Teeth are an important part of the human body, missing teeth not only affects people’s physical health, but also affects people’s appearance, then dental implants can help you regain your beauty and health, so that you can restore the old confidence and smile. Below I will introduce you to the process, advantages and cost of dental implants.
Full Dental Implant Process
Dental implants take about six months from start to finish and include the following processes:
- Comprehensive Examination
- CT scan & 3D imaging to evaluate jawbone density and oral health
- Treatment plan customization with transparent cost quote
- Management of pre-existing conditions affecting implant stability
- Tooth Extraction
- Removal of damaged teeth by oral surgeon
- Coordination between implantologist and surgeon
- Bone Grafting (If Required)
- Augmentation using autograft (patient’s own bone), allograft (donor), or synthetic materials
- Performed when jawbone density is insufficient
- Implant Surgery
- Titanium post surgically anchored into jawbone
- Healing period: 3-6 months for osseointegration (bone fusion)
- Temporary denture provided during healing
- Abutment Placement
- Connector attached to implant after osseointegration
- Gum healing: 4-6 weeks before crown attachment
However, some dental implant procedures do not require a dental abutment, instead the abutment is pre-fabricated onto the implant, which will make the process shorter.
6. Crown Insertion: In the final step, the crown is placed into place. The patient’s crown is customized and will be based on the color, shape, and size of the patient’s other teeth. This is done by creating a mold or digital impression of the patient’s existing teeth and jawbone after the abutment is placed.
Advantages of Dental Implants
According to the American Dental Association (ADA), more than 5 million implants are placed in dental implants every year. The organization also emphasizes that there are many benefits to using this surgical procedure. Advantages of dental implants include:
- Implants are very easy to clean. There is no need to remove them every night to clean or soak them. They can be cleaned just like natural teeth.
- Just like natural teeth, implants are the most stable replacement and will not slide or shift.
- When implants are used, no tooth structure is lost and they are not dependent on neighboring teeth for support.
- Unlike partials and dentures, dental implants can last a lifetime. Once they are obtained, there is no need for annual visits to the dentist or orthodontics.
Cost of Dental Implants in the United States
The cost of a single dental implant in the United States ranges from $1,500 to $6,000. This price varies depending on the materials used, the type of implant, and the region you go to for your dental implants.The cost also depends on whether it is a front or back tooth that needs to be replaced. Typically, the cost of a front tooth implant is slightly higher than the cost of a back tooth implant.If multiple single implants are needed, the cost per tooth should be slightly lower because some costs (such as X-rays and scans) are only applied once.
In addition, the overall condition of the gums and jawbone will affect the cost of the dental implants, as well as the condition of any remaining teeth.A three or four tooth bridge anchored by two implants may cost around $5,000.Full tooth replacement costs much more. If all teeth are missing, the cost of an all-on-one dental implant using traditional methods is $40,000 or more.
In the U.S., All-on-4 implants cost about $15,000 per arch, but if you are willing to travel abroad, the price is much lower and this may be a safe and effective way to reduce the cost of full tooth replacement.Keep in mind that these costs are only for starting dental implants; if you need extractions and other preparations, and if you choose more expensive materials, the actual cost may be much higher.
However, many dental insurances now cover some of the cost of dental implants, and the best dental insurance plans that offer coverage for dental implants can help you save up to 50% of the cost of dental implant treatment after a waiting period of about 12 months.You can find plans for individuals and families, and there are even a variety of dental plans for seniors.
Dental implants are highly cost-effective
While partial or full dentures are good options for many people who want to replace missing teeth, they can be costly if worn for years or decades. Dentures can stain, chip, or break, and users must also consider the cost of adhesives and cleaning solutions.
Dental implants, while having a high upfront cost, may actually be cheaper in the long run due to their permanence. Once they are in place, patients can treat them just as they would their natural teeth. This means that the only maintenance they will need is regular brushing, flossing, and avoiding sugary foods that can cause cavities.
