Dental Implants Cost

Would you like a beautiful, bright smile with straight, attractive teeth?

Dental implants are a safe and effective way to replace missing or damaged teeth. If you are looking to improve your smile, you may be interested in dental implants, what they cost, and if they're worth the investment.

At See Me Smile Dental & Orthodontics in Santa Barbara, California, we offer state-of-the-art dental implants that are cost-effective and long lasting.

What Exactly Are Dental Implants?

You have probably heard of dentures, or perhaps you already own a pair of dentures yourself. Dentures are removable replacements for missing teeth. Dentures can be the right solution for some patients, and they have been popular for many years.

Dental implants are more permanent than dentures. They are not part of a removable apparatus but are actually connected directly to the jawbone via a safe, non-toxic surgical fixture. Over a few months, the fixture will eventually fuse with the jawbone. This new "root" is then used to provide a secure support for a new artificial tooth or dental bridge.

Because the dental implant is a permanent fixture, similar to a natural tooth, it is far more stable and secure than dentures. You do not have to worry about it slipping or shifting while you chew food. The replacement teeth placed on top of the dental implant also look and feel more natural.

For these reasons, dental implants have become very popular. They have revolutionized dentistry in many respects and can be life-changing for patients. If you have missing or broken teeth, a dental implant may be the best solution.

8 Reasons Why You Should Invest in Dental Implants

Are dental implants truly worth it? The short answer is yes. Here is why:

1. Dental Implants Are Cost-Effective

In choosing what dental procedures you use, consider the short-term as well as long-term costs. Some dentures might seem initially cheaper than dental implants, but they will wear out and need to be replaced. There is also the cost of denture cleaning supplies and adjustments. Dental implants typically have a slightly higher initial cost but do not need the same level of maintenance or replacement costs as dentures do down the road.

2. Dental Implants Look and Feel Like Natural Teeth

Once your dental implant is in place, and the crown or bridge is connected to it, it looks and functions like a regular tooth. Most people will not be able to tell the difference between your dental implants and natural teeth, except that your dental implants may actually look nicer than your previous natural teeth had looked!

3. Dental Implants Can Give You A Beautiful Smile

Our smile is one of the most important ways we communicate with others. When teeth are missing, it can cause us to feel self-conscious and seriously impact our confidence. Dental implants are a great way to replace missing teeth and create a brand-new beautiful smile that you will love sharing with others.

4. Dental Implants Are Low Maintenance

Dentures need to be removed to be deeply cleaned, which can be a major hassle. They also require special adhesives that keep the dentures in place. Dental implants work and act like your natural teeth. They cannot be removed and therefore do not require extra steps for cleaning. Just brush and floss them like you would your natural teeth.

5. You Can Eat What You Want with Dental Implants

Do you love steak? How about corn on the cob? Or a buffalo wing? With dental implants, you can eat messy foods that might otherwise get stuck in dentures. You don't have to worry about your dentures slipping or getting caught on a food item.

6. Dental Implants Are Safe and Non-Toxic

Historically, there have been concerns about old-fashioned dental fillings with mercury being toxic. Dental implants do not use mercury. They are made from safe, USA made titanium that has been thoroughly tested. They have no known side effects or health issues.

7. Dental Implants Prevent Infections and Complications

Cavities in teeth are problematic - not just for their effect on the integrity of the tooth. If cavities are left untreated, they can cause infection below the gumline, into the root of the tooth. These infections can then become quite painful and serious. Infectious bacteria from tooth infections can spread to other parts of the body, and even damage the heart itself. Replacing a cavity-riddled tooth with a dental implant protects not just your teeth but your gums and whole body health.

Missing teeth can also be problematic because they cause an imbalance in your bite. This can lead to jaw issues and problems like TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint Disorders).

8. Dental Implants are Long-Lasting

Your dental implants can last for years, and maybe for the rest of your life. Unlike dentures, they do not need to be replaced on a regular basis. Dentures can last up to 10 years if they are maintained properly, and that is at the very long end of the spectrum. You will need to replace dentures every five to eight years.

Dental Implants Are Definitely Worth It

As you can see, dental implants are a great way to get a functional bite back while making your smile look fantastic. They are actually quite cost-effective, and are almost as good as having natural teeth. So, what are you waiting for?

What Do Dental Implants Cost?

Of course, we can't provide a full range quote for your custom dental implants in a blog post. However, the typical prices you might find listed on the Internet from $1,000 to $4,000 at the high end. This is actually quite reasonable, especially when you compare the cost of dental implants to common dentures.

Now of course, the total cost of dental implants depends on what other procedures need to be done (such as tooth removal or adding crowns). However, at See Me Smile Dental, we work with you and your dental insurance company to make sure you get the best value for the results.

We offer the best in dental implants at See Me Smile Dental & Orthodontics in Santa Barbara, California. Contact us today for more information on how much dental implants cost and whether they are the right option for you.