What are dental implants
Surgically implanted into the jawbone, a dental implant is a substitute for the tooth root.
To keep a false tooth in place, dental implants are employed.
Because of this, implants perform similarly to the roots of natural teeth.
In reality, the word "implant" only refers to the portion that is put into the bone. Despite this, many people mistakenly think it refers to the entire replacement tooth.
Soon, we'll go over each of the parts in detail.
When a patient has lost one or more teeth in an accident or due to another medical condition, implants may be used.
Tooth loss is a side effect of a few medical diseases.
Some people only consider cosmetic benefits while deciding to have implants.
Artificial teeth produced as a consequence mimic genuine teeth in terms of appearance, feel, and functionality.
Who can have dental implants?
The patient must be an excellent candidate for an implant if they have robust, healthy gums and a jawbone strong enough to support the new root.
Patients with underlying oral health issues, such as gingivitis, or those who have lost bone density as a result of a tooth abscess may not be candidates for implant surgery because they run the risk of having loose implants or implants that protrude through the gums and need to be removed.
To strengthen the jawbone prior to implant placement, it is often possible to do a bone graft.
Mini dental implants are a possible substitute for patients who are unable to receive traditional implants.
These have a root that is slightly smaller, around the thickness of a toothpick, but otherwise are structurally comparable to their larger counterparts.
The amount of bone required to hold them in place will therefore be reduced.
Mini dental implants may still be an option if you have osteoporosis but have been told you cannot have implants because you have lost jawbone density or your bone density is too low.
Mini dental implants have the additional advantage of typically only requiring one appointment for placement, as opposed to traditional implants that require three to six months to fully integrate.
Ask a dentist: Do you recommend dental implants?
When a tooth or teeth need to be replaced, dental implants are a terrific option and the perfect decision.
Dental implants ensure that a patient smiles comfortably and confidently by giving them the ability to enjoy healthy chewing and oral function as well as by preserving the facial muscles.
There are two stages to the dental implant procedure: the surgical stage and the restorative stage.
Patients should be cautious when choosing an oral surgeon for the surgical stage to ensure that they have the necessary experience and training.
Poor or inaccurate implant placement runs the risk of causing infection, lasting nerve damage, and other problems.
In order to minimize any negative responses during the surgical and postoperative phases of the treatment, it is crucial to make sure that patients' dental implants are of good quality. Working with an FDA-approved and research-backed implant has many advantages.
Types of dental implants and tooth reconstruction
Dental implants come in two different categories.
The endosteal implant is the first.
These hold one or more artificial teeth in place using abutments and are placed directly into the jawbone.
They have a tapered or cylindrical appearance and resemble tiny screws.
The subperiosteal implant is the alternative.
This implant has a metal base that is positioned above or on the jawbone but beneath the gum tissue.
Similar to natural teeth, prosthetic teeth are attached to supports that stick out from the gums.
Although less frequent, this kind is an option for patients whose shallow jawbone cannot sustain endosteal implants.
The placement of the various parts of an endosteal implant is demonstrated in the following animation:
Dental implant materials
The portion of the implant that is put into your jawbone and serves as a tooth root can be made out of a variety of materials.
Most dental surgeons prefer titanium implants because they are the most widely used and widely regarded as the best dental implants.
This metal is extremely durable and is biocompatible with your jawbone, so there shouldn't be any adverse effects and the bone will gradually grow around it.
Since pure titanium is too soft, it is not used to make the implants; instead, several alloys have been created.
Different ceramics and polymers are available for persons who don't like the notion of having metal implanted in their body.
Zirconia implants are by far the most popular alternative to titanium.
This substance is classified as a ceramic even though it may have small amounts of metal.
In order to build the ideal replacement tooth, CAD/CAM dentistry created digital photographs of your mouth using this technology.
So how can you select the option that is ideal for you?
Since titanium has been used in implants for a lot longer than zirconia, more research has been done to support its durability, efficacy, and safety.
As a result, many dentists are more confident in suggesting titanium.
The issue of adaptability is another.
The implant and abutment of titanium implants are separate components.
Because the dental implant abutment is fitted individually, the position of the crown that is placed on top can be adjusted.
Crowns, like Emax crowns, can be composed of ceramic, metal, or porcelain.
On the other hand, zirconia implants typically do not have a separate abutment.
Despite being quite strong, zirconia may be more prone to material faults than titanium, according to certain research.
Zirconia implants have a somewhat greater failure rate because the material can fracture due to pores and microcracks in the material.
Last but not least, titanium dental implants typically cost less than zirconia ones.
