57 percent of Americans feel insecure about the state of their smile.
Dental implants are a great way to improve the look and functionality of your smile. But what are dental implants and how do dental implant procedures work?
If you’re looking to feel confident in your smile, keep reading to learn more about dental implants in the USA.
Tooth loss occurs due to injury or illness. When you lose teeth, they leave a gap in your mouth, and this gap causes other facial issues like the sinking of the jaw. You may lose other teeth as well because they provide a structure for your remaining teeth.
Dental implants are titanium posts that attach to a crown, filling in the place of the missing tooth. They offer support for existing and surrounding teeth and keep your jawbone healthy and strong.
There are three parts to dental implants. The first is the titanium screw, the implant itself. Next, is the abutment, or a hook, that attaches to the third part, the crown.
Dental implants allow you to eat, drink, and speak normally, as well as preserve your smile and other teeth. Another benefit is that they look like natural teeth, so people may never notice that you have a crown.
The timeline of dental implants in Albuquerque varies for each patient. But, for many patients, this procedure takes several months. Here is a basic view of what the dental implant procedure may look like.
You’ll have a consultation with your dentist to ensure that you can have dental implants since it’s considered dental surgery.
As long as you’re healthy, you should have no problems, but health complications such as diabetes or certain types of cancer may be obstacles. Your jaw needs to be healthy enough to support dental implants as well.
Once you’re cleared for dental implants, you’ll schedule your surgery. On the day of your surgery, several things may happen. Your dentist may do a bone graft to support your jaw, take x-rays and molds, and they’ll make an opening in your gum for the implant.
When the implant is placed, you will go through a period of healing. This means it may be several months before the abutment is attached. The implant must fuse to your jawbone before more dental work.
After healing, the abutment is placed and the dentist crafts your new tooth. Again, this may take several months to get it back from the lab. Once the crown is ready, the dentist places it on the abutment.
Even though dental implants have a high success rate, it’s very important to care for them as much as you care for your normal teeth. This includes having excellent oral hygiene, eating healthy foods, and seeing your dentist for regular check-ups.
For many people, the cost of dental implants is the deciding factor on whether they will consider them. What many patients don’t realize is that there isn’t a fixed rate for dental implants because there are many factors that affect the cost. Here are a few things to know about the cost of dental implants.
One factor that determines the cost is how many implants you receive. The more implants you receive, the more it will cost.
Another thing to consider is the types of implants. There are four types of dental implants: single, all-on-4, implant-supported bridges, all-on-6, or full-mouth implants. Each of these caters to the needs of the patient and which type of implant works best for them.
Here is a breakdown of how much each may cost, but the cost does fluctuate depending on the needs of the patient:
The dental procedure also factors into the cost. You may have other procedures like x-rays, molds, bone grafting, scans, or tooth extractions. These procedures typically range from $200 or more. Preparing your mouth for dental implants may include several of these, and they factor into the cost as well.
The location and skill of your dentist also contribute to the cost. Generally speaking, the more experience your dentist has, the more it costs. But, this should be viewed in a positive light, because you want only the very best dentists inserting your implants.
Overall, dental implants are an investment in your health. Seeing past the price tag of implants and viewing the benefits emphasizes the perspective implants have on your life.
The good news is that there are plenty of ways to make implants affordable.
Many dental offices offer payment plans with flexible rates so you can afford dental implants and not feel the financial stress. If you’re curious about how much your dental implants cost, ask the staff at your dental office for an itemized receipt and how you can take advantage of a payment plan.
Checking with your insurance company is another way to cut costs on your dental implants. Insurance companies may or may not offer any help, especially if dental implants are for cosmetic reasons. But, if you’ve experienced trauma or injury and dental implants will restore your tooth functionality, then they may provide financial assistance.
Another way to pay for dental implants is setting up a Health Savings Account or HSA. HSAs allow you to save money before taxes and use it for health expenses. You can see if your employer offers this benefit or you can open one yourself.
The cost of dental implant procedures shouldn’t be a burden. With dental implants, you can improve your quality of life and your smile.
Do you want to know if dental implants are right for you? Schedule your consultation with Napa Family Dental today to get all your questions answered!
