Dental Implants - What's Involved

Dental implants are very cost-effective. At Advanced Dental Care, a single tooth replaced by an implant costs about the same as a three-unit fixed bridge to replace that same single tooth. But with a fixed bridge, the two adjacent teeth are cut down and crowned, shortening the lifetime of those teeth and leading to additional extractions.

Consider that a traditional bridge will most likely lead to the loss of the supporting teeth, or will increase the need for future root canals and extractions. Owing to bone loss, traditional dentures will need to be replaced. Dental implants eliminate all these problems and offer you a long-term solution to tooth loss with none of the unpleasant and expensive problems associated with other methods.

How would I benefit from a dental implant?

The goal of modern dentistry is to restore the patient to normal tooth, bone and soft tissue contour, along with normal function, comfort, esthetics, speech and health—regardless of oral disease, injury or atrophy. However, the more teeth a patient is missing, the more arduous this goal becomes with traditional dentistry. As a result of continued research in treatment planning, implant designs, materials and techniques, predictable success is now a reality for the rehabilitation of many challenging patient situations.

You may be surprised to learn that 29% of denture wearers eat only soft or mashed foods and 50% avoid many foods all together. The natural look, feel and function of implanted teeth have given thousands of former denture wearers and serious tooth-loss sufferers a new lease on life.

A dental implant looks, feels and functions like a natural tooth—no one would ever guess that it’s not your own.

Dental implants preserve your youthful facial appearance by preventing bone loss and, in turn, the sunken-cheek look so common among denture wearers.

Dental implants eliminate the discomfort of traditional dentures or partials because they are a part of your body; there is never a need for ugly metal clasps or denture adhesives. They also eliminate chewing sore spots and ulcers often found under traditional removable dentures, thereby allowing you to eat the foods you want to.

Dental implants prevent tooth and bone loss. Never again will you be concerned with cutting down adjacent teeth—which shorten the lifespan prognosis of the needlessly prepped teeth—in order to support a bridge.

Whether you want to restore your beautiful smile or eat foods you haven’t been able to, dental implants can change your life.

Dental Implants - What's Involved

A “root form” dental implant is a threaded titanium alloy cylinder, similar to the ones used for hip replacement surgery. It is surgically placed to the jawbone in the space where a tooth is missing. Once the implant is completely healed, a crown is placed and a natural-looking tooth has been restored. Most patients report little if any discomfort, and you will care for your implant just as you would care for your own teeth.

If you are missing several teeth, an implant support bridge may be for you. You will sacrifice none of your own teeth—the implants will support the bridge for you.

If you are missing a full arch of teeth or already wear a traditional denture, an implant-support denture could be for you. Never again will you worry about loose, ill-fitting dentures or messy denture adhesives. Patients report that chewing feels perfectly natural and that they can actually taste food again.

Are Dental Implants Covered by Insurance?

Although policies vary, insurance companies usually pay for at least some of the restorative portion of the procedure.

Are there financing options for expenses not covered by insurance?

Yes. Financing can be arranged for all or part of the treatment cost. The interest rates are competitive and payments can be structured to fit your budget.