Larry M

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