Dental Implants / Cost of Dental Implants

Dental Implants / Cost of Dental Implants

What Are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are small titanium posts that are surgically placed into the bone of the jaw(s) to replace missing teeth. These titanium anchors act as tooth root substitutes. Healthy bone bonds with the titanium creating a strong foundation for artificial teeth. After a period of healing, extensions (abutments) are attached to the implant(s) to allow for tooth replacements.

Implants also help preserve facial structure, preventing bone deterioration that occurs when teeth are missing.

The Surgical Procedure

For most patients, the placement of dental implants involves two surgical procedures. First, implants are surgically placed in precise location(s) based on the final treatment plan. For the first three to six months following surgery, the implants may be beneath or level with surface of the gums gradually bonding with bone. You should be able to wear temporary replacements.

After the implant has healed appropriately (osseointegration), the second phase begins. At this time we will uncover, if necessary, and check the implants for restorability. If the implants are deemed ready for restoration small extensions (abutments) are placed to provide the appropriate substructure for tooth replacement. When the artificial teeth are placed, these extensions (abutments) will not be visible. The entire procedure usually takes six to eight months. Despite commonly requiring staged treatment with healing periods between stages, most patients experience minimal disruption in their daily life.

Surgical Advances

Using the most recent advances in dental implant technology, Our surgeons are able to place single stage implants. These implants do not require a second procedure to uncover them, but do require a minimum of six weeks of healing time before artificial teeth are placed. There are even situations where the implants can be placed at the same time as a tooth extraction – further minimizing the number of surgical procedures.

Dental Implantology is a team effort between an oral and maxillofacial surgeon and a restorative dentist. While our surgeons typically perform the initial tooth extractions, bone grafting if necessary, and ultimately implant placement, the restorative dentist (your dentist) fits and makes the permanent prosthesis. Your dentist will also make any temporary prosthesis needed during the implant process.

What Types Of Prosthesis Are Available?

A single prosthesis (crown) is used to replace one missing tooth – each prosthetic tooth attaches to its own implant. A partial prosthesis (fixed bridge) can replace two or more teeth and may require only two or three implants. A complete dental prosthesis (fixed bridge) replaces all the teeth in your upper or lower jaw. The number of implants varies depending upon which type of complete prosthesis (removable or fixed) is recommended. A removable prosthesis (over denture) attaches to a bar or ball in socket attachments, whereas a fixed prosthesis is permanent and removable only by the dentist.

Why Dental Implants?

Quite simply put, dental implants offer the best option currently available for the replacement of badly damaged or missing natural teeth. While other options are available they are most likely a significant compromise.

Dental implants can be your doorway to renewed self-confidence and peace of mind.

A Swedish scientist and orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Per-Ingvar Branemark, developed this concept for oral rehabilitation more than 35 years ago. With his pioneering research, Dr. Branemark opened the door to a lifetime of renewed comfort and self-confidence for millions of individuals facing the frustration and embarrassment of tooth loss.

Cost of Dental Implants

How much does a dental implant cost?

The short answer is “It depends”.

What does it depend on?

• the location of the implant in the jaw
• whether the bone has been resorbed and requires bone grafting
• any other health conditions that might cause complications
• the cost of the actual implant and crown
• the doctor’s experience and expertise

Placing a dental implant requires a number of steps, generally involving several professionals.

• Examination
• Extraction (if necessary)
• Bone graft or site preservation (if necessary)
• Placing the Dental Implant – the titanium “tooth root”
• Placing the Crown – the porcelain “tooth”
• Office visits, x-rays, pre- and post-surgical care

The cost of dental implant treatment may or may not be subsidized by any applicable insurance. Our staff can help with any questions in this regard.

Continuing Cost of Bridges and Dentures

While bridges and dentures may be less expensive at the outset, one should consider that both options have sometimes considerable continuing expenses. Bridges by definition, require substantial reduction of the neighboring abutment teeth - which can lead to weakness and repeated treatments. Dentures cannot preserve the jaw bone the way dental implants can, so the jaw shrinks as the bone is resorbed, leading to ill-fitting Dentures and repeated rounds of re-fitting and re-placing. Over a lifetime, Dental Implants can be the most natural, cost-effective, as well as esthetic choice.