Unless you specifically wish to avoid metal or you are aware that you have an allergy to one or more of the metals used in titanium alloys, all of these reasons point to titanium as the best choice.
However, if you have any questions, you can discuss your alternatives with your dentist and get their opinion. You can also learn more by reading our article on zirconia vs. titanium implants.
Dentures vs. dental bridges vs. implants
We can now focus on the many kinds of replacement teeth that are offered, keeping in mind that a "implant" is merely the artificial root put to hold replacement teeth in place.
Since one word can be used to describe several things, the language can be a little unclear in this situation.
An individual crown will be attached to the implant when just one tooth needs to be replaced.
This is not the same kind of crown that would be used to fix a fractured tooth.
The non-implant option is a bridge, which is attached to the two teeth next to the gap and closes it.
The drawback of a conventional dental bridge is that it necessitates the removal of good teeth.
Learn more about the pros and cons of bridges and dentures versus implants.
An implant bridge may be used in cases where there are two or more missing teeth in a row.
Just two implants can support a row of three or four fused prosthetic teeth, as opposed to requiring one implant for every tooth.
Dr. Tamisha Denis elaborates on her preference for implants over bridges in the video below:
Denture implants might be the answer if the entire set of teeth in the jaw needs to be replaced.
These are made out of a full set of porcelain or plastic teeth affixed to an acrylic base that is gum-colored.
Implant-retained dentures are substantially more durable since they clip into fixed abutments as opposed to regular dentures, which rest on the gum and are attached with glue.
Compared to conventional dentures, denture implants frequently pose fewer dietary and vocal issues.
Additionally, there is no chance that they will get awkward during a meal or discussion.
Another advantage of implants is that they can stabilize the jaw, stop further bone loss, and keep the jaw's natural shape.
Denture implants and single-tooth implants are more expensive up front than more traditional options, but because of their longer lifespan, they may end up being less expensive overall.
Complete dental implants
A full set of implants may be an option for patients who have lost every tooth.
These are cemented in place for good, unlike implant dentures.
A lot of people prefer the notion of fixed teeth than those that must be removed for cleaning.
Since a single implant root, when properly placed, is robust enough to support numerous teeth, it is typically not necessary to install a separate root for each tooth.
For the lower jaw, options like All-on-4 implants and All-on-X teeth implants allow a full set of teeth to be inserted using just four implants.
Six are needed for the upper jaw because the bone density is lower.
In order to provide a firmer hold, the implants are tilted at 30 or 45 degrees.
These two alternatives are less expensive than typical implant technique, which calls for 8–10 implants in each jaw.
Because zirconia implants cannot be positioned at such a severe angle, it should be noted that this sort of implant is only available in titanium.
The fact that this type of implant's procedure is typically finished in a single day means you won't need to visit the dentist as frequently.
They acquire the moniker "teeth in a day" as a result.
Dental implant procedure
Implant dentistry, or “implantology”, involves several stages. The work can be carried out by a dentist with adequate advanced training, a periodontist, or an oral surgeon.
Preparation
A thorough evaluation should be performed before to the procedure.
The nerves, sinuses, and bone structure near the treatment area will be examined by your dentist.
Typically, a panoramic x-ray of your jaw is taken, but further scans might be necessary.
The most precise type of radiography now available is a computed tomography (CT) scan.
This will enable your dentist to evaluate the condition of your jawbone and oral structure at the moment.
Before performing the dental implant procedure, your teeth, gums, and any associated issues will be inspected and addressed.
Patients who have weak jawbones or low bone density could initially require a bone graft to strengthen the jaw.
In order to do this, bone must be taken from another area of the body and inserted where the implant will be.
Although it can come from the shin or hip, bone is frequently removed from another area of the jaw.
Getting a bone graft causes a significant delay in getting dental implants because it can take the bone three months to a year to be able to support one.
Extractions are another factor that can make the process take longer.
You will typically need to wait a month or two between these steps if you need to have a broken or rotten tooth removed in order to prepare for the implant.
However, in some circumstances, it may be possible to remove the tooth and place the implant on the same day.
Placing the implant
Implant insertion in or on the jawbone is considered an outpatient procedure, thus there is no need for an overnight hospital stay.
It can happen at the dental office, typically under local anaesthesia.
Patients who are anxious can frequently seek IV sedation to lessen the stress of the surgery.
Your dentist will provide you advice on the best course of action based on the anticipated number of implanted teeth, the difficulty of the procedure, and your level of fear.
There are various steps in the process itself.
Making a gum incision in order to expose the bone is the initial step.
The tooth implant placement site in the jaw is next prepared by drilling a hole there.
The implant is then screwed into position.
It makes sense that this is a challenging technique with limited margin for error.
