Texas Dentist

Why Dental Implants May Be A Better Option Than Dentures or Bridges

April 19th, 2023

In the United States, 120 million people are missing at least one tooth. These numbers may increase in the next couple of decades.

If missing teeth are not addressed health conditions may arise. These include diabetes, obesity, coronary artery disease, and certain oral cancers.

Dentures and bridges are the most common route to address failing and missing teeth. Implants, though more expensive, are becoming more commonplace. They also reveal higher success rates while providing better patient satisfaction rates.

What is a dental implant?

A dental implant is an anchor or “screw” that dentists insert into the jaw bone that acts as the new root for your tooth. A crown is then secured on top.

What is a bridge?

Bridges replace missing teeth by “bridging” the empty pockets where missing teeth once were. Dentists shave down surrounding teeth and secure porcelain crowns over the gaps. There are removable bridges as well as fixed bridges. There are also bridges that can be secured with dental implants. 

What are dentures?

Dentures are completely removable appliances made for the patient after dentists remove all teeth. There are also partial dentures that can be placed over preserved teeth.

What makes dental implants a better option than these alternatives?

Let’s discuss the pros of dental implants compared to dentures and bridges.

  • Dental implants are the ONLY permanent solution, working successfully 96.8% of the time after ten years.

  • Dental implants may help prevent bone loss. After losing a tooth, the jaw bone in that area weakens. 

  • Dental implants do not damage surrounding teeth as in the case with bridges.

  • Dental implants feel more natural compared to dentures. According to a questionnaire study out of a group of 400 patients, 94% “reported a high degree of satisfaction with their dental implants 8-14 years after the treatment.”

  • Dental implants are more cosmetically appealing. Jaw bone loss may result in a “sunken-in” appearance. Dental implants can protect the structural integrity of your face.

  • Dental implants promote a better quality of life compared to dentures. Patients have reported that chewing and speaking abilities surpass those with dentures.

  • Dental implants may reduce the risk of nutritional deficiencies that may arise with dentures. This is due to an inability to chew certain foods.

  • Dental implants promote healthier blood flow to gums. Dentures stifle blood flow which may promote further deterioration of the jaw.

Many of our patients have already tried bridges and dentures before they end up visiting our office.

Our goal is to educate our patients early before they realize all the issues that may come with bridges and dentures.

Dr. Gates DDS at Custom Dental of McKinney states,  “Many patients come to me only seeking interest in dentures because they’re the most economical decision. I always want to set realistic expectations with dentures so I tell them the best a denture will ever be is a wooden peg.”

“The best a denture will ever be is a wooden peg.” - Dr. Bryce Gates DDS

Regardless of their success, dental implants may not be for everyone. Here are some things to consider when it comes to dental implants:

  • They are more expensive and insurance may not cover them.

  • It is a more extensive surgical procedure that may take six months to a year.

  • Dental implants may be contraindicated in certain disorders such as certain clotting disorders, bone disease, cancers, uncontrolled diabetes, and if you are a heavy smoker.

There are still risks such as implant failure or bleeding complications though these are minimal.

In conclusion, it is best to discuss your specific situation with our doctors here at Custom Dental. We are always here to guide you to the decision that is best for your health and that best aligns with your individual needs.

Pictures: https://www.offislanddental.com/service/dental-bridge-vs-dentures/

Sources:

Biotechpossibilities.com

https://www.gotoapro.org/facts-figures/

https://www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/bridges

https://www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/dentures

What is the Average Cost of a Dental Implant?

March 8th, 2023

The average cost for an entire dental implant procedure could be $1,500 to $6,500 depending on where you live and your specific situation. 

In this post, we are going to dive into why this range is so widespread. 

When it comes to dental implants, the most common question we get from our patients is how much does a dental implant costs?  Scheduling a consultation appointment is the best way to give you the most accurate estimate. 

The dental implant or the “Tooth Root” (pictured below) can be between $1,000 to $3,000. However, the implant is only one part of the procedure. 

Other costs include the abutment usually costing about $300 to $500, and the crown usually costing about $1,000 to $2,000.  Our dentists may need to extract some teeth. Teeth extractions cost about $100 to $500 per extraction. 

Depending on the strength and density of your jaw, bone graft may also be needed to ensure stability for the implant. Bone grafting usually costs $400 to $600. 

According to Delta Dental the average cost for a dental implant procedure for McKinney residents is $5,142 to $6,195. 

If you don't live in McKinney, click here to find out how much dental implants cost in your area. 

Here our approximate fees at Custom Dental in McKinney: 

Tooth Extraction: $288 

Bone Graft: $488 

Implant: $2015 

Abutment: $480 

Crown: $1,388 

Total= Approximately $4,659 for a dental implant procedure at Custom Dental of McKinney. 

With our Custom Dental Savings Plan applied (our In House Savings Plan): %20 Off All Fees 

Tooth Extraction: $230.40 

Bone Graft: $390.40 

Implant:$1,612 

Abutment: $384 

Crown: $1,110.4 

Total=$3,727.20 for a Dental Implant Procedure at Custom Dental of McKinney with our Savings Plan. 

OUR PAYMENT PLAN OPTIONS 

Dental implants are the best replacement for failing and missing teeth with a 96% success rate in a span of ten years. Implants are expensive but life changing and we want to make sure that as many patients as possible are able to afford them. 

We offer financing options through Care Credit and Proceed Finance. Third financing parties can turn an overwhelming number into small monthly payments. Click here to learn more about our third party payment plans and apply today. 

Dentists must follow a system and analyze your healing. Here is what that process looks like at Custom Dental in McKinney: 

  • 1. First Appointment: Exam, Consultation, and X-Rays- Our dental assistants will take you to our 3D Imaging Panorama machine. We will assess for infection, the quality of your bone, if it is strong enough to hold a dental implant and if there are any abscesses or teeth that must be removed. 

  • 2. Second Appointment: Implant Placement- Our doctors will place the implant into your jaw bone at the exact depth needed for ultimate success. Then a temporary crown will be placed on top so you will not be leaving our practice without a tooth. The next appointment will usually be in 3-6 months depending on how much healing time you need for the implant to integrate into your bone. 

  • 3. Third Appointment: Abutment Placement- Now that your gum and bone has healed we can screw the abutment into your implant to make it permanent. 

  • 4. Final Appointment: Permanent Crown Placement- We will remove your temporary crown and place the permanent crown on top. 

Your implant is now complete and you have a beautiful new smile to show off to the world.