Are Dental Implants Affordable?
Dentist Washington, DC
 Dental procedures can be costly depending on the severity of a patient’s case. While each dental procedure has varying costs, the figures rise when getting surgical procedures. If you have a missing tooth and your dentist has advised you of dental implant placement, understanding the procedure details and costs beforehand is crucial. Kiarash Saba DMD and Bahareh Rad MD at Capital Dental Center recommend getting a thorough examination of your oral condition before going for implant surgeries.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are the most optimal solution to missing teeth problems. The procedure involves creating an artificial root in the patient’s jawbone to fit a prosthetic tooth. Dentists recommend dental implants to restore chewing power when missing teeth. Common cases include accidental loss of teeth, disease-induced tooth loss, and gum problems leading to poor tooth placement.
Dental implants can be classified into two types based on their fitting technique. Typically, oral surgeons examine the patient’s gum and jaw condition before opting for one of the two methods.
Endosteal Dental Implants
An endosteal dental implant fits directly into the patient’s jawbone. This implant holds the replacement teeth via abutments. Endosteal implants are screw-like supports that fit into the jawbone. When declared suitable for endosteal implants, oral surgeons cut open the patient’s gum to expose the bone. They drill into the bone to fix screws below the replacement tooth. Once healed, oral surgeons place abutments over endosteal implants to create a firm ground for prosthetic teeth.
Endosteal implants are ideal for those with a healthy and supportive jawbone. Moreover, dentists recommend this type for most cases of tooth loss.
Subperiosteal Dental Implants
Subperiosteal dental implants are less common worldwide. These implants have a metal base that fits under the gum tissue and over the jawbone. Oral surgeons fit the artificial teeth above the gum using the metal plate as the underlying support. Unlike endosteal implants, subperiosteal implants do not require drilling into the jawbone.
Subperiosteal implants are ideal for those with naturally shallow jawbones. Such bone structures cannot hold screws in place, leading to poorly supported prosthetic replacements.
What Are the Materials Used for Dental Implants?
You may want to know about dental implant materials to make the best choice when getting dental implants. Most dentists leave it up to the patient when choosing between the different materials. We have covered the details below to help you make an informed choice.
The top part of a dental implant is a prosthetic tooth. A common material recommended for most dental replacements is porcelain. Most patients prefer it over other types due to its resemblance to natural teeth. If you have a missing tooth on the front, you may opt for this one to regain your lost smile.
Titanium
Titanium is a highly recommended choice when choosing dental implant materials. Implants created using titanium metal allow the jawbone to expand and fit the artificial root accurately. Titanium implants do not impact the bone’s health and offer great affinity. Many dentists recommend titanium implants due to their long-lasting nature. You can expect your titanium implant to last for up to 30 years if not faced with other problems.
Ceramics
Ceramic implants are less common than other materials. Dentists typically recommend that a few patients have ceramic implants due to their sensitivity. Ceramics are ideal if you are conscious of color changes. While some materials can lose color with time, ceramics can be excellent in this regard. Oral surgeons take extra measures to place ceramic implants carefully.
Zirconium
Zirconium is the most recent discovery in the dental industry. Zirconium crowns and implants have promising results in most cases. Although expensive, zirconium offers excellent durability and has a natural teeth-like aesthetic. Most patients choose zirconium over titanium due to aesthetic preferences. You may consult your dentist to determine the costs of zirconium implants before choosing this material.
Many dental patients ask a common question regarding the cost of dental implants. Depending on the complexity of the case, dental implant placement may vary for each patient. Some patients have severe problems, such as gum disease, or bone diseases that lead to loose gums or bone loss. In such cases, oral surgeons perform additional procedures, like bone grafting, to establish a strong ground for dental implants.
It is worth noting that bone grafting is a separate procedure with additional costs. While it may be a part of your dental implant roadmap, your dentist may provide you with a different cost plan (compared to traditional cases). Typically, dental implants can cost between $1,500 and $6,000 for a single tooth. If you need full mouth implants, the costs can go up to $40,000.
In many cases, mini dental implants can be ideal for patients with tooth loss. These implants can be much cheaper than standard implants. When living in the U.S., you can benefit from insurance plans to cover significant amounts. However, you may first want to check your insurance plan breakdown to understand dental coverage.
How to Make Dental Implants Affordable?
While you may not be able to do much about the costs of dental implants, there are a few ways to minimize the figures. When a dentist recommends implant placements and gives you a cost plan, you may consult other dental practices in the city to compare procedural costs. Many patients cut the hassle of shopping around and end up paying higher costs. While it may save you time, you may have cost-effective options in the competitive market.
The above details highlight the essential details you should know before opting for a dental implant surgery. If you cannot bear high costs, you can opt for dental loans (based on your employment status). Kiarash Saba DMD and Bahareh Rad MD at Capital Dental Center can thoroughly examine your oral health to prescribe the best option. Contact the clinic today at 202-978-8778 to find out how dental care is affordable for you, and to schedule an appointment. |
