This is one of the most frequently asked questions at our clinic-and you won’t be able to get a final accurate number until a Dentist is able to understand your concerns, goals and consider your lifestyle.
However, we understand that it’s important for some patients to know and understand what they are getting into in order to have their dream smile. So, we’re here to breakdown dental implants, explain why costs vary and point you in the right direction toward achieving your goals.
What are Dental Implants, Really?
The implant and abutment are what hold your future smile-whether that’s a crown, a bridge or a denture. These provide the foundation and are what actually replace and act as your tooth roots.
They are most often made from titanium. It’s biocompatible and integrates well with the bone ensuring the implant stays firmly anchored serving as a base for the abutment ( which holds your future teeth).
Dental Crowns, Bridges and Dentures: You Have Options
This is exactly why we say “It varies per patient”. From addressing one single tooth, to a full mouth restoration, there are many factors to take into consideration, like the extraction process and your bone health.
After dental implants are placed, a crown, bridge or denture is added. This is the visible part of the implant process, designed to look just like natural teeth. Which option you need depends on many things-if teeth are missing or damaged but still present, if you want a removal or fixed option and how durable you want them to be.
Key Indicators for Each Option
Crown: Usually needed if you have a cracked, chipped or severely decayed tooth; or one that has undergone a root canal. A crown goes over the natural tooth as a cap, covering the entire tooth to strengthen and protect it.
Implant Supported Dentures: This option is when patients are seeking a full mouth restoration, when you are missing a large number of teeth or all of them. These can be removable or fixed, to where a dentist can only remove them.
Bridges: Replaces 1-4 missing teeth, if you are missing one or more teeth in a row. It uses the adjacent healthy teeth as anchors to support the false tooth-this option is not considered an dental implant option; however since they are permanent, including it is important to understand your options.
Cost and Budget
Removable, non-surgical dentures that don’t require implants are considered the most affordable while still giving you a beautiful smile. However, they are becoming less popular due to gum discomfort, bone loss and the challenges with eating and speech. They also require replacement every 4-7 years.
Dental Implants require surgery, and a comprehensive approach that combines multiple factors resulting in varying costs. Realistically, implants can range anywhere from $3,000 to $60,000; which doesn’t help much, right?
Dental Implants Are the Gold Standard in Dentistry
The results are unmatched. There’s a reason why they are considered the gold standard in dentistry. Rock solid stability, comfort, no rubbing or messy pastes or adhesives.
Dental implants become part of your bone-meaning they feel and function just like your natural teeth. You can bite into an apple comfortably, laugh as hard as you want without anything slipping.
And it gets even better! Because implants replace the root of the tooth and fuse with the bone, they provide stimulation. This preserves your jawbone health and maintains your facial structure. That’s something you don’t get with traditional bridges or dentures.
With proper care, implants are designed to last you a lifetime.
Final Thoughts
To truly understand what you need to meet your goals, lifestyle and budget, schedule an exam / consultation with your dentist. These are often at no cost to the patient, and allow you to receive professional guidance on what you’re a candidate for, along with an accurate, personalized quote.
At My Dental Touch in Leesburg, Florida-we offer complimentary consultations where we do just that. We also have an in-house lab where our dentist, Dr. Shireen Dhanani, oversees the design process of every case herself ensuring a beautiful and personalized outcome for every patient.
If you are interested in learning more about your options or have any specific questions call us at 352-728-8300 or fill out the form to the right and we’ll reach out as soon as possible.