Dentists must complete specialized training so they are knowledgeable about where and how to place implants in order to maximize their longevity.
They are developing robot technology that can accurately install dental implants without a human assistant in China, where there is a shortage of trained dentists.
In 2017 a robot dentist successfully implanted his or her first implant!
The gum is stitched or fastened over the implant after it has been placed in order to shield the area from any debris that may enter it, for example during eating or chewing.
The implant integrates with the bone during the full healing process, which can take four to six months, a process known as osseointegration.
This is why implants are made of biocompatible materials for our bodies, like titanium.
Installing the abutment
The abutment is put in place when osseointegration is finished.
This is an addition that extends past the gum line and joins the crown or replacement tooth to the implant.
To insert this abutment, the gum above the implant must be opened up once more.
Once more, this is an outpatient surgery that just requires a local anaesthetic.
The gum is closed around the abutment after it has been set in place, but not over it this time.
In some circumstances, the implant and abutment can be implanted simultaneously.
As long as the area has enough time to heal, doing this has not been associated with any long-term detrimental effects.
While the gum tissue surrounding the abutment heals, your dentist might be able to give you a temporary crown, denture, or bridge to wear.
By doing this, you can avoid the uncomfortable situation of having metal stumps sticking out where your teeth should be.
The gum tissue should be fully recovered after two weeks.
The procedure is now complete, and the moment has come to order the crowns.
Fitting the crown
You'll return to the dentist after your mouth has fully healed to start the crown-making process.
Your dental surgeon will design the replacement tooth to fit your existing tooth structure after taking new dental impressions.
To look as natural as possible, the color of the crown will be matched to the neighboring teeth, while some people who want a flashier aesthetic may choose to have permanent gold teeth.
But with a front tooth implant, a tooth's natural color is crucial for the majority of people.
Implant planning, creation, and placement require a lot of work.
The complete implant operation is demonstrated in the following video by a dentist working on a genuine patient.
Recovery
Your body will need time to heal after each phase of the process.
It's typical to have some discomfort throughout this period of rehabilitation, including:
• Swollen gums and/or face
• Bruised gums and skin
• Pain around the implant area
• Slight bleeding
Nowadays, most dental surgeons utilize self-dissolving stitches, which disappear as the wound heals.
You'll need to travel again to have the stitches removed if you don't obtain self-dissolving ones.
In the days after your treatment, all of the aforementioned symptoms ought to get better.
You should call your dentist right away if you find that the pain, swelling, or bleeding is getting worse.
You could require stronger painkillers or antibiotics.
For a few days following each surgery, your dentist will typically advise you to avoid eating certain hard or chewy foods or to consume your food on the opposite side of your mouth to give your implants time to heal.
Your dentist will need to see you more frequently than normal so they can monitor your progress.
You will be able to eat normally once the procedure is over and you have healed completely.
Typically, implant teeth are just as durable as natural teeth.
To maintain the health of your gums, implants, and remaining natural teeth, you must brush and floss every day.
You can carefully clean the area around any dental implants you have by using a water flosser.
How much do dental implants cost?
For a single tooth, dental implants might cost anywhere from $1,500 to $6,000.
Costs for full mouth implants start at $40,000, and All-on-4, which is less expensive, costs about $15,000 each arch.
Dental implants are an expensive procedure that the majority of Americans cannot afford to pay for out of cash.
How much does a dental implant cost for one tooth?
In the US, a single tooth implant might cost anywhere between $1,500 and $6,000.
Based on the materials utilized, the type of implant, and the location, this cost varies.
If you need to replace a front tooth or a back tooth, the price will vary accordingly.
Frequently, front tooth implants cost a little bit more than back teeth implants.
Given that some expenses (such x-rays and scans) only need to be paid once, the cost of a single implant for a tooth should gradually decrease if numerous implants are required.
Because the materials used to make mini dental implants are less expensive and the implant process is simpler, they can be 60–70% less expensive than regular implants.
How much does it cost to get a full mouth?
The price of a three- or four-tooth bridge supported by two implants can range from $5,000.
On the other side, the price of replacing all of the teeth is significantly higher.
Full dental implants using conventional techniques cost at least $40,000 when all the teeth are gone.
As was already noted, the general health of your gums and jawbone, as well as the state of any remaining teeth, will have an impact on the price of your dental implants.
All-on-4 dental implants can be a safe and efficient solution to reduce the expense of replacing all of your teeth. All-on-4 dental implants start at roughly $15,000 per arch in the US, but you can find them abroad for significantly less.
Be aware that these prices just represent the beginning point for dental implants; the final price may be significantly more if you require extractions and other pre-operative procedures and if you choose more expensive materials.
