Dental Implants – What Are They?
5 Ways To Get Low Cost Dental Implants
Tooth loss, unfortunately, is a pretty common dental issue. Whether you’ve lost your tooth and teeth due to decay, injury, or old age, it affects both your mental and oral health.
Not replacing a missing tooth or teeth can lead to various other issues, some of which are –
- Misalignment of adjacent or opposing teeth
- Problem chewing food
- Problems with speech
- Problems with the bite
No matter when you lose your teeth, replacing them is important. Dental implants are the most favorable option for replacing teeth. First made in the 1950s, dental implants have undergone numerous advancements to become the go-to prosthesis today.
What Is The Structure Of Dental Implants?
Dental implants mirror the look and feel of your natural teeth. There are 3 distinct parts of a dental implant.
The Implant Post
These are like artificial tooth roots. Shaped like a screw, implant posts are usually made of titanium since it’s a highly biocompatible metal. To provide stability to the prosthesis, an implant post is embedded into the jaw bone via oral surgery.
The Connector
As the name suggests, the connector is the part of the implant that connects the post to the artificial tooth. It is screwed on top of the titanium post.
The Artificial Tooth
The artificial tooth is usually a dental crown to replace a single missing tooth. With more loss, your dentist might use a dental bridge or a denture instead of a crown.
What To Expect In A Dental Implant Procedure
The procedure to get fitted with dental implants involves considerable time and multiple trips to your dentist. Here is what you can expect –
Initial Visit and Consultation
Your dentist will discuss the entire process at length with you and determine whether or not you are a suitable candidate for an implant. Patients with chronic medical issues, bad oral hygiene, and smokers are advised against implants.
You will undergo a thorough examination before getting the green light. X-rays and 3D images of your oral cavity will be taken. Once satisfied, your dentist will chart out a plan for your dental implant procedure.
The Implant Surgery
The surgical step takes place under anesthesia. The implant post is drilled into place in the jaw bone. The site is stitched back up and the patient is sent home. Medication will be given to help with post-surgery soreness.
You might experience bruising, swelling, minor bleeding, or pain – things synonymous with any dental surgery. Unless extreme, all of these issues can be taken care of via over-the-counter medicines.
The Bone-Post Fusion
Once the surgery is complete, you will be sent home for a couple of weeks. During the healing process, your jaw bone will grow around and into the titanium post. This fusion is called osseointegration and is responsible for implant stability.
You might be asked to follow a soft diet for a little while to allow for proper healing.
Placing The Abutment
When the osseointegration is complete, the abutment (connector) is placed on top of the implant post. In some patients, the connector might be placed during the initial surgery when the post is screwed in.
Attaching The New Teeth
When the gums have healed and are back to normal, your dentist will take impressions of your mouth – both upper and lower jaws. The impression is used to fabricate the replacement tooth or teeth.
If the implant is replacing one missing tooth, you will get a dental crown. With multiple missing teeth, an implant-supported dental bridge is advised. For edentulous patients (those with no teeth), an implant-supported-denture is the way to go.
You will be asked to regularly check in with your dentist to monitor your implant’s progress.
5 Ways To Get Low Cost Dental Implants
There are many ways you can get a dental implant without necessarily breaking the back. Here’s how –
Using Dental Discount Plans
Dental discount plans are a fantastic way to not overspend on a dental implant procedure. There are various plans available, and all of them function similarly –
- You don’t pay for yearly insurance. Instead, you receive discounts on any dental treatments you require. There is no annual limit.
- Only one annual fee to become a member of the discount plan.
- You receive access to multiple dentists who offer lowered rates to members.
- You don’t need to file a claim to sign up. Simply take your ID card to your dentist and save!
Opt For Implants From ClearChoice
ClearChoice centers specialize in same-day dental implants. Clear Choice dentists perform more dental implant procedures than any other facility due to their all-inclusive and innovative approach.
On average, All-on-4 implants cost between $35,000 and $55,000. The implant centers take a flat fee and remove all your teeth to replace them with implants.
Dental Implant Payment Plans
If you do not have dental insurance, you can take advantage of a dental implant payment plan. Certain dentists allow patients to pay off implant portions over a couple of months. You will be paying the dentist directly instead of paying an insurance provider.
However, not all dental offices offer such payment plans. Talk to your dentist to determine your best course of action.
Cosmetic Dentistry Grants
Cosmetic Dentistry Grants, or CDG, is a nonprofit dental organization. It provides funding for many dental procedures. In specific cases, patients can get free implants via the CDG.
However, the CDG doesn’t offer services like professional cleanings, X-rays, extractions, fillings, and root canals.
Dentistry School Discounted Services
Around the world and in the United States, university dental programs offer dental services at a discounted rate. You can visit the on-campus clinics to receive treatments performed by dental students supervised by professionals.
How Much Do Affordable Dental Implants For Seniors Cost?
The national average for a full set of dental implants in the United States is $34,000. However, at Osseo Family Dental, we believe that money should not be a hindrance to improving your oral health.
To speak to us about how we help with managing your finances and payments, give us a call. Dial (763) 425-2626 to speak to an Osseo Family Dental expert today!