The costs associated with dental implants is often one of the biggest concerns of those considering the procedure. In fact, it is often the main reason why people opt for dentures or dental bridges instead, in spite of the fact that dental implants are more durable and fit more comfortably than these.

At our Dental Implants Fairfield Connecticut practices, dental implants costs range from $3000 to as much as $20,000. The actual cost, though, varies from one case to another, since this is dependent on a number of factors, namely:

- Number of missing teeth
Dental implants can be used to replace any number of missing teeth, whether it is just one tooth or a whole row of teeth or even a whole mouthful. Of course, the more teeth that needs to be replaced, the more implants need to be used, and therefore the more expensive the procedure is.

- Implant cost
There are various brands of dental implant systems available, some of which cost more than others. The most popular brands include Nobel Biocare, Astra Tech and Straumann.

Aside from the brand, the cost of the implant depends on the type of screw, abutment and crown used. There are many options to choose from, which your dental implants specialist can explain further.

- Anesthesia used
Dental implants costs also include the cost of the anesthesia. Most dentists use local anesthesia, just like the one used in a tooth extraction, but there are some who use nitrous oxide or laughing gas combined with oral sedatives, which is more expensive.

In some rare cases, especially for full mouth reconstructions, general anesthesia and intravenous sedation are used.

- Professional fees
Of course, professional fees are also a factor, which depend from one dentist to another. Keep in mind that in some cases, especially with multiple teeth, several dental specialists are needed, including a periodontist and an oral surgeon, in which case, the professional fees will be higher.

Are Dental Implants Costs Covered By Insurance?

Most medical insurance plans do not cover the cost of dental implants. Recently, though, a number of dental insurance plans, as listed in the National Association of Dental Plans, have started to extend their coverage to dental implants, provided that you pay an extra fee and stick with the policy for a given time.

Make sure you talk to your insurance company before you get dental implants for clarification.

Dental implants costs may be high, but this should not prevent you from getting them. After all, you have to remember that dental implants have a lot of benefits, and also, a lot of dentists provide discounts and flexible payment options to make them more affordable.

A post from: Dental Implants Fairfield CT

To know what to expect exactly and settle your fears, read our dental implants before and after information before you visit one of our specialists of dental implants in Fairfield, Connecticut.

Dental Implants – Before The Procedure

When you first visit a dental implant specialist, you will go through an evaluation in order to determine if you are a good candidate for dental implants or not. This will involve an oral check-up, just like what your regular dentist does, an X-ray which will help the dentist assess your bone health and structure, and an interview. The dentist might also make a model of your mouth to study up close.

During the interview, the dentist will ask you questions about your medical history so if you have any existing medical conditions or are on medication, let him know. After answering your dentist’s questions, you can also ask some of your own like how the procedure goes and the risks involved. In fact, feel free to ask the dentist any questions you may have about dental implants.

You can also ask to look at dental implants before and after photos, which all dentists have, to get a better idea of how dental implants can affect your teeth.

Once the dentist decides that dental implants can benefit you, which it does in most cases, he will suggest a treatment plan which is designed just for you, and then set an appointment for placing the dental implants.

Before your appointment, you will be asked to quit smoking and drinking, as well as taking certain medications. You may also be asked to refrain from eating or drinking for a few hours before the procedure.

Dental Implants – The Aftermath

After the titanium screws have been implanted into the bone, you will be asked to return home first to give the gums time to heal. During this time, in order to ensure a smooth and swift recovery, you should continue refraining from smoking and consuming alcohol.

You should also stick to soft and cold foods, and avoid drinking from a straw which can affect the sutures. Make sure you take the antibiotics prescribed to you as well.

Swelling and bleeding are natural side effects of dental implants. To relieve these, you can put an ice pack on your cheek or right outside the area of the implant. You can also place a moistened tea bag on the affected gums, but don’t rub it.

After a week or two, you may be asked to return for the sutures to be removed, though most dentists now use dissolvable ones.

A post from: Dental Implants Fairfield CT