How Much Do Dental Implants Cost and Recovery Process

Written by drdalesandro on March 13, 2024. Posted in Dental Implants, Dental Costs.

To understand how much dental implants cost and how long they take to heal, let’s understand what they are first.

dentist explaining dental implant process to the patient

Dental implants are a permanent tooth replacement solution that has been used successfully since the 1960s. Designed to be artificial tooth roots, dental implants have a similar shape to screws and are bonded with the natural bone in the jaw to create a sturdy base to support artificial teeth. With an extensive lifespan and several health benefits, dental implants can be well worth the investment’s price.

A single top or bottom set can cost anywhere between $3,500 to $30,000. Full-mouth implants can range from $7,000 to $90,000, with the full-mouth set averaging approximately $30,000.

The average amount of time that it takes to recover from dental implant surgery is about 6 to 8 months; however, this can increase depending on any pre-existing conditions or special procedures that have to be completed before you get the surgery.

Dental implant surgery involves replacing tooth roots with synthetic materials such as screw-like posts or metals. Dental implants are no joke, and the entire procedure should be taken seriously to avoid any issues during the recovery process or the surgery.

Step-by-Step Dental Implant Procedure

1. Initial Consultation: The first step in the dental implant process is the initial assessment. During this appointment, the dentist conducts a comprehensive dental examination, which includes X-rays and sometimes 3D images to assess the health of your jawbone and the positioning of the implants. We discuss your medical history to ensure dental implants are suitable for you.

2. Treatment Planning: Based on the initial examination, the dentist develops a personalized treatment plan. This plan considers factors such as the number of teeth to be replaced and the condition of your jawbone. If additional procedures like bone grafting are needed, they are planned at this stage.

3. Preparatory Procedures: If the jawbone is not thick enough or is too soft, a bone graft might be necessary to create a more solid base for the implant. This involves taking bone from another part of your body or using a synthetic bone material. The grafting process must fully heal before the implant, which can take several months.

4. Implant Placement: Once your jawbone is prepared or deemed ready for the implant, the dental implant surgery occurs. This involves placing the titanium implant post into the missing tooth’s bone socket. This surgery is typically performed under local anesthesia. After the implant is placed, it needs to heal and integrate with the jawbone, a process called osseointegration. This can take several weeks to months.

5. Abutment Placement: After osseointegration is complete, a second minor surgery is performed to place the abutment, which will hold the artificial tooth. During this procedure, the gum is reopened to expose the implant, the abutment is attached, and the gum tissue is closed around but not over the abutment.

6. Artificial Tooth Placement: Once the gums heal around the abutment, impressions of your mouth and remaining teeth are taken to create the artificial tooth or crown. The crown is then attached to the abutment. Depending on the type of implant and the aesthetics needed, we may place a temporary crown while the custom crown is being made.

7. Aftercare and Follow-up: After the crown is placed, regular follow-up visits are scheduled to monitor the implant, teeth, and gums to ensure their health. Proper oral hygiene practices are critical to the success and longevity of the dental implant.

The Total Cost of Dental Implants is Based on Each Client’s Individual Needs

Since every dental implant treatment is customized for specific individuals’ needs, the costs vary accordingly. The total cost depends on several different factors, including how many teeth need replacing and where they’re located, the number and type of implants, and whether any additional procedures are necessary to prepare your mouth for the implants.

An evaluation by an experienced dental implant expert is the best way to ensure that you are getting an accurate cost estimate for quality work. If you see ads for dental implants with low prices that seem too good to be true – well, you know what they say. If someone quotes you a price for dental implants without examining you, it’s best to be cautious in that scenario.

Most insurance companies do not cover the full cost of dental implants, even though they are now considered the standard solution to tooth replacement.

The Cost of Alternative Solutions for Dental Implants

You might be surprised how affordable dental implants are compared to other tooth replacement options, especially when you take into account long-term cost-effectiveness and quality of life. At first glance, dentures or removable bridges can appear more inexpensive compared to the price of dental implants, given their lower upfront costs. However, the full cost of these options can run much higher than the cost of dental implants, for several reasons:

Initial costs versus total costs. The initial price you pay doesn’t include the cost of replacing your dentures or bridges, which may be necessary as often as every 5 to 15 years. It also doesn’t include the ongoing maintenance costs, such as fixatives and adhesives.
The convenience costs. Unlike your natural teeth or dental implants, you need to remove your dentures to soak and brush them, which can be a time-consuming hassle.
The health costs. Without a tooth or implant, your jawbone will begin to deteriorate, which can change your facial appearance.
The social costs. Dentures can slip or click when you chew, laugh, talk, or kiss. There is the possibility of them falling out altogether.

