Are Dental Implants Affordable
Medford, OR
 When someone wants to replace missing teeth with dental implants, the most important benefit they have in mind is comfort. Dental implants fuse with the jawbone so that the replacement teeth do not shift, slide, or move around and produce discomfort. But the price of this procedure can come as a shock to some patients when compared to dentures or bridges. However, in the long run, dental implants are a better investment as compared to other teeth replacement options.
Dental Implants
Dental implants are small medical devices that are surgically inserted inside the jawbone to replace missing roots. These screw-like metal posts are made out of titanium which fuses with the jawbone, hence, providing a comfortable replacement for missing teeth that will not slip, slide, or cause bone degeneration in the long run. Dental implants can restore the ability to chew properly and also enhance the smile of a person as the replacement teeth look and feel like natural ones.
Before a patient has dental implant surgery, a periodontist will create a specific treatment plan according to the patient's needs and situation:
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A single tooth dental implant replaces one missing tooth
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Multiple tooth dental implants replace several missing teeth
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Full-mouth dental implants are used when all of the teeth are missing. |
Implant Placement
A dental implant procedure involves a dental implant body and an abutment. The body of an implant is surgically screwed into the jawbone to replace missing teeth roots. An oral surgeon makes a cut in the gum to expose the jawbone and then drills small holes in it to place the metal implant.
Osseointegration
Then comes the process of osseointegration, in which the jawbone heals and grows around the implant, thus uniting it with the surrounding structure. This process often takes months to complete but ensures a solid and permanent base for the replacement tooth.
Abutment
When bone growth is complete, a second surgery is performed to place the abutment. An abutment is a connecting piece that will attach a dental crown to the implant body. The oral surgeon makes another incision on the gum to expose the implant in the jawbone and attaches the abutment, then closes the gum tissue over the implant.
Taking an Impression
After placing an abutment over the dental implant, an impression of the mouth is taken to create a suitable dental restoration. When the gum heals from the second surgery, the dental restoration is attached to the abutment.
Care After the Procedure
Dental implant surgery is an invasive procedure that can result in the following:
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Swelling
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Bruising
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Pain |
The doctors recommend pain medications and antibiotics to ease the discomfort. They also ask the patient to eat soft foods until the surgical site heals enough to tolerate the bite force.
Dental Implant Restoration
When the gums heal after the second surgery, the patient and their dental specialist choose the restoration option for their implant. The dental implant restoration can be a crown, bridge, or dentures.
To create a realistic-looking dental crown, dental specialists take impressions of the mouth. The artificial teeth can be fixed or removable, as preferred by the patient or recommended by the dentist.
A removable dental restoration is similar to a denture. Artificial teeth can be full or partial dentures. The tooth restoration is snapped over the abutment and can be removed easily for cleaning or repair.
A fixed artificial tooth is cemented onto the abutment, which secures it permanently in place. This type of dental restoration cannot be removed daily for cleaning purposes. Typically, one dental crown is assigned to one dental implant, but sometimes many teeth can be replaced using just one dental implant.
Are Dental Implants Affordable?
Dental implant costs vary according to different patients' requirements. The procedure is completed in multiple stages, which involve different fees.
The following factors decide the final cost of a dental implant procedure.
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Imaging tests
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Tooth extraction
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Implant and abutment placement
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Creating a dental restoration
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Placing the dental crown |
The complete cost of a dental implant surgery depends on the dental practice and the number of teeth that need to be replaced.
Dental implants are indeed an investment. But when one looks at the repair and replacement costs of other teeth replacement options like dentures and bridges, dental implants are a more comfortable and convenient option.
The Benefits of Dental Implants Outweigh Their Cost
At Rogue Valley Dental Center, we highly recommend dental implants as the most preferred tooth replacement option as compared to bridges and dentures.
The two alternatives to dental implants, bridges and dentures, need replacement or repair every five or 10 years. When you compare the regular maintenance costs to one-time expenses of dental implants, it is safe to say that the latter option is more favorable for patients, as dental implants can even last a lifetime if taken care of properly.
Dental implants also provide an important benefit that dentures and bridges lack, and that is preventing bone deterioration. Dental implants replace missing roots of teeth so that the dental restoration can transfer the bite force into the jawbone, providing it with proper stimulation, which preserves the jawbone structure.
Dental Implants vs Mini Implants
Mini dental implants are smaller than regular dental implants, and they may be used for replacing smaller teeth. The total cost of mini implants is typically less than regular implants as there is no use of screws or abutments.
Are You Ready for Dental Implants?
The insurance coverage for dental implants is growing rapidly, which is why you must check with your insurance provider and your dental specialist to learn about the reimbursement you can expect per dental implant.
Our dental team, including Dr. Taucher and Dr. Burnham, commit their time to provide each patient with a full understanding of the dental implant procedure. We'll also help you understand how dental care is affordable for you.
Call us at (541) 779-4517 to schedule your appointment. |
Rogue Valley Dental Center 
