For people missing one or more teeth, dental implants might be an ideal treatment option. They are often chosen over other treatment alternatives, though they require a significant investment. Here, our Fort St. John dentists discuss cost considerations when it comes to dental implants.
When choosing between treatment options for missing teeth, dental implants may be worth having a second look at if you are deemed a good candidate. Of course, cost will be a large contributing factor when it comes to making this important decision. Dental implants require a significant investment on both yours and your dentist's end. You might wonder why dental implants cost significantly more than other treatment options. Today, we will discuss the cost factors for this treatment option.
Your dentist's skills and experience, the quality of the material used to construct the implant, the custom fabrication process and surgeries needed for implantation are primary elements that figure into the cost of dental implants.
Both components of your dental implant — the artificial tooth and artificial crown — are fabricated by an experienced dentist in Fort St. John, or a technician. Since this material must stand up to daily use and wear for a number of years, it's not inexpensive. Your new artificial tooth root and crown will work much like a natural tooth root, and will be made to specifically fit your smile.
Since your dentist spends many years educating themselves and acquiring the skills to become qualified to safely fit patients with dental implants and perform the surgical procedure, their schooling is also reflected in the cost.
The Dental Implants Procedure
Before you come in for your surgery, your dentist will examine your mouth carefully and take X-rays to learn how your implant should be constructed and attached. X-ray machines and other diagnostic equipment is expensive to maintain and operate.
Dental implant surgery is usually performed in two stages. First, your dentist must replace the root of the missing tooth by implanting an artificial tooth root (a small titanium screw) in the gums before anchoring it to the jawbone. The screw part of the implant acts as the stable base or root. Later, an artificial tooth will be attached.
As the screw gradually integrates with the jaw bone, a strong permanent base for your artificial restoration (tooth) will be created and the site will heal. Following implant surgery, patients typically take about 4 to 6 months to heal. Once complete healing has taken place, the abutment and restoration can be added.
The abutment connects and secures the restoration to the dental implant and will usually be made from titanium or ceramic material. The restoration (a single artificial tooth, or multiple artificial teeth such as a crown or bridge) is then affixed to the abutment.
Additional Treatments
Some patients may require additional treatment at our Fort St. John dental clinic to prepare their mouth and ensure implant surgery will be successful. This often involves numerous hygiene treatments and perhaps a bone graft procedure to ensure the implant can be successfully anchored to the jawbone.
Our goal is always to make sure our patients receive value from their investment in every treatment, including dental implants. As a trained, experienced and educated dentist, we are committed to ensuring your dental implant is made from high-quality materials and works as it should.