Dental Implants FAQ

There are or can be multiple components to the cost of a dental implant…as many as 4 as there are 4 steps in the process of tooth replacement with a dental implants.

a. Tooth extraction which often includes guided bone regeneration/ridge preservation or alveolar ridge augmentation. The goal of the grafting procedures is to restore the integrity of the jawbone to support a dental implant. The price range for such procedures is $900-2500.

b. 3 dimensional imaging…Dental CT scanning is typically requires for assessment and planning prior to implant surgery. The price range for Dental CT imaging is $195-600.

c. Surgical dental implant placement. The price range for this procedure is typically $2200-3000.

d. Restoration/fabrication of a tooth, teeth or prosthesis which will ultimately be secured to a dental implant or multiple dental implants. The price range for implant restorative procedures can range from $1900 for a single implant to as much as $26,000 for a complex fixed hybrid prosthesis such as an All-on-4 restoration

Yes. The most common situation for an “immediate dental implant placement” involves the upper anterior/front teeth. As one progress from the front teeth to larger posterior/back teeth such as molars, the less likely it is to be able to place a dental implant at the same time as tooth extraction.

a. Typically 40-60 minutes

b. More complex surgeries such as All-on-4 surgery can last up to 4 hours for a single jaw (upper or lower jaw)

c. Also, the dental implant process from the extraction of the tooth to placement of the implant may require four months depending on the quality of the patient’s bone especially if bone grafting was performed at the time of the extraction. Once the implant has been surgically placed… we send you back to your General Dentist for the implant crown. This is when the implant with the crown looks like a tooth.

In general Periodontists and Oral Surgeons are the most qualified and experienced at completing dental implant related surgeries.

Most dental implants are fabricated from Titanium alloy. Some/limited numbers of dental implants are fabricated from ceramics such as Zirconium.

Typically this surgery results in mild and limited discomfort. More extensive dental implant surgery when large areas of reconstruction are involved can result in mild to moderate post-operative pain.

There are typically multiple answers to this question. Single tooth replacement with dental implants can be a desirable solution. In other cases a conventional fixed bridge may be more appropriate. The choice of restoration depends upon patient medical history, quantity and quality of the bone, the patient’s bite or occlusion and the patient’s oral health.

The life expectancy of a dental implant depends on many factors. Although not a complete list, the lifespan of a dental implant is dependent upon many of the following: patient’s medical condition, quality and quantity of bone where the implant is placed, skill level of the surgeon who places the implant, and skill level of your dentist who will work with his/her dental lab to fabricate an implant supported prosthesis such as a dental implant crown or a multiple dental implant supported prosthesis.

a. Yes there is truth to this advertising. Teeth in One Day or All on 4 refers to a full arch/jaw bridge supported by 4, 5 or 6 implants with fixed or attached teeth. There is a day several weeks after treatment begins where the teeth are extracted, the dental implants are secured into the bone, and a prosthesis is attached to the implants.

b. Teeth in a day, or an All on 4 treatment does not apply to a single tooth replacement. Teeth in a day refers to full arch reconstruction for either the upper or lower arches or even both arches. The average cost of this procedure ranges from $26,000-$30,000 depending on geographic area.

a. It is more appropriate to describe the success rate for dental implants. In experienced hands dental implants have shown to be anywhere from 95-98% successful. Dental implants should be considered a long-term solution that can last for decades or to the end of life. However, dental implants probably should not be considered as permanent for the natural teeth.

b. Dental implants are typically and excellent choice and in some cases a better choice than a convention fixed dental bridge. The stability of implants in the bone is what makes them an optimum solution for tooth replacement.