Are Dental Implants Affordable
Newport Beach, CA
 Did you lose a tooth due to an accident? Are you looking for a solution to this problem? We can understand your concerns. Dental implants are ideal for replacing your missing teeth. They can restore your eating habits, restore your lost smile, and give you the confidence you need to face people daily. While dental procedures can be overwhelming for many, consulting an experienced dentist can eliminate your fears. Dr. Kabaklian at Enamel General and Cosmetic Dentistry can thoroughly examine your oral health and recommend the best solution for your dental needs.
How Can Dental Implants Replace Missing Teeth?
Tooth loss is common worldwide due to many reasons. Some people face physical injuries leading to broken teeth, while others lose teeth due to gum infections and bone diseases. Regardless of the cause, you may need an optimal solution to restore your dental health. Dental implants can be your perfect solution in this regard. Unlike years ago when tooth loss meant losing teeth for good, modern dentistry offers highly effective solutions for tooth restoration.
Dental implants involve surgically exposing your jawbone to create an artificial root for a replacement tooth. This root fits into your bone through drilling. Typically, surgeons place screw-like support into the bone to establish a firm ground for a prosthetic tooth. Once the gum heals, dentists proceed to the next stage, where they fit an abutment atop the implant post. The abutment holds the prosthetic tooth adjacent to other teeth, allowing you to eat normally.
Prosthetic teeth resemble natural teeth. When your gum heals, you can enjoy the same eating habits as you did before losing the tooth. Unlike other tooth replacement solutions, dental implants allow you maximum chewing freedom without risking the strength of the artificial tooth.
Dental Implant Types
Endosteal Implants
Endosteal implants fit into the patient’s jawbone using a screw-like artificial root. This screw holds an abutment above it which holds the prosthetic tooth in place.
Subperiosteal Implants
Subperiosteal implants fit below the gum tissue and above the jawbone using a metal plate. This plate supports the prosthetic tooth above the gum and enables the patient to eat normally.
When discussing dental implants, understanding the difference between standard implants and mini implants is essential. Standard dental implants are 3.4-5.8 millimeters in diameter. Dentists recommend these for bigger teeth requiring thick roots to withstand chewing pressures. The standard implants cost more than mini implants.
Mini implants are smaller dental implants, similar to toothpicks. They provide support to smaller teeth that require minor support to handle chewing pressures. Mini implants are much cheaper than traditional implants due to their smaller sizes. A dentist may advise you about the best fit for your missing teeth after a thorough examination.
Factors to Check Before the Dental Implant Process
If you have a missing tooth and you want to have a dental implant procedure, there are a few factors you may check beforehand with the help of your dentist. Many patients avoid digging into the details of the dental implant process and regret it later. To be fit for dental implants, you may consult your dentist to evaluate your oral health.
A missing tooth alone may not declare you fit for dental implants. If you have loose gums due to gum infections, the standard implant procedure may not help. In such cases, gums fail to heal around implant abutments and cause problems when eating. Moreover, poor bone condition may hinder tooth replacement. Severe gum disease can lead to bone loss and land you into bigger problems.
Oral surgeons recommend bone grafting to restore the lost bone before performing the dental implant procedure. It is worth knowing that bone grafting is a separate procedure that involves taking a part of your bone and attaching it to your jawbone. Another factor to consider is overall health. If you have been diagnosed with another disease, like osteoporosis, you may let your dentist know beforehand. Such candidates are unfit for dental implants.
Dental Implants: The Affordability Factor
If you reside in the United States, you might be familiar with high dental costs. Dental procedures can be expensive based on their complexity. While minor procedures may be affordable for most, surgical procedures can leave you hanging if your dental insurance does not provide you with much coverage.
If we speak about dental implants, the costs can vary from $1,500 to $6,000 or more for single tooth replacement (if other procedures, like bone grafting, are not needed). Full-mouth implants start from $40,000 and can go on up, based on the individual and their oral case.
Mini implants are relatively cheaper due to their smaller sizes. If you have a small missing tooth, the dental implant process may comfortably fit your pocket. A good rule is to consult your dentist to get a roadmap before scheduling your dental implant surgery.
You can also opt for different ways to reduce dental implant costs, including dental loans and different insurance plans.
Does the Dental Implant Procedure Hurt?
A common question many dental patients ask is regarding the pain involved in the dental implant procedure. With more advancements in dentistry, dentists have devised impressive techniques to minimize pain while performing oral surgeries. They use anesthetics to make the procedure pain-free. However, you may notice some pain afterward as the anesthetic effects wear off.
Your dentist may prescribe you suitable medication to prevent pain. Moreover, you may be unable to eat solids for a certain period to allow fast healing.
Dental implants can help you restore your normal eating habits effectively. The above details can help you understand all you need to know about dental implants and their affordability. If you have a missing tooth, Dr. Kabaklian at Enamel General and Cosmetic Dentistry can thoroughly examine your gums and recommend you the best solution. You can contact the clinic today at 949-991-2499 to find out how much dental care costs and schedule your appointment. |
