Dental Implants Rapid City

Who is a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?

While almost all adults can get dental implants, the posts suit some patients more than others. Ideal treatment candidates usually have the following traits:

• Good Overall Health – Your body must be healthy for dental implants, as their placement counts as surgery.
• Excellent Oral Health – Since cavities and gum disease make implants fail, such issues should be addressed before treatment.
• High Jaw Density – A patient’s jawbone needs density for dental implants to succeed. Otherwise, the posts will become unstable and fall out.

Of course, those without the above qualities can still get dental implants. You’ll just need to undergo preliminary procedures first – gum disease therapy, tooth extractions, etc. If you want, our team can even help you schedule those services for yourself. We’d then perform your implant treatment once those procedures are done, basing the process around how many teeth you’ve lost.

Missing One Tooth

If you’ve only lost one tooth, you can get by with a single implant post and crown. A dentist can easily place these devices between healthy teeth without disturbing your mouth. In fact, the final implant would be less invasive than a normal dental bridge; placing it doesn’t involve “prepping” your teeth. Plus, your treatment results would be sturdier, longer lasting, and more seamless than those from a bridge.

Missing Multiple Teeth

Our team advises a dental implant bridge when you lack multiple adjacent teeth. Unlike a regular one, this devise secures itself with implant posts instead of “abutments” (i.e., nearby natural teeth). That means a dentist doesn’t remove enamel to place it in your mouth. Better yet, the final appliance should last longer than a “normal” dental bridge would.

When the missing teeth aren’t adjacent, we’ll suggest a partial implant denture instead. It’d anchor itself to your smile with just a few dental implants.

Missing All Teeth

Someone who’s lost all their natural teeth would most benefit from an implant denture. For this prosthetic, a dentist uses four to six strategically placed implants to restore an entire arch. The final device will thus remain secure and not slip or fall like a traditional denture. On the contrary, it should be stable and steady for many years if given the proper daily maintenance.

Preliminary Treatments & Dental Implant Surgery

Not everyone requires preliminary treatment before receiving dental implants; however, if we suggest additional services, such as gum disease treatment, bone grafting, a sinus lift, tooth extraction, etc., this will be factored into the overall cost of your care.

Additionally, once you are cleared for dental implant surgery, you can expect that this, too, will be included in your estimate. Since we can perform the start-to-finish procedure in-house, you do not need to worry about receiving a separate bill from an outside specialist.

The Parts of Your Dental Implant

The cost of your dental implants will also be influenced by the following:

• How many dental implants do you need? If only one titanium post is required, you can expect the overall cost to be much less than if you need 4-6 posts for an implant denture.
• What type of restoration do you need? It is easier and more affordable to create a single dental crown as opposed to a full denture.
• What kind of materials will be used to create your dental implants? The most common materials manufacturers use are zirconia or titanium because both integrate well with the jawbone.
• Which manufacturer will be used? Only our dental team can determine where your dental implants will come from. We will explain why we choose a particular type as well as why we avoid cheaply made options, which often do not last as long.

How Dental Implants Can Save You Money

While dental implants may cost more upfront, they are known to be cost-effective in the long run. Apart from their placement within the jawbone, which offers greater stability than dentures or dental bridges, they do not require adhesives to hold teeth in place. The price for this product can increase over time. Also, the lifespan of dental implants is generally 30+ years, so paying for regular relines or replacements is not required. Instead, you can enjoy life with a smile that stays in place and can withstand daily wear and tear much better than dentures or dental bridges.

Does My Dental Insurance Cover Dental Implants?

Most dental insurance companies will not provide coverage for dental implant placement; however, you mustn’t disregard other ways your policy may be able to help. Just because surgery may not be covered doesn’t mean that your consultation, preliminary treatments, or custom restoration won’t be. There is a good chance you will receive partial coverage for these services, which can lower your out-of-pocket costs significantly.

Making Dental Implants Affordable

If you do not have private dental insurance, do not assume dental implants are out of the question. Instead, you can enroll in a CareCredit plan that makes it easy to pay off your treatment over time. Through manageable monthly payments, you can choose a low-or no-interest option to help you stay in your budget and still receive a healthier, more permanent, and beautiful smile.