Dental Implants
What are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are artificial tooth roots that provide a permanent base for fixed, replacement teeth. Compared to dentures, bridges and crowns, dental implants are a popular and effective long-term solution for people who suffer from missing teeth, failing teeth or chronic dental problems. Because they fit, feel and function like natural teeth, dental implants are quickly becoming a new standard in tooth replacement.
What makes dental implants feel completely comfortable and secure? Doctors use a medical-grade titanium implant fixture that, over time, actually fuses to the living bone cells of the jaw. This union forms a strong and durable anchor for your new teeth, meaning there’s no slippage or other movement (which can sometimes happen with dentures). There are also no problems eating with dental implants, no need to repair them regularly and no more worrying about smiling freely and openly.
Dental implants typically have three parts:
1) The Implant: A screw that serves as a root for your new teeth. This is what permanently attaches to your jaw.
2) The Abutment: A permanent, but removable by your doctor, connector that supports and holds a tooth or set of teeth.
3) The Crown (or prosthetic tooth): This is the part of the tooth that you can see. It’s usually made of zirconium or porcelain for durability and good looks.
You can use dental implants to replace a single tooth, multiple teeth or a full upper and/or lower set of teeth. If you need to restore a full arch, you may be a perfect candidate for the full mouth treatment. Surgeons will place four implants and then attach a full arch of teeth, giving the procedure its name (all teeth, only four implants).
Highly Specialized Treatment
From the actual surgical requirements to your individual smile design options, there are many factors that influence cost, such as:
- How many missing or damaged teeth need to be replaced
- What your treatment goals and needs are
- The materials used in your dental restoration
- Surgical requirements and the steps needed in your treatment
The best way to get an accurate price is to come in for your free, no obligation consultation. Quoting costs without an in-person evaluation of all these factors could be misleading—and a disservice to patients.
One Cost, No Surprise Fees
At your free consultation, we’ll take a 3D CT scan and discuss your treatment goals and options. This allows us to develop a preliminary treatment plan for your specific needs and give you an exact, all-inclusive cost. There are no hidden costs, and no separate bills from different providers. The cost includes everything from start to finish to transform your smile, including:
- A pre-procedure exam
- The procedure to place the implants and temporary teeth
- The creation of your custom prosthetic teeth
- Post-procedure check-ups and fitting your custom teeth
Third-Party Financing and Payment Plans
We understand how important it is to be able to restore your dental health and your confidence with a long-term solution. That’s why we offer third-party financing options and work with you on payment plans to fit your budget. At your free consultation, you’ll review all the options available to you.
Dentures vs. Implants
| Tooth replacement technologies | Flipper | Dentures | Bridge | Implants |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Longevity | 1-3 years | 5-7 years | 7-10 years | Lifetime |
| Preservation of healthy adjacent teeth | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| Transmission of force to: | adjacent teeth | adj teeth/gums | adjacent teeth | bone |
| Prevent bone loss & preserve facial appearance | No | No | No | Yes |
| Requirement for periodic adjustments | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Accelerated loss of adjacent teeth | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |