Implant Dentistry - The Cost And Effectiveness Of Endosteal Implants
Dental implants are a well-known method of dealing with tooth loss. The endosteal implant is considered to be one of the best means of dealing with lost or damaged teeth due to its success rate and ease of installation. One of the key components to the success of these implants is the method used to install the tooth. Another is the type of material used in its construction. Despite the popularity of this procedure, you should click here for info on them since many people do not know what it involves and how much it costs.
How is an Endosteal Implant Installed?
This procedure involves placing an implant inside the jawbone. It will sit inside the socket of the missing tooth. The endosteal implant is shaped like a tooth sitting on top of a screw. It has the greatest similarity to the form and function of a natural tooth and can be made of several different materials. The implant process takes place over the course of three separate stages. During each stage a separate component will be installed. These three components of the endosteal implant are the base, the abutment, and the crown.
- The Base - This component is designed in the shape of a screw. It is usually made of titanium, but zirconium is becoming a popular material. The base is implanted during the first stage of the procedure. It will put installed directly into the jawbone. After it has been placed there will be a period of healing that must take place. The second stage of the procedure cannot begin until the base has completely fused with the bone in a process known as osseointegration. Once this occurs, the base will become a permanent part of the mouth. This process can take a few months depending upon the healing factor of the patient and potential complications that may arise.
- The Abutment - This component is designed in the shape of a rod or cone. It is normally made of the same material as the base, so it is often made from either zirconium or titanium. The abutment is designed to connect the base to the crown. It will be installed during the second stage of the procedure. The gums will be cut in order to install this device. Due to that factor, there will be another short healing period after the abutment is placed.
- The Crown - This component is designed in the shape of the visible portion of a tooth. It can be made from many different materials. The four most common materials are porcelain, gold, zirconium, and dental acrylic. The crown will be placed during the final stage of the implant process. It can be placed in a few minutes and will require no surgery. There is no healing period after the final stage; however there will be an adjustment period. The dentist may need to see you a few times after the initial placement to make certain that the implant has remained properly set in place.
How Much Does an Endosteal Implant Cost?
The endosteal implant can vary greatly in cost. The variable cost of this procedure is due to the price of the materials, the labor charge of the dentist actually performing the operation, and the expense of any extra services required. Extra services can include things like tooth extraction or bone augmentation to reinforce the jawbone prior to implanting the prosthetic tooth.
Due to this variable nature the expense incurred by the endosteal implant procedure can range between $1500 and over $10000 per implanted tooth. The implant itself will normally cost around $1000 to $1500, but the crown will be the major material cost variable. The average cost for this procedure in America is around $4250. Inexpensive materials such as dental acrylic might cost a few hundred dollars to use as a crown material. A premium grade crown material such as zirconium or porcelain-over-metal can cost $1000 or more for just the crown. The increased expense may be worth it, however. A premium endosteal implant can last for several decades and has a 95% success rate after five years.
