Missing teeth affect the way we smile, chew, and speak. They can limit your diet and impact your self-confidence. Dental implants are the most durable way to replace a missing tooth or build up a smile. At Caring 4 Smiles, we routinely replace a missing tooth with implant dentistry.
The location for placing dental implants is the jaw bone. If a tooth has been recently extracted, the jaw bone has not yet shrunk and no supplementary procedures are needed. A titanium or zirconia (metal-free) implant is surgically placed in the jaw bone in a sterile environment. After a period of 3 to 6 months, the implant is assimilated into the jaw bone and the crown can be fitted to it.
How much are dental implants in Auckland?
The dental implant process shown below has 3 phases and involves the placement of a zirconia metal-free dental implant. The price of dental implants per tooth is outlined below. A patient can have one dental implant or more implants placed, which impacts the cost.
1. Planning Phase
This phase includes x-rays, photographs, and study models of the mouth and it can cost between $350 to $900, based on the complexity of your case. Prior to dental implants, the mouth must be free of all decay and gum disease. If you do have active gum disease or tooth decay, the dental implant process begins by treating these infections. It’s important to be in good oral health prior to dental implant surgery, as gum disease and other issues can put you at a higher risk of dental implant failure.
2. Surgical Phase
This is when the implant is selected, the operation room is prepared for the procedure, and the implant is embedded into the jaw. This stage can cost between $2500 to $3500.
3. The Prosthetic Phase
This phase is also known as the crown fitting phase. A second set of impressions are made so that the laboratory can design your implant crown. This stage can cost between $2500 and $3500, based on the process involved. If you are replacing more than one tooth, you may need a bridge or denture, which will have a higher cost but dependent on the number of additional crowns.
4. Miscellaneous Costs
In difficult circumstances where the jaw bone has shrunk, there is need for bone grafting and augmentation. Costs of bone grafting / augmentation can add $1250 to $2000. All these procedures cannot guarantee the outcome of dental implants, but at Caring 4 Smiles we give patients a comprehensive expectation of the outcomes. In addition to adding to the cost of dental implants, it’s important to note that bone grafting and other supplementary procedures will add time to the process as well. While you may be eager to get your dental implants right away, you might instead have to wait up to six months for your bone grafting to improve the bone density in your jaw. The results are worth the wait, though—you’ll be at lower risk for complications and you’ll have a more youthful appearance by restoring your jaw first.
Are dental implants worth it?
As you can see, dental implants are an investment in time and money, but it’s an investment worth making. Our dental implant patients are thrilled with the results. Not only are their smiles improved, but they also feel better about themselves. It’s difficult to put into words just how life-changing dental implant surgery can be for patients who have been missing teeth for years. A burden will be lifted when you no longer have to worry about fussing with dentures, not being able to eat food at a dinner party, and avoiding having your picture taken.
What are the benefits of dental implants?
There are many reasons why dental implants are the preferred solution for missing teeth. Here are some of the advantages of dental implants over traditional bridges and dentures:
Dental Implants Prevent Bone Loss
When a tooth’s root is missing, it sends a signal to the body that the bone that once supported it is no longer needed. This begins a process called resorption, in which the bone is broken down and its minerals are transported elsewhere. Dentures and bridges only replace the visible portion of missing teeth, so they have minimal effect on bone resorption. Over time, the changes in the jawbone will begin to cause a prematurely aged appearance.
In contrast, dental implants replace the roots of missing teeth, preventing bone loss from occurring. If you have already experienced bone loss, dental implants can even restore bone mass to the jaw. The result is a more youthful appearance.
Dental Implants Look and Feel Natural
There is simply no other tooth replacement option that is as natural as dental implants. Only dental implants replace the roots and the crowns of missing teeth. This means that your restoration will look, feel, and function just like a natural tooth.
Dental Implants Provide More Stability
Because dental implants are firmly anchored in the jaw, they are a more stable restoration than conventional bridges and dentures. This stability means that you’ll have a stronger bite, allowing you to eat any foods you like. You’ll also never have to worry about your dental implants slipping, causing irritation, or interfering with your speech.
Dental Implants Don’t Compromise Other Teeth
One of the disadvantages of traditional bridges is that they require healthy adjacent teeth to be trimmed down in order to be fitted with dental crowns to hold the bridge in place. Dental implants are completely self-supported, so they don’t compromise the structures of other teeth or place stress on them that makes them susceptible to fracture. In fact, your dental implants will support the teeth adjacent to your restoration by preventing them from shifting and becoming loose due to jawbone loss.
Dental Implants Last a Long time
Dental implants are meant to last a long time. While the restorations attached to your dental implants may need to be replaced at some point, the dental implants themselves are planned to be very long-lasting. However, like natural teeth, implants can also develop gum disease and fail.
Who is a candidate for dental implants?
If you are in good overall health, do not suffer from diabetes and do not smoke, you are good candidate for dental implants. We want to ensure that you have no gum disease or other active infections in your mouth prior to surgery.
Where can I get dental implants in Auckland?
Caring 4 Smiles is more than just a family dentist—we’re a leading provider of dental implants in Auckland. Our team handles every step of the process at our office for your convenience, with dentists who are experienced in oral surgery, periodontics, and creating beautiful, natural-looking restorations. We use the latest dental implant techniques and technologies, all in a modern, comfortable environment to put you at ease.
We provide financing options for dental implants with Q Card, which offers 12 months of no payments and no interest to qualified applicants. During your consultation, we will discuss all of the available options for replacing your missing teeth, along with the costs and procedures involved. No matter what solution you choose, our skilled, compassionate dentists will have you smiling again in no time!
Learn More About What You Can Expect With Dental Implants
Are you looking for an Implant Dentist to replace a missing tooth? Do you need more information on the costs of tooth replacements in Auckland? Our friendly staff is happy to help you get the answers you need and get you started on your journey to a beautiful new smile. Please call us on 09 631 5416 or contact us at [email protected] to learn more. We look forward to meeting with you!