Covering the cost of dental implants
If you can't afford to pay for your treatment in full up-front, there are various dental financing options available to help cover the cost of dental implants. These include dental loans, credit cards and payment plans.
Ways to get to make dental implants more affordable
Simply doing little comparison shopping can go a long way toward reducing the cost of dental implants.
Consider extending your search to surrounding towns and cities as well as examining dental implant costs close to home.
If it means saving hundreds of dollars, it might be worth the extra half-hour drive for treatment.
In keeping with the cost of real estate and rent, dental implants will typically be less expensive outside of cities than inside.
This should keep the cost of dental implants lower in areas where there is competition between numerous practitioners.
Does Medicare cover dental implants?
Expensive dental procedures aren't likely to be covered by Medicaid or Medicare unless you're lucky enough to live in a state with generously expanded Medicaid coverage. You may also be able to find a Medicare Advantage Plan that offers some coverage for implants.
Does dental insurance cover implants?
The best dental insurance plan that provides coverage for implants could help you save as much as 50% on dental implant treatment, after a waiting period of around 12 months.
You can find plans for individuals and families and even a variety of dental plans for seniors.
Dental loans for implants
Dental loans are a popular option because they allow you to borrow up to $100,000—more than enough to fund an implant tooth. You may also be eligible for a dental grant.
Search for a dental loan
Calculate your dental implants cost
You won't know exactly how much your implants will cost with insurance until you consult with both your dentist and your plan provider. But the price of your dental implants will depend on multiple variables:
• The condition of your gums and existing teeth
• Your general oral health
• The current state of your jaw bone
• Whether surgery such as a bone graft or sinus lift is needed
• How many teeth are being replaced, and how many implants are required
• Whether you need an implant on your upper or lower jaw, and at the front or back
• The type of implant and tooth replacement
• Your location
How much are dental implants abroad?
With the cost of dental implants with private dentistry in the US so high, many people look further afield for affordable dental implants.
Dental implants cost much less in other countries. Patients can save as much as 70% on implants and other dental treatments by traveling abroad, a trend which has become known as ‘dental tourism'.
by going out of country for dental implants
For instance, you might be able to acquire an implant tooth for $1,000 or less in Turkey, Mexico, or Costa Rica.
Numerous border communities in Mexico are reachable by land, and each day, hundreds of dental patients pass through these areas.
You may also make your trip more of a vacation by going to a place like Turkey, Thailand, or the Philippines to have dental implants.
Alternately, travel to one of the several European nations recognised for their superior dental care.
These visits can easily be less expensive than the typical cost of implants alone at home, even after factoring in the expense of travel and lodging.
The savings from receiving treatment abroad will increase if you require full mouth implants or have numerous missing teeth.
Although you might be concerned that less expensive dental implants imply inferior quality, this is frequently not the case.
Dentists have made significant investments in cutting-edge, sophisticated machinery in locations that have grown to be well-known for dental tourism.
Additionally, there is a much bigger focus on providing excellent service and making the experience relaxing and enjoyable.
Some medical facilities even go so far as to provide their clients a lavish spa experience while they are there.
Comparing costs of dental implants abroad
Since these are the nearest, American patients frequently decide to fly to South American nations in search of dental implants at a reduced price.
Others make the quick crossing to Southeast Asia.
You can find an estimate of the price for a single dental implant in the table below for typical international substitutes for the US.
| Destination | Capital city | Approximate cost of dental implant |
| Average price for an implant in the US is $4,000 | ||
| Mexico | Mexico City | $900 |
| Brazil | Brasília | $1,000 |
| Costa Rica | San José | $800 |
| Turkey | Istanbul | $600 |
| Phillippines | Manila | $1,250 |
| Prices don't include medical insurance, flights, or accommodation costs |
The traditional implant procedure calls for numerous visits spread out over several months.
This many journeys do create certain inconveniences, including time away from work.
Due to this, single-visit implant alternatives like micro dental implants and All-on-4 (also known as "teeth in a day") are frequently provided by foreign clinics.
Prior to choosing any dental care overseas, you should:
• Choose a dentist you feel comfortable communicating with
• Read online reviews of that dentist and clinic from people who have had treatment there
• Check the governing bodies for dentistry in that country
• Request and verify your chosen dentist's qualifications and experience
• Ask how long you will need to stay for treatment and recovery, and how many trips will be required
• Understand exactly what is and isn't covered in the price of dental implants that you have been quoted
• Calculate the total teeth implant cost of all trips and treatment and compare this to treatment at your local dentist
• Speak to your regular dentist to get advice and find out about aftercare
Are implants right for me?
