If you are missing one or more teeth, you are not alone. It is estimated that close to 200 million adults in the United States fall into this category. The good news is, there are many options for tooth replacement, including dental implants.

According to dental experts, implants are the “gold standard” because they look, feel, and function the most like natural teeth. Esteem Dental Implants is a revolutionary procedure performed by certified, highly-trained dental professionals who provide compassionate care throughout the process. This procedure can change your life in only one day by giving you the healthy, beautiful smile you’ve always wanted.

Below, we’ll explain what you need to know about the cost of dental implants.

What are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are restorative dental devices used to replace missing teeth. They are designed to restore the natural look, feel, and functionality of teeth. Once you are fully healed, no one will ever know that your teeth are artificial unless you tell them.

Average Cost of Dental Implants

On average, a single dental implant costs around $5,000. If you were to replace each tooth with a single implant, you could pay $60,000 or more. Hybrid options, such as All-on-4, cost an average of $12,000 per arch.

Factors Impacting the Cost of Dental Implants

There are several factors that can impact the cost of your dental implant procedure:

Type of dental implant

Typically, dental implants are made of titanium. However, in some cases, patients prefer a material that more closely matches neighboring teeth or they are allergic to the other metals used with titanium. These patients require a more expensive material: zirconia, which is a ceramic-based material.

Number of teeth being replaced

The more implants you need, the more your procedure will cost.

Location of dental implants

Typically, dental implants for front teeth cost more than molars because it’s harder to match the angle of the jawline in the front. However, every patient is different and your dentist will work with you to create a personalized treatment plan.

Preliminary procedures

Some patients require additional procedures such as extractions, bone grafts, and more to prepare their mouths for the implants. Many times, basic X-rays are included as part of the consultation. However, if more specialized scans are needed, such as an MRI or CT scan, those may add to the cost of implant surgery.

Location of the dental clinic

Clinics in major metropolitan areas typically charge higher fees for their procedures because the cost of living is much higher.

Experience/expertise of the dentist

Many times, the longer a dentist has been practicing, the higher their fees. Another reason for the higher fees is the training they’ve been through. The more training they have, the higher their fees.

Tips for Reducing the Cost of Dental Implants

Dental implants are one of the most expensive tooth replacement options, but there are some ways that you can reduce the cost:

Shopping around for the best deals

Prices vary from one clinic to another, depending on the factors discussed above with the location of the clinic and the experience/expertise of the dentist being the two major differences. Seek a second and even third opinion when considering dental implants.

Discussing payment options with your dentist

Many patients struggle with paying for dental treatments out-of-pocket. However, many clinics offer financing options. Some have in-house options while others have third-party financing through companies such as CareCredit, Sunbit, LendingClub, and more. Ask the office staff about your options to learn more.

Dental Insurance

Dental insurance can sometimes help with the out-of-pocket costs associated with dental procedures. Many insurance providers consider dental implants to be cosmetic, so they may not cover anything. On the other hand, there are some that recognize the restorative benefits and will cover a portion. The office staff will work with your provider to learn more about your coverage options.

Are Dental Implants Worth it?

Dental implants require a major investment both in time and money. The good news is that they offer many benefits that help balance out that cost. For example,

• ● While the crown or prosthetic may need to be replaced in about 20 years, the implant screw will last a lifetime with proper care and maintenance.
• ● While porcelain dental bridges and dentures can look somewhat natural, a prosthetic attached to a dental implant looks more natural because it does not move around.
• ● Implants are inserted into the jawbone, which means they do not come out so you don’t have to be concerned with special care- simply brush/floss as you normally would.
• ● Implants have a stronger bite force since they are supported by the jawbone instead of just the gums.

Schedule Your Dental Implant Consultation with Esteem Dental Implants

If you are missing one or more teeth, schedule your consultation with an Esteem Dental Clinic today. We have a nationwide network of dental professionals who are trained in this procedure. This is a patient-focused approach to provide you with the confidence that comes with having a natural, healthy, and beautiful smile.

Dental Implants FAQs

The team at Esteem Dental Implants wants to make sure that you understand your options, including dental implants. Below, we’ve provided answers to some of the most frequently asked questions. If you have any that are not addressed here, we’ll be happy to discuss those with you.

