Cosmetic Dentistry – Dental Implant, Dental Bridge Costs
People who are missing one or more teeth often feel self-conscious and unhappy about their appearance. In addition to creating psychological problems, missing teeth can also adversely affect the overall health of the mouth. Empty spaces in the upper and/or lower jaw can cause the other teeth to shift, which can lead to tooth decay, bite problems and the onset of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder. The latter is a painful condition characterized by persistent discomfort in the jaw area, which intensifies during eating, talking and other activities that require jaw movement. To relieve TMJ symptoms, dentists often recommend and perform comprehensive treatments aimed at restoring the health of the mouth and establishing proper bite.
Dental Implant Placement
One of the more exciting dentistry advancements is the development of durable, natural-looking teeth restorations, dental implants. This dental technology allows dentists to replace missing dental structures with restorations that look and feel just like natural teeth. Dental implants are recommended and implanted to treat a variety of dental conditions, including TMJ disorder resulting from improper bite and gum disease-caused tooth loss. In addition, dental implants are often inserted as part of comprehensive smile makeover treatments designed to turn patient's less-than-attractive teeth into beautiful, dazzling smiles.
Dental implant placement procedure consists of two major steps. During the first phase of the treatment, a dentist prepares the implant site and places an implant root. After successful osseointegration (a time period during which the implant root is naturally incorporated in the jaw bone), the second step of the implant procedure can be performed. During this phase, a dentist attaches a natural-looking, sturdy dental crown to the implant root. The end result is a beautiful dental structure that looks and functions just like a natural tooth. In addition, the completed dental implant can be used as an anchor for other restorations, such as dentures and dental bridges.
Dental Bridge Procedure
While dental implants can help many patients achieve confident smiles, this technology is not for everyone. For example, patients with insufficient bone density, as well as those unable to quit smoking, typically are not candidates for dental implants. However, these patients can receive other advanced restorations that can provide results similar to dental implants. One of the restorations dentists recommend and place more often is dental bridge. This restoration is used to replace one or more missing teeth by inserting a crown that is attached to the two adjacent teeth. Unlike dental implants, dental bridges do not require a period of osseointegration. However, in order to create a perfect dental bridge fit, the two adjacent teeth usually have to be prepared by performing special shaping and strengthening procedures.
After being placed in the mouth, a dental bridge becomes a permanent part of the jaw, not requiring any special care or precautions. By filling the empty space created by the missing tooth, a dental bridge improves the bite, strengthens the jaw and helps prevent teeth shifting and further tooth decay.
Cosmetic Dentistry Costs
Placement of dental implants and certain types of bridges are usually considered cosmetic dentistry procedures. Depending on your dental insurance, cosmetic dentistry treatments might not be covered at all or they may be reimbursed only partially. In many cases, dental insurance companies pay for the general dentistry part of these treatments, such as root canal therapy, dental fillings and other procedures required to strengthen the adjacent teeth before placing a dental bridge. Dental insurance that covers all of the costs associated with the placement of dental implants and dental bridges is an exception rather than the norm. Most often, patients have to cover at least part of their cosmetic dentistry costs out of pocket. This is why it is highly recommended that patients find out exactly how much their dentists will charge them before undergoing any cosmetic dentistry procedures. The costs of advanced restorations vary greatly depending on the dentist, his or her location, materials used and several other factors. Thus, dental implants cost can range anywhere from $1,000 to $5,000 per single implant, while dental bridge cost can range from $1,000 to $3,000 per tooth.