Dental Implant Basics – Dental Implants FAQ #2

Here at the Dental Health Blog, our singular goal is to educate and inform our Littleton area community about dental health, best practices among prosthodontists, and the latest news about prosthetic dentistry. With this in mind, here are some basic facts about dental implants: their use and effectiveness as a viable tooth replacement therapy.

If dental implants involve surgery, what are the chances of rejection?

The placement of dental implants has little in common with organ replacement surgery for example, where the possibility of rejection of an implanted organ can be high. Since the implant is surgically placed within the bone, problems like tissue matching and blood typing are not an issue. Though not everyone we see is the perfect candidate for this tooth replacement therapy, the odds are in your favor if you’re considering dental implants.

How long do dental implants last?

All of us expect our natural teeth to last as long as we do but, we also know that this may not be the case. With proper dental hygiene and regular check-ups, your natural teeth should last your lifetime. However, if you have lost some, or all, of your teeth, dental implants are likely your best long-term tooth replacement option. Once implanted, and with proper care and routine check-ups, your new dental implants should last as long – or longer – than your natural teeth.

Are dental implants expensive?

Of course, this is the Big Question for most patients. The answer is somewhat relative, considering the expense involved in non-treatment. The ongoing bone loss that can occur from wearing dentures and/or partials can lead to serious long-term dental health problems: including more tooth loss, nerve exposure, jaw bone fractures, and the eventual inability to wear dentures at all. Placing dental implants can prevent further bone loss and actually improve oral health.

How much do dental implants cost?

As for the cost, this will of course vary according to your needs as a patient and the perceived value placed on the procedure by your dental professional. A good rule of thumb would be: surgical placement at about $1800 - $2800 per "screw" and the top (or tooth) at about $1000 - $2000. These numbers are estimates, and you should always check with your dentist or prosthodontist to help you weigh the pros and cons of any type of tooth replacement therapy. Of course, most dental offices offer financing to help defray the cost of dental implants.

The doctors and staff at the The Colorado Center for Implants and Prosthetic Dentistry, are your full-service Littleton dental implants specialist and are experts in all types of tooth replacement therapy. If you would like more information on your family’s dental needs, make an appointment today.