Dana Point, CA dentist explains the benefits and cost of dental implants

Your smile says so much about you, and if you are facing tooth loss, you may be wondering what your options are for replacing your missing teeth to restore your beautiful smile. At the dental practice of Mark A. Cruz, DDS in Dana Point, CA, patients have many options when it comes to replacing lost teeth. One of the most popular options is a dental implant. Read on to learn more about the benefits of dental implants that make them so popular, the process for placing them, and the factors that determine the cost of your implants.

Benefits of dental implants

Dental implants are designed to act like the root of a natural tooth, firmly anchoring a false tooth such as a dental crown in place in your jaw. After an implant is placed, it undergoes a process called osseointegration where the implant fuses with your jawbone to provide a sturdy, durable foundation for your new tooth. In addition to the security that the implant provides, it offers several other benefits to patients who choose this type of tooth replacement:

• You can eat whatever you want without worrying about the tooth slipping, falling out, or breaking
• Taking care of an implant is as easy as taking care of your regular teeth with regular brushing and flossing – no additional steps are necessary
• The implant stimulates your jawbone with the natural chewing forces that are placed on it, which prevents it from degrading over time; this is a truly unique benefit of implants that other tooth replacement options don’t offer
• Replacing one or more lost teeth can prevent a “sunken-in” appearance to your cheeks and make you look healthier and younger
• Placing the implant does not affect the surrounding healthy teeth or require the alteration of the adjacent teeth, such as shaping them for the placement of a crown to anchor a bridge in place
• The implant does not cover any of your soft tissues, such as your gums and palate

Overview of the dental implant procedure

The first step in getting a dental implant is your consultation with Dr. Cruz, during which he will determine whether implants are a good choice for you and answer any questions that you have. If you decide to proceed, the next step is to surgically insert the implant into your jawbone and then let it heal and fuse with your jawbone for a period of approximately three to six months. Next, a special piece called an abutment is attached to the implant, which is what your final restoration (such as a crown) will be placed on. The final crown will be made to look like your other teeth for a beautiful, natural-looking smile.

Factors that impact the cost of dental implants

The placement of a dental implant is a truly customized process, and as a result, the cost of implants varies, depending on several factors ranging from the type and size of the implant to your current oral health status.

• One of the biggest factors in implant cost is the number of implants that you need. If you require more than one implant, the total cost will be greater and, in some cases, you may prefer an alternative such as a bridge or partial denture.
• Implants can be made from titanium or zirconium, and there are also different types of crowns that can be placed on top of the abutment. The materials that you choose will affect the cost.
• If your jawbone has already deteriorated significantly due to disease or having a missing tooth for a long period, then a procedure such as a bone graft may be necessary to ensure that the implant will have enough healthy bone to fuse with. Similarly, tooth extractions prior to implants will also raise the cost.
• The process that is used to place the implant also affects the cost. Depending on your specific needs, different methods can be used to place the implant, and each method varies in price.

Learn more in a personalized consultation

If you are suffering from tooth loss or facing one or more upcoming extractions, we encourage you to call the dental practice of Mark A. Cruz, DDS to learn more about your tooth replacement options. Dr. Cruz understands that a one-size-fits-all approach never truly works and offers patients multiple choices to restore their smiles based on their unique oral health needs, treatment preferences, and budget. To schedule your personalized consultation, call our Dana Point, CA office today at (949) 661-1006.