How Much Do Dental Implants Cost?
Portland, OR
 Dental problems can create severe problems for people. Losing teeth can affect your confidence and lower your self-esteem. Dental procedures can be costly. If your dentist identifies a minor problem, it is important to fix it before it multiplies and affects other teeth. Dr. Jeremiah Leary and recommend regular thorough dental examinations to avoid tooth loss.
What is a Dental Implant?
Dental implants are artificial tooth roots with prosthetic teeth to help you restore your chewing ability. Typically, oral surgeons place dental implants in the patient’s jawbone using implant posts. Once they place the implant, oral surgeons provide the patient with the necessary treatment to heal the gum before placing a replacement tooth.
Dental implants can have different forms based on the patient’s needs. You can get mini implants or standard implants. In most cases, patients get dental implants due to accidental loss of teeth or medical conditions leading to tooth loss. Some patients get implants due to cosmetic needs. You may consult your dentist to determine the best solution for your dental problems.
Who is a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?
Getting a dental implant may not be as simple as it looks. Many factors come into play when determining the perfect conditions to place implant roots. Before you assume dental implants to be the best solution to your tooth loss problems, consulting a dentist is crucial. To be an ideal candidate for a dental implant, you should meet the following conditions.
Healthy GumsSince dental implants fit into your jawbone, having healthy gums is essential to opt for this procedure. More often, patients neglect oral hygiene and develop gum infections due to bacterial interactions. Bacteria may damage your teeth and lead to poor gum health. When diagnosed with such conditions, your dentist may declare you unfit for a dental implant.
Gingivitis and PeriodontitisGingivitis is a gum disease that causes gum bleeding and worsens if left untreated. Typically, patients with gingivitis experience tooth tenderness and hurting gums. If diagnosed early, you can save gingivitis from becoming a more serious dental condition called periodontitis. Periodontitis can cause tooth and bone loss in many cases.
If a patient is diagnosed with the mentioned diseases, performing dental implant surgery can be a bad idea. Opening the gum in such conditions can lead to poor or partial gum healing and exposed implant roots. Moreover, replacement teeth may loosen and cause problems when eating. Dentists do not recommend dental implants to patients diagnosed with gingivitis or periodontitis.
Bone LossIn many cases, dental patients may suffer from bone loss. Typically, severe gum disease and bone disease may result in a weak jawbone. Bone loss may also occur due to low bone density. Some people have bone density issues naturally. In case of tooth loss, they may not be ideal candidates for dental implants.
If diagnosed with a bone disease, you may pay extra attention to dental health to prevent tooth loss and gum disease. Although oral surgeons may recommend bone grafting (a procedure to restore the lost part of a bone), such procedures can be costly and painful.
What Is the Cost of Dental Implant Restorations?
Dental implant restorations can be costly. Due to high restoration costs, many patients find it challenging to opt for the procedure right away. It is worth remembering that dental implant restorations may vary for each case. Due to multiple procedures, oral surgeries with added complications may cost more than average.
Generally, dental implants may cost between $1,500 to $6000 (or more) in the U.S. If you need multiple restorations or full mouth implants, the cost can go up to $40,000. Ultimately, your dentist will examine and evaluate the costs of surgeries. The good news is that dental implants are usually covered by the patient’s personal or group insurance. You may check with your insurance provider to determine the percentage of the cost you will be responsible for.
If you do opt for a dental implant (after being declared an ideal candidate), you may experience many benefits of the procedure.
Resemblance to Natural TeethDental implants bear prosthetic teeth that look like natural teeth. If you are conscious about your appearance, getting dental implants can restore your natural look. Many patients get dental implants for cosmetic purposes.
Long-Lasting NatureDental implants can last longer than other procedures due to the permanent insertion of implants into the jawbone. In ideal cases, implants can last a lifetime without losing their natural look. If you accidentally lose any teeth, dental implants may be your ideal option to restore your smile and natural eating habits.
Natural Chewing PressuresWhile other dental restoration options may have limitations when eating certain types of foods, dental implants can withstand excessive chewing pressures, allowing you to eat anything you like. You may comfortably chew meats, nuts, and other foods which require more bite force.
Stability of Adjacent TeethIf you leave a tooth cavity empty, other teeth may lose their stability and impact your natural appearance. Dental implants can save you from such problems and provide stability to adjacent teeth. Moreover, you can prevent gum disease in the missing tooth cavity with implant restorations.
Bone Loss PreventionMissing teeth can create more significant problems in your mouth. When you lose a tooth, the tooth cavity gets exposed to food, increasing the odds of developing gum disease. Gum disease can lead to bone infections and tooth loss. To prevent such complications, getting dental implants may be your best option.
Contact Us to Learn More About Dental Implants
If you are facing tooth loss issues, consulting Dr. Jeremiah Leary and at Sylvan Heights Dental can save you from further complications. Contact the clinic today at (503) 297-1471 to schedule your consultation appointment to learn more about dental implants, their benefits, and costs. |
