Answers to Your Questions About Dental Implants

1.  What Are Dental Implants?

Dental Implants are root form replacements for missing teeth.  Unlike dentures, that sit on top of the gum and jaw bones, implants are designed to mimic natural teeth as closely as possible, anatomically, functionally, as well as aesthetically.

Each dental implant consists of an (A) implant body (anchor), (B) abutment (connector), and (C) crown, bridge, or overdenture (visible prosthesis).  Each component is biocompatible (not harmful or toxic to your tissues) and is made of titanium, porcelain, or both. These medical-grade implant fixtures osseointegrate (fuse) to the living bone cells of your jaw. The end result allows you to enjoy eating, talking, and smiling again like your old self with confidence!   

2.  Are Implants Right For Me?

You may (or may not) be a good candidate for dental implants.  A thorough review of your medical history, an intraoral exam and a computer tomography scan (CBCT) are required for us to diagnose, assess risks, and determine the dimensions of your remaining alveolar bone (part of the jaw bone that holds the teeth).  The scan allows us to define safety parameters by identifying the locations of important anatomical landmarks, such as nerves and the sinus floor. An inadequate bony structure is a possible contraindication, but not always. With careful planning, we are often able to increase bony dimensions with different grafting and osseodensification ( a novel bone preparation method) procedures.

3.  How Much Do Implants Cost?

Implant costs vary based on your unique needs, bone condition, and treatment plan.  Costs can increase if surgical extractions, bone grafts, gingival grafts, sinus augmentation, ridge split, surgical guides, transitional (interim) prosthesis, and/or custom abutments are needed.  Accordingly, implants range in cost between $3,500 to $6,500 per tooth, all-inclusive. 

We have found that patients seeking a second opinion from our office are often confused or mistaken with the costs their previous dentists quoted.  They are often given partial quotes by different collaborating dentists that do not include all applicable fees. It is important to have a thorough discussion with your doctor so that your fees are correctly quoted based on the entirety of your treatment.  

At Arden Dental Center, we strongly esteem integrity, transparency, and price certainty.  It is your right as a consumer to know all of your fees up front. All of our patients and complimentary consultations receive complete treatment plans which state all-inclusive fees, from start to finish.  Rather than an endless money-hole, this gives you price certainty and peace of mind.

Please check back next month for Part 2 of our "Let's Talk About Implants" Series.  There will be answers to questions like "how do you find the right Implant doctor?" "What is CBCT?" "What's Digital Implant Planning?" 

Dr. Lu and Arden Dental Center

No matter how many teeth you’re are missing, you want to make sure you see a dentist who is qualified and experienced in both surgical and restorative aspects of your implant treatment.  To learn more and get your personalized treatment plan, simply schedule your free consultation with us by calling 630-529-0303. It’s the best way to find out how dental implants can change your life!