The Cost of Dental Implants can be Well Worth the Investment

When taking into mind all of the variables of the long-term effects, benefits, and quality of dental implants, it’s easy to see why they have become the standard solution in the world of replacing
teeth. The cost of dental implants may seem expensive when you first look into it but can be overall worth the investment and offer some peace of mind for your dental health.

How Long Do Dental Implants Really Take to Heal?

The average recovery time for a dental implant procedure is about 6 to 8 months; however it your recovery period can be longer depending on the initial issue that caused the need for dental implants and any unique additions that your surgery includes, like bone grafts.

The success rate of dental implant surgeries varies based upon the specific location in the jaw where the implants are placed. Typically, dental implant surgeries have about a 98% success rate for most patients. Your doctor will be able to give you more accurate information about the success rate of your procedure based on the personalized health data they have already collected. To further understand how long do dental implants take to heal, let’s break down the benefits.

Why Someone Might Need Dental Implants

Most people who get dental implants are forced to due to an extenuating condition such as oral injury, periodontal disease, and tooth decay. At their core, dental implants are replacement tooth roots that are made to resemble your natural teeth as closely as possible. They come in two variations: removable and permanent dental implants, the type the of implant you receive will depend on your specific oral condition.

If you’ve recently undergone a dental implant surgery or have one planned for the near future, you will want to continue reading this article to find useful tips and information to help you recover from your surgery much more comfortable.

How to Speed Up Your Dental Implant Recovery Process

As we stated before, the average recovery time for dental implants can take months. However, using the proper care techniques can reduce this time.

Whether you smoke tobacco products or not
Diabetic diagnosis
The number of dental implants that you receive
Whether you follow all of your dentist’s personalized instructions
Whether or not you have enough existing healthy bone mass for the implants to bind to

All of these factors will directly impact how long it takes for you to recover from dental implant surgery fully. During the healing process, make sure you avoid any hard or crunchy foods as they can ruin your implants leading to more issues down the road.

Contact Dr. Dalesandro’s Office Today For More Information

Understanding the cost and recovery process associated with dental implants is crucial for anyone considering this permanent solution for tooth loss. While the initial investment may seem substantial, the long-term benefits of dental implants—such as improved oral health, enhanced comfort, and a natural appearance—justify the cost for many. Remember, each patient’s journey is unique, and the total cost and recovery time can vary based on individual needs and treatment plans.

Contact our office today to schedule your consultation. Our team is dedicated to providing detailed information and personalized care tailored to your oral health needs. Let us help you take the first step towards a brighter, more confident smile. Call us at 520-327-5993 or visit our website to book your appointment. Rediscover the joy of a healthy, full smile with us!

Emergency Dental Care for Families: A Comprehensive Guide

Written by drdalesandro on January 31, 2024. Posted in Dental Implants, Dental Services, Family Dentistry.

Accidents and unexpected dental issues can strike at any time, causing stress and concern for families. When it comes to emergency dental issues, having a plan in place and knowing where to turn can make all the difference. In this guide, we’ll explore the importance of having access to emergency dental care for families and provide valuable insights from your trusted family dentist.

Understanding Dental Emergencies

Dental emergencies can range from sudden toothaches to broken or chipped teeth. Recognizing the signs of a dental emergency is crucial for prompt intervention and preventing further complications, such as extreme dental pain or infections. Common dental emergencies include:

Toothaches:

Sudden, severe pain
Swelling around the affected tooth or gums

Chipped or Broken Teeth:

Visible damage to the tooth
Pain or sensitivity

Knocked-Out Teeth:

Immediate action is crucial for potential tooth-saving
Contact your dentist right away

Lost Fillings or Crowns:

Exposed tooth surfaces
Discomfort or sensitivity

Abscesses or Dental Infections:

Swelling, pus, or a pimple on the gums
Persistent, severe pain

Having an Emergency Dental Plan:

Save Your Dentist’s Contact Information:

Keep your family dentist’s contact information easily accessible in case a dental emergency arises. Program their number into your phone and have it posted in a visible place at home.

First Aid Kit for Dental Emergencies:

Include items like sterile gauze, a small container with a lid, pain relievers, and a cold compress in your first aid kit.

Act Quickly:

In case of a dental emergency, acting promptly is crucial. Contact your family dentist immediately for guidance.

Preventing Dental Injuries:

Encourage the use of mouthguards during sports activities to prevent injuries. Avoid chewing on hard objects like ice or popcorn kernels.

Your Family Dentist as Your Partner in Emergency Care

Specialized Care for All Ages:

Family dentists are well-equipped to offer emergency dental care services for the unique dental needs of every family member, from children to grandparents.

Comprehensive Emergency Services:

Your family dentist offers a wide range of emergency dental services, ensuring that you receive prompt and effective care, relieving dental pain quickly when you need it most.

Established Relationship for Comfort and Trust:

Having a familiar dental team fosters a sense of comfort and trust during emergency dental service, making the experience less stressful for both children and adults.

