For those who are missing one or more teeth, dental implants can be an ideal treatment option and are often chosen over other treatment alternatives. That said, dental implants are an investment. Today, our Surrey dentists explain cost considerations.
When considering treatment options for missing teeth, you might check into dental implants if you are a good candidate. Of course, cost factors into any decision for most people when it comes to treating dental issues.
You may wonder why dental implants cost significantly more than other treatment options. In this post, we will share cost factors.
Your dentist's skills and experience, the quality of the material that goes into creating the implant, surgeries and custom fabrication process required for implantation are the primary elements reflected in the cost of dental implants.
An experienced dentist in Surrey or technician fabricates the main parts of your dental implant — the artificial tooth and artificial crown. Since this high-quality material has to stand up to daily use and wear for years, it will not be inexpensive. Your new artificial tooth root and crown will function similar to a natural tooth root, which means it will be custom-fit to your smile.
It takes many years of education and skill for a dentist to be qualified to fit patients with dental implants and perform the surgical procedure safely, so the cost will also reflect their schooling.
The Dental Implants Procedure
Prior to your surgery, your dentist will check your mouth and take X-Rays to determine how your implant should be made and attached. X-Ray machines and other diagnostic equipment is also expensive to acquire and operate.
Usually, dental implant surgery is performed in two stages. The first task your dentist must accomplish is to replace the root of the missing tooth by implanting the artificial tooth root (a small titanium screw) in the gums, which will then be anchored to the jaw bone.
The screw part of the implant functions as the root or stable base. An artificial tooth will later be attached.
As the site where the implant is placed heals, the screw will integrate with the jaw bone, forming a strong permanent base for your artificial tooth (restoration). Following implant surgery, patients typically take between 4 and 6 months to heal. Once complete healing has taken place, the abutment and restoration can be added.
This abutment works to connect and secure the restoration to the dental implant, and will typically be constructed from titanium or ceramic material. The restoration (a single artificial tooth, or multiple artificial teeth such as a bridge or crown) is then attached to the abutment.
Additional Treatments
We sometimes find that patients require additional treatment at our Surrey dental clinic to prepare the mouth and make sure that the implant surgery will prove successful. This often involves several hygiene treatments and potentially a bone graft procedure to prepare the jaw bone for the implant.
Our Surrey dentists always aim to see that patients get value from their investment after every treatment, including dental implants. Ask us which measures we can take to ensure your dental implant will be successful.