There are many misunderstandings about dental implants. But at the end of the day, there are 3 that seem to come up over and again.
Aesthetics, endurance and dental implant cost.
If You’re Seeking an Implant Dentist, Knowledge Is Power.
There are several types of dental implants. All kinds of implant dentists. And a variety of ways to get them. (Sometimes you need to see a second dentist for part of the procedure. Not us, though. At Total Health Dental Care, we take care of you start to finish.)
Learn what to ask for and what to expect, and you won’t be taken by surprise.
Let’s start with the practical side of things.
The Aesthetic Component of Dental Implants
People think that dental implants will look identical to natural teeth. This is not always true, but it is possible to maximize the aesthetic results achieved.
I have over nine years of experience serving Oakland and Berkeley dental implant patients. My training at the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry and the International Congress of Oral Implantology has allowed me to get great cosmetic results and maximize the aesthetics of my patients’ dental implants.
You should know, however, that even with my skill and expertise, not all of my Oakland or Berkeley dental implant patients will get ideal cosmetic results. That’s because of issues that I can’t control. Some inherent factors that can affect the look of the implant are bone level, lip line when you smile, location of the root placement, angle of the root placement, type of gum tissue and whether the implant can be matched to the existing teeth.
One final thought about aesthetics. The primary purpose of a dental implant is functionality. If aesthetics is your primary concern and implants can’t provide that, consider a cosmetic dental bridge, which looks great and still resolves the problem.
Endurance: How Long Will Dental Implants Last?
It’s understandable that people are confused about dental implant endurance. Some even think that Berkeley dental implants are somehow different than Oakland dental implants!
I can assure you that where you get your implants is less important than who is providing them.
Know this: Dental implants have only become a viable option in the last ten years. That’s not a long time! Consequently, there is just not enough data about how long they last.
That being said, you can expect dental implants to last 10–20 years. Some may fail sooner and some may last a lifetime. But on average, a well-placed implant will endure for a decade or two.
Some Hints to Make Your Dental Implant Last Longer:
o Eat nutritiously to reduce harmful bacteria, inflammation and oxidation.
o Reduce your stress to avoid the adverse effects of clenching and grinding.
o Get professional teeth cleanings regularly. Dental implants deserve quality care by trained professionals.
o And, of course, brush and floss daily.
Just How Much Do Dental Implants Cost?
Ah, yes. The big question. Many patients think dental implants cost a lot. But if you consider how they support other teeth, prevent bone loss in your jaw and keep your youthful smile, it really is a good investment!
In our Berkeley and Oakland office, a dental implant usually costs $3,000–$4,500.
If you just need the implant, placement and crown, that’s $3K. If you need a bone graft prior to placement, it’s closer to $4K. Some need an advanced bone graft or sinus lift. That would push the price to $5K or $6K. There are many variables, so the cost will depend on your specific situation.
Just for context, a dental bridge costs roughly $2,500–$3,500.
Won’t Insurance Cover the Bulk of It?
Dental benefits come in all shapes and sizes. So knowing what your insurance will cover can be very confusing, which we’ve written about before in my dental membership program blog entry. With dental implants, unfortunately, it’s no different. Most people tend to overestimate how much their insurance will contribute.
The upshot is that most insurance will help minimally or not at all with dental implants. Expect an out-of-pocket cost of $2,500 for a $3,000 dental implant (as opposed to $1,500 for a dental bridge).
I hope this information helps to clear up any misunderstandings you may have about dental implants. If you need more clarity, leave a comment and we’ll help you right away.
Oh—and stay tuned. In future blog posts, I’ll get more specific about the aesthetics, endurance and cost of dental implants. I’ll also discuss the pros and cons of getting your dental implants taken care of all under one roof, start to finish.