How to Handle a Dental Emergency

Needing dental emergency treatment can be a nerve-wracking experience, but with the right knowledge and a reliable emergency dentist by your side, you can navigate these situations with confidence.

By understanding common dental emergencies, having a well-thought-out emergency plan, and relying on the expertise of your family dentist, you can ensure that your family’s oral health remains in good hands, even in unexpected situations.

Emergency Dental Treatment with Dr. Dalesandro & Associates

At Dr. Dalesandro & Associates, our commitment to your oral health goes beyond routine check-ups. With a focus on emergency dental care, professional teeth whitening, and preventive services for all ages, we are your comprehensive dental solution in Tucson.

Take the first step toward a healthier smile by visiting our website. New and existing patients are welcome!

Dental Implants – Replacing Teeth

Written by drdalesandro on May 3, 2021. Posted in Tooth Replacement, Dental Implants.

A statistic by the American College of Prosthodontics states that more than 120 million Americans miss at least one tooth, and 36 million Americans do not have any teeth. However, only 15% of the latter have dentures.

Loss of a tooth can lead to several problems down the road if you do not replace it in time. Missing teeth can affect the ability to chew your food, the ability to speak, and the integrity of the jaw bone. Fortunately, there are quite a few options to replace your teeth and restore the beautiful smile.

Our article walks you through the different tooth replacement options, costs, cheaper alternatives, and much more.

Options for Replacing Missing Tooth

No matter how you lost, a missing tooth can negatively impact the appearance and alignment if not replaced soon enough. Here are a few replacement options to help restore your smile:

Dental Implants

Being the most common replacement option, dental implants are very reliable and feel similar to a natural tooth. They can also be permanent options not just for a single tooth but also for multiple teeth in different areas. However, they can also be expensive and is a long process.

Implant-Supported Bridge

An implant-supported bridge is an excellent option if multiple teeth are missing in a row. Instead of having individual implants for every missing tooth, the teeth at both ends are implants and hold the rest in place without any screws. They are as effective as implants and also an economical option.

However, they are not a permanent option and will need to be replaced. Similar to implants, they are also a lengthy process.

Tooth-Supported Bridge

Similar to an implant-supported bridge, the tooth-supported bridge uses the existing teeth to support the bridge rather than placing implants. The dentist places a crown on the healthy teeth next to the missing ones and cements them into place.

However, you run the risk of damaging the adjacent teeth if fitted poorly. When not cleaned properly, food particles can get under the bridge leading to decay and bone loss.

Removable Partial Dentures

Removable partial dentures are a comparatively cheaper option than the above and replace the missing teeth. The partial dentures are fixed into position using metal clasps, ensuring that the false teeth do not fall out.

The disadvantage with removable partial dentures is that they have to be removed every night before sleeping and are not natural since the metal clasp is visible.

Flipper

Flipper is a temporary partial denture that flips in and out of position. They are relatively cheap and a painless option. They also do not depend on the surrounding teeth.

On the other hand, they are bulky and can be uncomfortable.

Permanent Tooth Replacement Option

Dental implants are permanent tooth replacement options that look very much closer to natural teeth. American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (AAOMS) reports that dental implants are 95% effective. But people with risk of gum disease like diabetes may not be eligible for the procedure. Beyond the aesthetic factor with your smile, they help you carry on with your daily activities without any issues.

The procedure for dental implants starts with a titanium screw in the place of your tooth’s root. This acts as an anchor and holds the tooth in place. The implant is left to heal for several months when it fuses to your jaw bone. Once healed, your dentist places the crown on top.

Temporary Tooth Replacement

Flipper, otherwise called a temporary partial denture, is a removable denture that fits the roof of your mouth or to the lower jaw. It is made from acrylic dental-grade resin and doesn’t take long to prepare since all your dentist needs are impressions of your mouth which are then fabricated at a laboratory.

Flipper is less expensive and looks relatively natural. They are easy to wear but can cause discomfort, especially in the beginning. On the downside, people with flippers run the risk of developing gum disease and gum recession. Due to these reasons, they are usually a temporary replacement until the dental implant treatment is completed.

Cost for Replacing Missing Teeth

There are quite a few treatments for missing tooth and in varying price ranges:

Dental Implants: A surgical procedure that may cost anywhere between $3,000 – $6,000 for a single tooth. Generally, your insurance may cover the treatment, but you will be responsible for the deductibles and the co-pays.

Dental Bridge: A non-surgical option that costs from $3,000 – $5,000 for a single bridge. Again you may want to check with your insurance about coverage.

Removable Partial Denture: A removable option that can cost between $1,500 – $3,000.

Flipper – The least expensive partial denture costs anywhere from $300 to $500 for the front set of flipper tooth.