It makes sense that, given the price of dental implants, you might be unsure whether getting implants is the best course of action for you.
Many of your questions can be answered by your dentist, but you can also learn more to inform your decision in other ways.
Consult with any friends, relatives, or coworkers who have had implants to see if they can offer any suggestions or advise.
The number of dental implants procedures performed may surprise you.
By reading dental implant reviews online, you can learn more about other people's experiences with implants in general and a certain dentist in particular.
You'll be spending a lot of money with them, so don't be afraid to ask questions of possible dentists.
In order to assess how natural-looking dental implants appear, specifically request to see some images of the implants both before and after treatment from former clients.
Also, watch this quick movie to see dental implants before and after shots:
If a dentist has a lot of experience with implant dentistry, you'll probably feel better at ease picking them, albeit this may cost more.
Advantages of implants
We can sum up the advantages of tooth implants as follows:
• Permanent, long-lasting solution to tooth loss
• Stable and durable
• Can't be misplaced since they aren't removable
• No issues with speech
• Allow normal eating
• Look and feel like natural teeth
• No adhesives or special cleaning required
• Don't affect adjacent healthy teeth
• Success rate of 90-95%
Potential dental implants problems
There are some drawbacks to having implants, of course. It's important to be aware of these before deciding to go ahead with any surgery:
• Some people may not feel comfortable with the invasive surgery involved
• Pain and swelling are expected after surgery
• There is a slight risk of infection following surgery
• It's possible for implants to damage nerves and sinuses
• Patients who don't maintain good oral health may experience complications
• Although a long-term solution, they may need to be replaced after a decade or so
The only other thing that may be holding you back is the average cost of dental implants.
Although a high initial investment, implants can prove less expensive in the long run than alternatives such as dentures and bridges. This is because implants are designed to be long-lasting and are less likely to get damaged or become uncomfortable.
Dental implants failure
A comparatively low percentage of dental implants fail.
According to a recent study, the failure rate is only about 5% in healthy people.
However, those who are medically compromised, such as those who have diabetes, experience a rise in the failure rate.
In a different study, it was discovered that implants had a success rate of 96.13% after 10 years and that 83% of implant failures occurred within the first six months following implantation.
Early implant failure is typically caused by either an implant that isn't properly stable or by incorrect bone healing.
When implants later fail, local risk factors that the patient may manage, such as oral hygiene practices, are typically more to blame.
You can occasionally need to have a dental implant removed.
This article's content is summarized in the table below so you can quickly compare implants to any other solutions you may be considering.
| Treatment | Implants | Bridges (fixed to adjacent teeth) | Traditional dentures | None (don't replace missing teeth) |
| Cost | High—the most expensive tooth replacement | Cheaper solution to fill a single or double | Cheaper solution to replace a full | Free |
| option | tooth gap | arch of teeth | ||
| Longevity | Designed to be long-lasting (at least 10 years); possible to last a lifetime if maintained well | 5–15 years, possibly longer | 5–10 years, possibly longer | N/A |
| Comfort | Like natural teeth | Not noticeable if fitted properly | Become less comfortable as the mouth naturally changes shape; require adhesive to stay in place | Eating may be uncomfortable; risk of gum disease |
| Procedure | Jawbone surgery, multiple visits over several months (for conventional implants) | Requires removal of enamel on adjacent teeth | Any existing teeth must be removed | None |
| Appearance | Like natural teeth | Llike natural teeth | May look artifical | Gap in teeth, obvious if at the front |
Risks |
Can become infected; small chance of rejection or complications | Bone and adjacent teeth may deteriorate over time | Can be lost; cause mouth sores if ill-fitting; may slip while being worn | Jawbone and surrounding teeth at risk of deterioration; may cause problems eating or speaking |
Some dentists provide a single price for a complete implant, while others break it down so you can see the teeth implant cost of each individual component and procedure.
When you receive a quote for dental work, be sure to check whether the following things are included or if they will be charged separately:
• Consultations
• Dental impressions
• X-rays
• CT scans
• Follow-up visits
• Every part of the implant (root, abutment, crown/bridge/denture)
• All surgical procedures
Patients with implants may occasionally require preoperative procedures like a sinus lift or bone graft.
If you've lost bone mass for any reason, this is frequently the case.
In the US, the price of this work can range from $300 to $5,000, so bear that in mind when determining if you can afford implants.
Some clinics may try to entice you with offers of inexpensive implants, but if you factor in the price of the crown, surgery, and scans, the implants are no longer so inexpensive.
Before choosing a dentist, get quotations from a few in your area. You might be shocked at how much they vary.
