Why Choose Dental Implants?
If you have missing teeth or a denture that moves when you eat and smile, dental implants can provide you with the solution to your problems. They are the closest thing you will ever have to your original teeth again. You’ll be able to chew with confidence and smile without the black gaps of missing teeth.
How Do Dental Implants Work?
How Do Dental Implants Work?A dental implant is quite simply a titanium tooth root. Implants look and feel just like your normal teeth. They provide a rock-solid foundation for the dental crown to sit on. With such a strong fit, dental implants do not require any special adhesives to stay in place, and patients can use them as they would use their natural teeth, as there are no food restrictions. Whether you’re missing one or several teeth, dental implants are a great option for restoring the appearance and functionality of the smile. Dental implants can not get decay and cavities, and since they prevent the loss of bone which normally occurs after a tooth is extracted, they are the most predictable, long-term solution to replace teeth.
What Type of Dental Implant Do I Need?
The type of dental implant that will best suit you depends on a number of factors, however most people fall into these categories:
- Missing a single tooth
- Missing multiple teeth in the same area
- Missing all their teeth in one or both of the jaws
Missing a Single Tooth?
A single tooth implant is placed into the space where the old tooth was, and has a crown placed on top of the implant. The crown is custom made to be the same shape as the natural teeth, and feel completely normal to chew on. The crown is custom-shaded to match your natural teeth as closely as possible, and our objective is that nobody else can tell you have an implant crown, and after chewing and smiling with it like natural teeth, you might forget it’s there!
Missing Multiple Teeth in the Same Area?
If you are missing multiple teeth in an area, sometimes it’s possible to replace 3 or more teeth with two implants. Similar to a dental bridge, two implants can be placed at either end of the gap, and multiple teeth can be supported in this area. Part of the reason we spend so much time getting to know you and your situation is so we can recommend the solution that is best for you. Sometimes placing less implants will be better for you- with our in house 3D x-ray machine and scanner, we can tailor a solution that best suits you.
Missing All the Teeth in One or Both of the Jaws?
If you’re missing all your teeth in one or both of your jaws, and are looking for an option so you can chew the food you want and smile with confidence, implants can be a life changing procedure.
There are multiple ways of restoring all the missing teeth, and the team at Cook Street Village Dental will discuss those options with you, and see what suits you best. Two of the more popular options are teeth fixed in place (sometimes called All on 4), or implant supported removable dentures.
Teeth Fixed to Implants
A full arch of teeth attached to implants are the closest solution to having your natural teeth again. This is because:
- Between 4 to 6 implants are placed to replace your natural tooth roots
- The final teeth are secured in place, and can’t be removed by the patient
- The teeth are securely fixed to the implants, so they won’t slip or move around.
- Your bite function is restored, so you can eat and chew without worry. Biting into apples, eating steak; it’s as close to natural teeth as you can get.
- You get a beautiful, natural looking smile, and will be able to smile with confidence.
Removable Implant Supported Dentures
Another option for patients missing all their teeth is to have removable dentures that are supported by implants. Two to four implants are placed, and the denture has assistance being held in place. The denture is better supported than just sitting on the gums, however the patient can still remove the denture to clean it at night.
Although not as solid as the fixed teeth option, for some patients this is a better choice, based on the amount of bone remaining, desired outcome, finances, and other variables.
How Much Do Dental Implants Cost?
Asking how much dental implants cost is like asking how much a car costs- there is a big difference between cars, and not everything suits everybody. For some people a minivan is what they’re after, while other people want a convertible sports car- there is no one solution for everyone. When comparing the price of dental implants (both here in Victoria and elsewhere), make sure you are comparing apples to apples. Some practices will advertise a seemingly cheap price for the dental implant, however that doesn’t include the crown or the other parts, so the real cost to you is much higher! Some of the price ranges are listed below, however please remember every patient and every situation is different; after your comprehensive examination, 3D x-rays and consultation, an exact price for the entire treatment can be given.
Single Tooth Dental Implant Cost
At Cook Street Village Dental, the cost of a single tooth replacement is from $2950 to $4380, or as low as $100/month. This includes the surgery to place the implant, all the parts required to restore the implant, and the crown that is fixed to the implant. Note, there may be additional charges if bone grafting is required, a sinus augmentation is required, or soft tissue grafting. All these procedures can be done in house, however they may change the complexity, time and cost of the case. After your consultation we will be able to give you an exact fee.
Dental Implant Bridge Cost
The cost for an implant retained bridge at Cook Street Village Dental ranges from $4980 to $8950. This includes the surgery to place the implant, all the parts required to restore the implant, and the crown that is fixed to the implant. Note, there may be additional charges if bone grafting is required, a sinus augmentation is required, or soft tissue grafting. All these procedures can be done in house, however they may change the complexity, time and cost of the case. There is a large range in the prices due to differences in each patients’ need. After the consultation we will be able to provide exact fees for you.
Full Arch Implant Cost
The cost for a full arch of fixed implants and teeth ranges from $24,500 to $33,500, or as low as $500/month. This includes the surgery to place the implants, a temporary healing prosthesis, (either attached or removable, depending a number of variables), 3D printed surgical guides, all parts required to restore the jaw, and the final prosthesis. The range of cost depends primarily on the final material you want- this is a life changing treatment, and we have a number of options to discuss after the examination and consultation to make sure the solution fits what you desire. At Cook Street Village Dental we have an in-house 3D x-ray machine, so combined with the thorough examination and consultation, we can get all the information we need.
Removable Implant Supported Denture Cost
The cost for implant supported dentures ranges from $3890 to $13,900, or as low as $200/month. This includes the surgery to place the implant, converting the existing denture to fit the implants, and any parts involved. The cost range is dependent on available bone, number of implants to be placed, whether specific parts (like a bar) are required to support the denture, and a number of other factors.
The Dental Implant Process
Although you may be nervous about the whole dental implant process, you shouldn’t be concerned. Compared to having a tooth removed, the place of a dental implant is much more controlled, comfortable, and straightforward. Cook Street Village Dental prides itself on keeping all aspects of the implant process in house, from the 3D x-ray and consultation, to the surgery and scans to make the final crown: you know you’re in good hands.
Diagnosis
The first step of the process is a thorough examination and 3D x-ray. This will give the team all the information they need to see if you are a suitable candidate for dental implants, and get all the information we need to replace that missing tooth. We will take a digital scan of your mouth as well, so we have a record of everything above and below the gums. We meticulously plan the whole process from start to finish, to make it as straightforward and successful as possible.
Placing the Implant
Using all the information we gained in the examination, the implant (or titanium tooth root) is placed in the jaw (diagram 1). Patients are given any prescriptions they need, and are then seen one to two weeks later for a follow up appointment.
It takes approximately 8 to 12 weeks for the implant to fuse to the bone (diagram 2). As long as the patient follows the post operative instructions, there is nothing that needs to be done other than wait for the body to heal, and integrate the implant into the jaw.
After this stage, a scan is taken of the implant and surrounding teeth, and a custom made crown is built for you. This includes the custom abutment, which is the part that secures the crown to the implant. Once all this is fabricated, the crown is secured to the implant (diagram 3, 4 and 5).
Ready to Schedule an Appointment for Dental Implants?
As you can see, dental implant treatment can be tailored to each individual patient, so to see which solution would suit you the best, call us today or check out our Virtual Dental Consult.