The cost of dental implants varies based on what type of dental implant is being placed and the individual needs of the patient. Implants typically cost more than other treatment options and since surgery is required, it is not for everyone. Patients should be in good health. They should either have adequate jawbone to support an implant or be qualified to have surgery to build the area for implant. Patients with chronic illnesses like diabetes and leukemia, are not good candidates. Smoking will also delay healing. In-office, intravenous (IV) sedation in our own surgery suites to avoid hospital costs, yet allow you to safely sleep through the surgical procedures. When considering the cost of dental implants, consider the total lifetime cost of your oral health. When teeth are not replaced, the teeth next to them can move and the bone and gums below can begin to degrade. Bridges cause wear on the good teeth around them and require more maintenance to maintain. Dental implants are permanent teeth replacements that act just like your original teeth. They require no different maintenance than your normal teeth and help support adjacent teeth and gums rather than to subtract from them.
WHAT IS THE COST OF IMPLANTS?
While cost and length of procedure may be huge factors in choosing a treatment option to replace missing teeth, it is important that you also think of a long-term solution to your needs so that you can eat, smile, laugh, talk and play normally. Dental implants give you that sense of normalcy back without much of maintenance.
Since dental implants are more involved than traditional bridgework, they are typically more expensive, but often more affordable over the long run. Actual costs vary with the needs and conditions. Dr. Reese will examine and determine the appropriate treatment and cost with a x-ray to determine actual cost for your specific needs.
WHAT ARE DENTAL IMPLANTS?
The implants themselves are tiny titanium posts, which are inserted into the jawbone where teeth are missing. These metal anchors act as tooth root substitutes. They are surgically placed into the jawbone. The bone bonds with the titanium (or other material used), creating a strong foundation for artificial teeth. Small posts are then attached to the implant, which protrude through the gums. These posts provide stable anchors for artificial replacement teeth, partials or dentures. These dental implants then help preserve facial structure, preventing bone deterioration that can occur when teeth are missing.
What types of dental implants are available?
A single prosthesis (crown) is used to replace one missing tooth – each prosthetic tooth attaches to its own implant. A partial prosthesis (fixed bridge) can replace two or more teeth and may require only two or three implants. A complete dental prosthesis (fixed bridge) replaces all the teeth in your upper or lower jaw. The number of implants varies depending upon which type of complete prosthesis (removable or fixed) is recommended. A removable prosthesis (over denture) attaches to a bar or ball in socket attachments, whereas a fixed prosthesis is permanent and removable only by the dentist.
Dentures provide a more affordable, low-cost solution so patients with missing teeth would often think of it as their first and best solution. However, in the long run, dental implants offer more benefits and would be worth your while (and money). For the Indianapolis Center for Implant and Costmetic Dentistry, Dr. Reese will be able to give you a treatment plan, schedule and base your cost from how many implants and how much work your teeth would need to give you the best natural smile back.
ALTERNATIVES TO TRADITIONAL DENTAL IMPLANTS
All-on-4 dental implant technique utilizes only four implants per arch compared to traditional implants using anywhere from six to eight implants, or more, in each arch. The All-on-4 implants are also placed at an angle, which allows for increased contact by using the natural support of your bone. The procedure also requires no bone grafting for most patients, which is common in traditional implant procedures because the jawbone would need substantial strength to be able to support the number of implants needed. The treatment for All-on-4 dental implants is typically much shorter though the procedure is almost done the same way as traditional implants are done. Most patients are able to have the dental restorations placed on the same day as the implant surgery.
All-on-4 dental implants have:
- Lower overall cost
- Significantly reduces healing time
- Allow for brand new replacement teeth in as little as one day
- Significant successful outcomes
HOW MUCH DO YOU VALUE YOUR TEETH?
Dr. Reese has placed over 1000 dental implants over the last 30 years. He takes the needs of his patients with a mission to give them their lifetime assets: their beautiful smiles. You can browse his work on dental implants in this gallery. If you want to discuss missing tooth replacement options or have been told that you are not a candidate for implants, you can email Indianapolis Dentistry for a second opinion or call 317-882-0228 to schedule an appointment.