If you are missing most or all of your teeth, you may be considering your options for replacement. Dental implants are the ideal solution because they look, feel, and function more like natural teeth. However, they are not the most affordable option, especially if you require full-mouth dental implants.

Esteem Dental Implant Care specializes in full-mouth dental implants. We can help you get your smile and your confidence back.

In this article, we’ll explain the benefits and risks/complications of full-mouth dental implants, as well as the types of full-mouth dental implant options and what to expect before, during, and after the procedure.

Benefits of Full-Mouth Dental Implants

There are several benefits offered by full-mouth dental implants:

• ● Improved appearance
• ● Improved oral health
• ● Increased comfort
• ● Improved speech
• ● Durability and longevity
• ● Convenience
• ● Cost-effectiveness

Procedure for Full-Mouth Dental Implants

There are several steps involved in the procedure for full-mouth dental implants. These steps are spread out over several months or more, depending on how well your body reacts and heals along the way.

Initial consultation and evaluation

The first step is the initial consultation and evaluation. During this visit, the dentist will perform a comprehensive exam, which will include x-rays and, if necessary, other imaging such as CT scans or MRIs. The imaging will help determine if you have adequate jawbone density to support dental implants or if you may need additional procedures.

In addition, your lifestyle and oral hygiene habits will be discussed as well as your expectations for treatment.

Preparation for implant placement

In some cases, patients require additional dental work before the dental implants can be placed. This may include tooth extraction, bone grafting or sinus lifting, and gum disease treatment.

If you have remaining teeth, the dentist will take steps to salvage them if possible. If they are decayed beyond repair, extraction may be necessary.

In order for dental implants to be placed, your oral health needs to be good. If you have active gum disease, you will need to undergo treatment before surgery can be done.

If you have been missing teeth for some time, you may have experienced jawbone deterioration. In this case, bone grafting will be required to build up the jawbone. Also, if the sinuses are too close to the upper jaw, sinus lifting will need to be done to allow space for the implant to be placed.

If you require any of these procedures, you may need time to heal before the implants can be placed.

Implant placement surgery

When it’s time for the implants to be placed, you will be given local anesthesia to numb the area. This will allow you to remain conscious during the procedure, but you won’t feel anything. If you have dental anxiety and require sedation, we do have options.

The first step is to cut an incision in the gums. Then, a hole will be drilled into the jawbone for the implant to be placed in. Once the implant is in place, the incision will be stitched closed. This will be repeated for each implant that you are getting.

Healing and recovery period

Once implant placement is complete, the healing and recovery period will begin. During this time, osseointegration will occur. This is the process of the jawbone healing around and fusing with the implants.

For the first few days following surgery, you’ll want to stick to a liquid diet. After a few days, you can transition to a soft foods diet. During this time, you will want to make sure that you are getting adequate nutrition to support your recovery.

Placement of prosthetic teeth

In a few months, you’ll return to have the abutments placed and your prosthetic teeth ordered. You will be able to choose the color and material of your new teeth. The fabrication process takes a couple of weeks.

In order to place the abutments, the implant sites will be opened, and the abutments attached to the implant screw. Healing caps will be placed on the abutments to prevent the gum from healing over them.

In a few weeks, when the prosthetic teeth are ready, you will be able to come in and have them placed. First, we will ensure that they fit properly and that you are satisfied with them. If you have chosen a permanent option, the prosthetic teeth will be secured so that only the dentist will be able to remove them.

Types of Full-Mouth Dental Implants

There are several types of full-mouth dental implants:

• ● Traditional full-mouth dental implants
  Each tooth is replaced with a single dental implant. This can be expensive, but is the most natural-looking option.
• ● All-on-4 dental implants
  Replaces a full arch of missing teeth with only 4 dental implants. Two are placed in the front and two in the back. The two rear implants are angled, which allows greater bite force.
• ● All-on-6 dental implants
  Replaces a full arch of missing teeth with only 6 implants. The implants are evenly spaced along the jaw. This is recommended for patients who lack adequate bone density or who have larger mouths.