Full Teeth Replacement

Due to recent technological advancement, a full teeth replacement is possible and is not as scary as before. Here are a few complete teeth replacement options:

Traditional Dentures

Traditional complete mouth dentures have a full set of prosthetic teeth in a gum-colored acrylic base. They are held in place with denture adhesive and need to be cleaned every day. While the initial cost is lower, the ongoing expenses make up for it since you need frequent replacements every two years or so.

Though implants fit better with modern advances in prosthetic dentistry, they only replace the crowns of the teeth and not the root leading to jawbone shrinkage. The dentures also make it difficult to eat hard and tough food. A complete set of dentures can cost as much as $2000.

Implant-supported Dentures

Implant-supported dentures are similar to traditional dentures but are held together by implants and not adhesives. The most significant advantage is that they maintain the size and shape of the jaw. They also last as long as 15 years, contrary to the traditional ones. Moreover, they are stable and provide up to 100% chewing function like your natural teeth making it easy to eat all kinds of food.

The disadvantages are the time taken to complete the treatment and the up-front cost, which can be up to $5000.

Consequences of Not Replacing Missing Teeth

When it comes to tooth loss, the consequences are far-reaching beyond the appearance and much more than a cosmetic issue. Here are some of the health issues of missing teeth:

Increased chances of infection: A tooth loss leaves the sides and the root of the adjacent teeth exposed, leading to more chances of infection. The empty dental socket acts as the entry point for the bacteria leading to bone loss and decay in the future.
Gums and jawbone deterioration: Without the teeth, your body absorbs parts of the gums and bone, which accelerates the process of tooth fall. And it also changes the structure of the face leading to a facial collapse.
Teeth misalignment: Teeth stay in alignment by exerting constant pressure on both sides. After a loss, the teeth on either side drift inward, causing misalignment.

Hence it is imperative that you replace missing teeth as soon as possible.

Cheap Missing Tooth Replacement Options

Dentures are the most affordable options to replace a missing tooth. It is non-invasive and takes less time to create (a matter of few weeks). They are more natural-looking and are easy to wear. On the downside, you cannot eat certain foods and lose the ability to experience the food thoroughly.

Another less expensive yet more secure replacement option is the implant-supported denture. Here the denture is held in position by a dental implant.

Dental Implants vs. Dentures & Bridges

Dental implants are the most natural-looking replacement option for missing teeth. However, it is a surgical procedure and takes several months to heal before placing the false teeth. It can last as long as 15 years with no health issues.

On the other hand, Bridges are less invasive but are fixed and have a lower cost than a dental implant. The downside is that they last just around 5-7 years.

The denture can either be removable partial dentures or a complete set of dentures. The former is held in place with clasps, and the latter is held by dental adhesive.

Benefits and Risks of Dental Implants

Though dental implants the best possible option to replace missing teeth, it is an invasive treatment and, as such, carries some risk. Here are the benefits and risks of dental implants.

Benefits

Once the implant is set, it becomes natural, eliminating the discomfort associated with a denture.
A dental implant gives your smile back and elevates your confidence.
Since it doesn’t require support from adjacent teeth, it improves overall oral health and hygiene.
Implants are durable and last a long time with proper care.

Risks

If your jawbone cannot support an implant, your dentist will restore it with a bone graft.
Never damage due to surgery can lead to numbness and tingling.
Upper implants can lead to issues with the sinus cavity.
The implant has a longer treatment time and will require a great number of dental visits.

Cost of Dental Implants

The average cost of a single tooth dental implant can be between $1000 to $4000, depending on your oral health and needs. The cost of the procedure alone can go as much as $6000 and includes:

Crown
Abutment
Implant
Tooth extraction
Bone Graft

This is a wide range and may change depending on the individual person.

Do Dental Implants Feel Natural?

A dental implant doesn’t have a root hence cannot process sensations such as heat, cold, etc. Other than that, it feels natural much more than any other dental treatment. Furthermore, dentists mold and shape the crowns to match the natural tooth appearance-wise.

Alternatives for Dental Implants

The most common alternative to dental implants is the tooth-supported fixed bridge. Fixed bridges involve grinding the healthy adjacent teeth to attach the bridge. Since the bridge provides just the crowns, the bone beneath may worsen over time. Also, they can last as much as five years before failing.

Conclusion

A tooth loss should be taken seriously as it has cascading effects on oral health. A tooth replacement is the only way to minimize the impact. A dental implant, denture, partial denture, dental bridge, tooth-supported bridge, and flipper are some options for replacing missing teeth.

If cost isn’t an issue, an implant is the better tooth replacement option since it doesn’t affect or damage the adjacent teeth. However, you may want to consult with your dentist to choose an option that best suits your situation.

One of the best dentists in the Tucson area is Dr. Dalesandro, who has the experience you want to help you with your dental problems; call today for your next appointment.