If you have one or more missing teeth, your dentist may recommend dental implants. This surgery can benefit your smile, but how much does it cost? What should you expect for your final bill?
Alberta’s dental fee guide can mean that the cost of your dental implant can vary, depending on who you visit and the extent of the work needed.
What Are Dental Implants?
A dental implant is a titanium metal post that your dentist inserts into your jawbone. Think of this implant as a replacement for your tooth’s natural root. It supports an artificial tooth, holding it securely in place.
How Do Dental Implants Work?
Dental implants work by replacing your missing tooth with an artificial root and crown. Your dentist inserts a metal post into your jawbone to eventually hold a dental crown. This crown looks and acts like a natural tooth, letting you enjoy a restored smile.
The dental implant procedure involves several steps, including:
Implant placement: Placing your implant is the first part of the surgical process. Your dentist begins by opening the gums to expose the bone. They then drill holes into the jawbone before placing a metal post to serve as your implant.
Healing period: Your gums need to heal & your implant must fuse with your jawbone before you can receive an abutment (the base for your dental crown). This process may take several months.
Abutment placement: Your dentist will attach an abutment to your implant after your jawbone has fused with the metal post. After opening the gums, they place the abutment. You then enter another healing period before you can receive your dental crown.
Dental crown placement: Your dentist can place your crown after the healing period finishes. This artificial tooth attaches to the abutment on your implant.
How Long Do Dental Implants Last?
Dental implants are long-lasting, acting just like natural teeth. The implant itself should last for years, even a lifetime, depending on the health of whoever receives it.
The crown attached to your implant may not last forever, but it can last years, possibly decades, if properly taken care of. Around 50–80% of patients need a dental crown replaced after 15 to 20 years.
Who Can Get Dental Implants?
In general, anyone who can handle a tooth extraction is eligible for a dental implant, but other factors may affect your eligibility.
The following factors can affect your ability to receive a dental implant:
Diabetes
Heart disease
Radiation therapy in the head area
Smoking
Your dentist will determine your eligibility for this procedure by assessing your gums, bone, teeth, and overall dental health to ensure an implant will hold firmly.
How Much Do Dental Implants Cost in Alberta?
The cost of a dental implant can vary in Alberta. In general, you can expect the cost to exceed $1,000–2,000 or potentially more for a single dental implant. It is not possible to give an exact cost without an assessment due to the fact that the amount of work required will vary across patients and will depend on the current state of oral health, amongst other factors.
What Can Affect the Cost of Your Dental Implant?
Every patient’s dental situation is different, so prices can differ depending on how many implants you need, the required materials, additional procedures, or extra time needed to complete your surgery.
Some possible factors affecting the cost of your dental implant include:
Materials used: While dentists use titanium metal for your implant, the material of the crown can vary. Some materials may cost more than others.
The extensiveness of the procedure: The number of implants you require can increase the price of your treatment. Depending on your dental situation, your dentist may require more time to complete your procedure.
Additional procedures required: Some patients need jawbone grafting to support a dental implant, which is an additional procedure. This extra treatment will increase the price of your surgery.
Dental Implants Can Bring Back Your Smile
Your dentist can replace missing teeth with dental implants, but the cost can vary. Visiting a trustworthy dentist will ensure you receive high quality dental implants with good post operative care.
Contact Dental Haus at out Edmonton dental clinic if you’re interested in a dental implant assessment to replace a missing tooth or have any questions.