At Grand Parkway Smiles, we understand that choosing to receive dental implants is a significant decision that can greatly enhance your quality of life. Dental implants offer not only a durable solution for missing teeth but also provide substantial improvements in comfort, appearance, and overall dental health. This guide is designed to provide you with detailed information on the various types of dental implants, their benefits, and the associated costs to help you make an informed decision.
Understanding Dental Implants
Dental implants are titanium posts that are surgically implanted into the jawbone beneath the gums. Once in place, they allow your dentist to mount replacement teeth onto them. Because implants fuse to your jawbone, they provide stable support for artificial teeth. Dentures and bridges mounted to implants won’t slip or shift in your mouth, an especially important benefit when eating and speaking.
Types of Dental Implants
1. Endosteal Implants:
Endosteal implants are the most commonly used type of dental implant. They are typically made from titanium and shaped like small screws. They are placed directly into the jawbone and are ideal for most patients. After the surrounding tissue heals, a second surgery is required to connect a post to the original implant. Finally, an artificial tooth (or teeth) is attached to the post individually, or grouped on a bridge or denture.
2. Subperiosteal Implants:
These implants are placed under the gum but on, or above, the jawbone. This type of implant may be used in patients who do not have enough healthy natural jawbone and cannot, or do not want to undergo a bone augmentation procedure to rebuild it. Subperiosteal implants are custom-made to sit on top of the jawbone but underneath the gums.
3. Zygomatic Implants:
The least common type of implant, zygomatic implants are placed in the cheekbone rather than the jawbone. They are typically used when there is not enough jawbone for the placement of traditional implants.
Benefits of Dental Implants
Improved Oral Health: Dental implants do not require reducing other teeth, as a tooth-supported bridge does. Because nearby teeth are not altered to support the implant, more of your own teeth are left intact, improving long-term oral health.
Enhanced Comfort and Convenience: Implants eliminate the discomfort of removable dentures and the need for messy adhesives to keep them in place.
Better Eating and Speaking: Sliding dentures can make chewing difficult. Dental implants function like your own teeth, allowing you to eat your favorite foods with confidence and without pain.
Durability and Reliability: Implants are very durable and can last many years. With good care, many implants last a lifetime.
Natural Appearance: Dental implants feel and look like your own teeth. And because they are designed to fuse with bone, they become permanent.
Costs of Dental Implants
The cost of dental implants can vary widely, depending on the type of implant, the number of implants required, and additional procedures like bone grafts or sinus lifts. On average, the cost for a single dental implant at Grand Parkway Smiles is $1500. This includes the surgical placement of the implant, the abutment (connector), and the dental crown. However, costs can increase if more complex treatments are necessary.
Dental implants are a worthwhile investment in your dental health and overall quality of life. They provide a functional replacement for missing teeth that can restore your smile and significantly improve your oral health. At Grand Parkway Smiles, our team is dedicated to providing expert care with a compassionate touch. We’re here to guide you through every step of your journey to a better smile, from evaluating your suitability for implants to placement and aftercare.
Whether you’re considering dental implants or just curious about them, we invite you to contact us today to learn more about how dental implants can benefit you.