Are Dental Implants Affordable
Houston, TX
 Dental implants are an excellent tooth replacement option for people with damaged or missing teeth who visit Alexandra Garcia, DDS, MS. Implants are superior to dentures and bridges due to their stability and durability. Unlike these other options, implants can benefit individuals of all ages, making them a viable option for nearly anyone unless advised otherwise by their dentist. You must have sufficient bone support, healthy gums, and adjacent solid teeth to qualify for an implant. Also, maintaining excellent oral hygiene and overall health is crucial for successful implantation.
Dental Implant Costs
The dental implant cost can be relatively high because multiple dental professionals are required in the procedure. Dental implant placement needs scientific and artistic skills, which can increase the service cost beyond the actual product cost. However, the expense of this service is worth investing in your future oral health. Ideally, it provides a long-lasting solution that can enhance your quality of life by giving you permanent teeth.
Each stage of the dental implant procedure requires some healing time; hence the whole procedure can take as long as a year to complete. However, patients who do not require tooth extractions or additional procedures can expect a slightly shorter and less expensive process.
A single dental implant costs between $3,200 to $6,000 on average, including installation and treatment. The total treatment cost can change depending on the type of implant used, the complexity of the case, and the number of implants you need. Full-mouth implants often cost between $15,000 to $31,000 per arch or more.
A dental implant is placed just beneath your bone. The post will remain in position for years. Once we put the implant in place it may take a while to fuse with the surrounding structures. After the implant fuses with the bone, an abutment is placed on top. The abutment connects the implant to the artificial tooth or crown. The final step is to attach the tooth or crown to the abutment, which completes the dental implant procedure. Dental implants are a long-lasting solution for missing teeth and can improve oral health and appearance. It's essential to follow proper oral hygiene habits and visit your dentist regularly to ensure the success of your dental implant.
You can expect to be given local anesthesia to numb the area during dental implant placement. We will then make an incision in your gum tissue to expose the bone and create a small hole in the bone to place the implant. After placing the implant, the incision is closed with stitches and allowed to heal. During this time, the implant will fuse with the surrounding bone, which creates a stable foundation for the artificial tooth.
You may experience mild pain or swelling of the surgical area after the procedure. However, it can usually be managed with pain medication and ice packs. It's important to follow our post-operative care instructions and attend follow-up appointments to ensure proper healing. The time it takes for the implant to fuse with the bone can vary but can take around three to six months. Once fusing is complete, the abutment can be attached, and the final restoration can be placed, giving you a natural-looking and functional replacement for your missing tooth.
Post-Operative Care Tips
Proper post-operative care is crucial to ensure the success of your dental implant. Following your dentist's instructions and taking good care of your implant can help to prevent complications and promote healing. One of the most important aspects of post-operative care is managing any pain. Your dentist may prescribe pain medication to take as needed. It's essential to take the medication we give as per the instructions. You can also use an ice pack on your cheek for 24 to 48 hours to reduce swelling.
Smoking will prolong your body’s healing process and make you susceptible to complications. It's best to avoid smoking after the procedure. If you're a regular smoker, we may recommend quitting smoking to improve your oral health. In the days following the procedure, it's essential to stick to soft foods to avoid putting pressure on the implant site. Avoid hard or crunchy foods that irritate the implant or the surrounding gum tissue. You should also avoid chewing on the side of your mouth where the implant was placed until we give you the go-ahead to resume regular eating habits.
Following these post-operative care tips can help ensure your dental implant's long-term success. Be sure to attend any follow-up appointments with us. We will monitor your implant fusion progress and make any essential adjustments to the treatment plan.
Dental implant materials can affect the overall placement cost. The choice of material for an implant can significantly impact its appearance and durability. Acrylic resin implants are more affordable and cost-effective. However, these implants do not provide the same natural look as ceramic or porcelain ones, which are stronger, and most suited for visible teeth. Resin materials have a shorter lifespan and require more frequent replacement than other materials.
The recommended choice is zirconia, which is carefully hand-colored and coated to mimic the color and texture of natural teeth and gums for optimal quality and natural appearance. Zirconia materials provide a smile and bite function that cannot be distinguished from natural teeth and gums, and they can endure high pressure and are highly resistant to fractures, chipping, and wear.
Why Are Dental Implants More Cost-Effective?
Even though dental implants are priced higher than dentures, they are an affordable solution for dental restoration. Implants offer a natural-looking, safe, and long-lasting outcome to the patient. Compared to other choices like tooth-supported bridges, which have a limited lifespan and must be replaced, dental implants last for an extended period, even a lifetime, with little maintenance.
While dental implants may come with a higher initial cost, their superior value and long lifespan make them an affordable choice in the long run. At Alexandra Garcia, DDS, MS, you can save money over time by choosing dental implants despite the higher upfront cost. Call us today at (346) 250-2930 and schedule an appointment with our experts. |
