Are Dental Implants Affordable?
Tulsa, OK
 Affordability is one of the biggest factors that affect someone's decision to undergo dental implant surgery. For the most part, dental implants can be a sizable investment, especially if the patient requires multiple dental implants as well as a lot of pre-surgery preparation, such as bone graft surgeries.
On average, you can expect to spend anywhere from $3,000 to $5,000 for each dental implant. This price can surge up to $20,000 or even $50,000 for patients who undergo multiple dental implants.
It is important to think of dental implants as an investment that has the potential to improve the quality of your life significantly. There are a few factors that can affect the affordability of dental implants, starting with 3D imaging of the mouth.
3D Imaging of the Mouth
3D imaging makes all the difference between a successful dental implant procedure and a failed one. In fact, you should not allow the dentist to go through with the dental implant placement if they don't take complete 3D scans of your mouth.
A 3D image allows our dentists to thoroughly evaluate your mouth without making any unnecessary cuts or incisions into the gum. This makes 3D imaging less invasive with minimal blood loss while also maximizing accuracy for the dental implant.
A series of x-rays and CT scans may be used to feed thousands of images into a computer, which then generates a 3D image of your mouth. This information is then used to study your mouth's anatomy, including:
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jawbone density
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the location of nerves
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the size, location, and orientation of each tooth
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sinuses
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gums
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root fracture |
Most 3D scans start at about $250 to $1,000 per session. The total amount you may have to pay depends on how much your insurance provider will cover.
Patients who wait too long to replace their missing teeth may experience significant jawbone loss. As a result, their jawbone might not have the stability needed to support an implant post. In such cases, the patient will usually be asked to undergo bone graft surgery to improve the quality of bone at the surgical site. The time and resources spent on bone grafting surgery will add to the overall cost of the dental implant procedure.
It is important to choose materials that are biocompatible and durable; otherwise, the implant post will quickly fail. Titanium has been shown to be extremely biocompatible with the jawbone and can easily fuse with it in the span of a few months. More importantly, titanium is very durable and can easily last over 40 years. With a success ratio of 95% or more, titanium is the go-to solution for experienced dentists. The only caveat is that titanium can be expensive because its price can fluctuate from one extreme to another. Zirconium is another material that can be easily implanted into the bone; however, it has been shown to be slightly less durable when directly compared with titanium.
Dental Implant Location
Front teeth are often more difficult to replace because they require advanced work to ensure that the implant makes the angle of the jawline. Even the smallest deviance from the ideal location or angle can easily lead to complications. For example, the implant may not fuse properly with the bone, or it may cause discomfort. Similarly, rear molar teeth can also be difficult to work with because they can be difficult to access by dentists.
Dental Implant Procedure
The implant must be surgically inserted into the jawbone. The metal replaces the root area of the tooth and will serve as an anchor point for the implant. This is a crucial stage in the dental implant procedure and requires extensive healing that can take as long as six months to complete. Once the jawbone has fused with the implant, the patient may require additional surgery for the abutment. This is the piece that serves as the link between the implant and the crown (artificial tooth).
The gums must be allowed to heal for about two weeks before the tooth is attached. In most cases, patients choose a crown because they closely resemble real teeth. After the procedure is complete, the patient will be required to closely follow post-op instructions to prevent infection at the implant site. This usually means quitting smoking and tobacco because they slow down healing.
As long as your procedure is being performed by experienced professionals like Corbyn VanBrunt, DDS and , your dental implants will be extremely safe. The success rate of dental implants has been reported to be over 95% in most patients. Just make sure to closely follow the post-op instructions to minimize any complications from surgery, such as an infection. In general, most people in good health are at no major risk of complications with the procedure.
The dental implant post itself can last for over 40 years as long as the patient is in good health and does not develop gum disease. However, the crown may require replacement more frequently because it is directly exposed to constant wear and tear because of chewing forces. Staying on top of your hygiene by flossing, brushing, and rinsing will go a long way in helping you get the most out of your dental implants. Make sure to use a soft toothbrush that can clean those hard-to-reach areas of the teeth without scratching the implant.
Are Dental Implants Worth It?
For the vast majority of individuals who have lost or damaged teeth, a dental implant procedure is worth the investment. They can last a lifetime with good oral hygiene, look good, and feel good. Dental implants also prevent the loss of bone density by constantly stimulating the jaw. Wondering if dental implants are an ideal solution for your teeth? The answer may depend on your specific situation. Call (918) 891-3059 to schedule an appointment with our friendly dentists at Smiles of Tulsa and explore all your options with dental implants. |
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