Risks and Complications of Full-Mouth Dental Implants

There are a few risks and complications associated with full-mouth dental implants:

• ● Infection
  If you do not practice proper oral hygiene, you may develop an infection.
• ● Nerve damage
  In some cases, the dentist may not be familiar with the procedure and may damage a nerve. This can be prevented with imaging such as CT scans or MRIs.
• ● Failure of implant
  Implant failure can be caused by the lack of knowledge of the dentist doing the implant surgery or by lack of properly caring for the surgical site by the patient.
• ● Allergic reactions
  Titanium is biocompatible, but there are other metals used in implant screws. Some patients may be allergic to these materials, which can cause complications.
• ● Sinus problems
  If the sinuses are located too close to the upper jawbone, the implant screw could go into the sinus cavity, which can be a problem.

Aftercare for Full-Mouth Dental Implants

Once you have your full-mouth dental implants, you’ll want to take steps to take proper care of them to prevent implant failure:

• ● Proper Oral Hygiene
  Brush twice daily and floss at least once. If you use a mouthwash, use an alcohol-free formula to prevent damaging the prosthetic teeth.
• ● Regular Check-ups with the Dentist
  You should visit the dentist for an exam and cleaning at least every 6 months. In some cases, the dentist may want to see you more.
• ● Dietary Restrictions
  During the healing process, you’ll want to stick to a liquid or soft foods diet. However, once you have completely healed, you can go back to your normal diet. You still may want to avoid crunching on ice or extremely hard or sticky foods. Also, avoid chewing on non-food items, as these could damage your prosthetic teeth.
• ● Lifestyle Changes
  If you smoke, your risk of implant failure increases. You may want to consider quitting, at least during the healing phase if not completely.

Comparison with Other Tooth Replacement Options

There are other options for replacing missing teeth, such as:

• ● Dentures
  Conventional dentures sit on top of the gums. They are not secured and can slip around when eating, speaking, and laughing. Dentures may be partial or complete.
• ● Bridges
  Dental bridges replace several missing teeth in a row. Traditional bridges are secured by the natural teeth on each side of the gap. The natural teeth must be filed down to accommodate the crown. In some cases, dental implants may be placed on each side of the gap to secure the bridge to.

Conclusion

If you are missing all or most of your teeth, you may want to consider full-mouth dental implants. You can get each tooth replaced by a single implant or you can choose a hybrid option such as All-on-4 or All-on-6. This will allow you to replace a full arch with 4 or 6 implants.

There are lots of benefits associated with full-mouth dental implants, such as:

• ● Improved appearance
• ● Improved oral health
• ● Increased comfort
• ● Improved speech
• ● Durability and longevity
• ● Convenience
• ● Cost-effectiveness

On the other hand, there are also a few risks to be aware of:

• ● Infection
• ● Nerve damage
• ● Failure of implant
• ● Allergic reactions
• ● Sinus problems

When choosing a dentist to perform your dental implant surgery, make sure to check their qualifications. You want to work with a professional that is certified in implantology. The team at Esteem Dental Implant Care has the experience and expertise you’re looking for. Schedule your consultation today.

Full-Mouth Dental Implants FAQs

Below are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about dental implants at Esteem Dental Implant Care:

If you are missing one or more teeth, you are at an increased risk of losing additional teeth, developing gum disease, jawbone deterioration, and a variety of other oral and overall health issues. The good news is that you don’t have to live with your missing teeth- you do have options for replacing them.

For a long time, the primary replacement options for missing teeth were partial/complete dentures or a dental bridge. While these are somewhat effective, they also come with many disadvantages. For example, you still are at risk of jawbone deterioration because it is no longer getting the stimulation from your tooth roots to keep it healthy.

The team at Esteem Dental Implants specializes in dental implants. We have locations across the United States, so you’re sure to find one near you. Dental implants can restore your smile and your self-esteem.

What are dental implants?

Dental implants are a restorative dental device that restores the look, feel, and function of your natural teeth. Traditional implants consist of three pieces: implant screw, abutment, and artificial tooth. The implant screw is inserted into the jawbone, creating a stable base and giving the jawbone the stimulation it needs. The abutment secures the artificial tooth to the implant screw. The artificial tooth may be a single crown or may be a multi-tooth replacement, depending on how many teeth you are missing.

Dental implant placement requires oral surgery. First, an incision is cut in the gums and a hole is drilled in the jawbone. The implant screw is then placed in the hole. For traditional implants, the incision will be closed, and you will be sent home to heal for a minimum of three months. If you are getting teeth in one day, the abutment and a temporary crown will be attached. You will need to return in a few months for your permanent crown.

What are the advantages of dental implants?

