Dentist
Experiencing tooth loss as an adult can have several causes, some of which are safe to ignore. Still others — gum disease, cavities, accidents or trauma, medical conditions like diabetes and arthritis — require a dentist’s assistance to address the root cause and prescribe appropriate treatment plans to prevent further complications.
Dentures and bridges were your treatment options for missing teeth. But these have a limited lifespan and get dislodged relatively easily. Often the results of substandard work, poorly fitting dentures, and bridges also mean you’ll be in constant pain. In some cases, they even lead to tooth decay under the crown.
But all is not in vain. You’ve landed at the right article if you’re a San Franciscan looking for options beyond shoddy bridgework or loose dentures for missing or damaged teeth. Today you opt for dental implants that allow you to permanently and securely replace one or more teeth with very real-looking, fully functional prostheses.
What are the different types of dental implants?
An implant dentist considers the condition of your jawbone, the number of missing teeth, and any individual oral need you may have. Based on this information, they may recommend dental implants like:
- All-on-4 dental implants – Your doctor may suggest this if you want to replace one or both arches of teeth. Typically, the all-on-4 dental implants cost in San Francisco is approximately $15,000 per jaw, which covers four implants and a set of twelve teeth. Thus, the all-on-4 technique offers a more affordable solution to dentures, costing anywhere between $15,000 to $30,000 for a full arch (ten teeth). The procedure is spread over six to eight months. First, the doctor inserts four dental implants. Then, they affix abutments for same-day temporary teeth. Finally, after six months, when gum tissues have been repaired and the implants have fully fused into the bone, the dentist installs permanent replacement teeth.
- Teeth-in-a-day or same-day implants – Your dentist inserts implants and temporary teeth in one appointment, spanning 30 minutes to 3 hours. The average cost of same-day implants is estimated at $2000 to $3000 per tooth, depending on the complexity and insurance coverage.
- Mini dental implants (MDIs) – Your jaw bone is responsible for your face’s overall symmetry and form. An implant dentist may recommend toothpick-sized mini dental implants if you have severe bone loss in the jaw. The whole procedure takes approximately one hour. The price, therefore, tends to be cheaper than other implants — about $500 to $1,500 for a single mini implant.
Lest the significantly high number of general dentists in San Francisco overwhelm you, here are a few tips for choosing the right implant dentist in the city.
- Specialization, experience, and positive reviews
It’s true that general dentists, and not implant dentists, place over half of the 500,000 dental implants implanted in the US annually. Still, it’s important to check whether a dentist has completed a one-year postgraduate course, a diploma, or a master’s program in implant dentistry.
But that’s not all you should consider. Your dentist should also actively participate in continuing education programs to keep abreast of recent advances in dental implants. Like you would before any medical operation, ask for referrals from friends and family and do thorough research. Find out about the expertise and education of a dentist you’re considering working with. Check their website for information about their education, professional associations, and dental implant training.
If you can’t find the information online, phone or email their practice and schedule a free consultation. When you meet them, don’t be afraid to ask the dentist questions like:
- Since when have you been placing implants?
- What is the average number of implants you perform every year?
- What is your success rate?
- What is your most recent degree of formal education in implant dentistry?
- Do you have any experience in bone grafting? If so, how would you rate your skill level?
- Do you consult a surgical specialist for difficult cases?
- How many seminars or workshops on dental implants have you attended over the past two years?
While you’re at it, speak with their current patients at the implant practice. How well does the doctor listen to and respond to their concerns and preferences? Are they happy with the treatment? Request them to show you before and after photos. Read former patients’ reviews on Google or social media. If you want an accurate picture of an implant dentist’s knowledge and expertise, nothing beats first-hand experience.
- Convenient location and a calm, peaceful setting
If you’re going for the all-on-4 dental implant surgery, chances are you’ll have to schedule multiple appointments at the implant practice. Your itinerary will potentially include the initial consultation, surgery, final implant restoration design and placement, and many follow-up visits after that. Pick a dentist whose clinic is situated nearby your home or workplace.
Also, choose a clinic with a relaxing atmosphere. Surgical anxiety can leave you unable to relax before surgery. The calm, pleasant setting of a clinic can help lessen your fear and stress during the procedure.
- Reasonable fees and multiple financing options
Sure, dental implants look natural and fit comfortably. But they can get pretty expensive if you want to replace several teeth.
Contrary to popular belief, high-quality dental implant specialists and clinics can offer patients affordable rates and flexible payment plans. They will give you a rough estimate (if not the final expenses) for your dental implant and suggest multiple budget-friendly financing options.
At this point, it’s a good idea to ask the provider if they accept dental insurance. Most dental insurance plans do not pay for implants, but some may cover up to half the cost, depending on your policy’s provisions. The right implant dentist will go the extra mile and help you afford an implant by breaking the total expenditure into monthly installments.
Conclusion
Dental implants are, hands down, modern dentistry’s greatest innovations. However, the procedure requires surgical insertion and should only be done by an experienced oral surgeon with extensive training in dental implants. For this reason, you must ask a prospective implant dentist as many questions as possible before signing up for a procedure. Also, choosing a dentist based solely on their fees is not wise. Remember, cheap does not always equate to bad, nor does the most expensive necessarily mean the best in the city. Choose a specialist with years of experience, education, and training, along with the other criteria we have listed above. To help with your search, you can check out the best dentist in Charlotte. They offer services such as dental implants, dentures, and full mouth reconstruction.