Dental implants offer several advantages over other tooth replacement options, including:

• Improved aesthetics

  Conventional dentures often slip and slide around in the mouth and permanent dentures look fake. However, dental implants are inserted into the jawbone, which means they look, feel, and function like natural teeth.

• Improved comfort

  Dentures sit on top of your gums and may cause pressure and friction sores. Since implants are inserted into the jawbone, it’s like having natural teeth. You won’t even notice that you have them.

• Improved speech

  Dentures are often bulky and cover your soft palate, makings some things hard to pronounce. Dental implants are just like your natural teeth, so you can speak clearly.

• Improved oral health

  When your gums are exposed, bacteria can get to your gums, increasing your risk of developing gum disease. Dental implants are inserted into the jawbone, allowing the artificial tooth to fit on the gum like a natural tooth, protecting it.

How long do dental implants last?

Dental implants are designed to be a permanent tooth replacement solution. Research has shown that, with proper care and maintenance, the implant screw should last a lifetime. The artificial tooth/teeth may need to be replaced after about 15 to 20 years, depending on your oral hygiene and lifestyle habits.

There are several factors that could cause an implant to fail:

• Improper care/maintenance

  Proper oral hygiene habits are just as critical for your implants as your natural teeth. If plaque accumulates around the implant, you may develop gum disease. If left untreated, gum disease can lead to implant failure.

• Bone density

  Jawbone density is critical to the success of your implants. If you do not have adequate jawbone to support the implants, they are more likely to fail. Before implants can be placed, the dentist will take x-rays to determine if your jawbone is healthy or if you need a bone graft.

• Smoking

  Research shows that the dental implant failure rate in smokers is 11%, while the failure rate in non-smokers is around 5%. This is because smoking impacts your blood flow, which impacts healing. If your jawbone doesn’t properly heal and fuse with the implant, you are at an increased risk of implant failure.

• Teeth grinding

  Teeth grinding and other occlusal trauma can cause damage to the implant screw or the crown- which can ultimately lead to implant failure.

• Medical conditions

  There are certain medical conditions that increase your risk of implant failure, including uncontrolled diabetes, bleeding disorders, high blood pressure, osteoporosis, and more. If you have any of these, the dentist may recommend dentures or a dental bridge.

• Medical treatments/medications

  Medications and medical treatments such as radiation therapy, immunosuppressants, and blood thinners may increase your risk of implant failure.

• Age

  Since older adults often have medical conditions and are taking certain medications or undergoing certain medical treatments, older adults are more likely to experience implant failure than younger patients.

• Surgeon’s experience

  While you might save money upfront by going with a newer, inexperienced surgeon, it’s important to note that experience can make a difference. If a surgeon isn’t familiar with the process, you are at a greater risk of implant failure. On the other hand, the only way for them to get experience is to do the procedure. Therefore, if you work with an inexperienced surgeon, make sure that there is an experienced one standing by in case you have complications.

Schedule Your Consultation Today

If you are missing one or more teeth, and you think dental implants are right for you, schedule your consultation today with the team at Esteem Dental Implants near you. We can help you improve your smile and restore your confidence.

Dental Implant FAQs

Below are some of the most common questions that have been asked when discussing dental implants.

How do dental implants work?

Dental implants are a restorative dental device that replaces the entire structure of a missing tooth, from the root to the crown. This restoration looks, feels, and functions like a natural tooth.

How much do dental implants cost?

On average, a single dental implant costs around $5,000. However, this depends on the surgeon’s experience and location, as well as the material the implant and crown are made of, and any additional procedures required.

Are dental implants covered by insurance?

Many dental insurance providers classify dental implants as a cosmetic procedure, which means that they will not cover it. However, there are some that consider it a restorative procedure, which means they may cover a portion. Our office staff will work with your provider to determine coverage.

How long is recovery after getting dental implants?

The discomfort will resolve within a few days. However, the process of osseointegration, which is when the jawbone heals around and fuses with the implant, typically takes several months.

Why no dairy after dental implants?

We know that dairy contains calcium, which is good for your bones. However, dairy may not be the best idea immediately after implant surgery. This is because dairy can cause the surgical site to become inflamed, which may ultimately lead to implant failure. In addition, dairy often causes nausea and vomiting, which can cause irritation and infection of the implant site, increasing your risk of implant failure.