Dental Implants – Schoharie, NY

Preliminary Treatments & Dental Implant Surgery

Those who have existing oral health issues will require preliminary services to resolve them before moving forward with their treatment plan. These can involve gum disease therapy, bone grafting, and even tooth extractions if necessary, which can increase the overall cost. Of course, this will also ensure more successful results.

The surgery itself will also come with its unique price, which typically starts at $3,000. Fortunately, the entire process can be completed in-house, so you won’t have to drive across town or receive a bill from a different provider.

The Parts of Your Dental Implant

The cost of dental implants can also be affected by various factors, such as:

• Number of implants: Replacing a single tooth will cost much less compared to replacing an entire arch of missing teeth.
• Type of restoration: Crowns, dental bridges, and dentures usually come with different prices. Each option comes in different sizes as well, which can affect the cost.
• Material: Dental implants can be made of different materials, such as zirconia and titanium, which will cost significantly different from each other.

How Dental Implants Can Save You Money

While some patients might consider getting dental bridges or dentures for a more cost-effective option, they should remember the value dental implants bring in the long term. Firstly, you won’t require replacements every several years like other restorations, and you shouldn’t need special cleaning products or solutions to preserve them. They’ll simply require normal teeth cleaning methods to make the most of them for decades to come. This can also help you avoid oral health issues as well as costly treatments.

Does My Dental Insurance Cover Dental Implants?

Though dental insurance may not cover the overall cost of dental implants, some providers can at least help cover the parts of your treatment. This can involve the restorations themselves (crowns, dental bridges, or dentures) and any preliminary procedures you might require. Make sure to consult your insurance company and dentist about the details of your plan so you know to maximize your benefits.

Making Dental Implants Affordable

Even if you don’t have dental insurance, you might be eligible for alternative financing solutions, such as CareCredit and Lending Point. These third-party financiers offer plans that can split up your treatment price into monthly installments which often come with little to no interest! This can make your payments more manageable and stress-free as you rebuild your beautiful and healthy smile.

Make Oral Hygiene a Priority

Even after replacing your natural teeth, it's crucial to continue basic dental care practices – brushing and flossing every day. While your prosthetic teeth may be resistant to cavities, plaque and bacteria can still accumulate on your restorations, potentially causing infections or other issues. Brushing twice a day and flossing daily can prevent buildup and extend the longevity of your implants.

Eat a Healthy Diet

The foods you eat nourish not only your body, but also the bacteria residing in your mouth. Although dental implants are resistant to decay, your diet can influence your oral health and the ongoing well-being of your smile. Eating lots of starchy or sugary foods will promote the growth of bacteria, leading to gum disease and potential implant failure. Instead, you should fill up on healthy foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and fat-free dairy products.

Break Bad Habits

To ensure your implants last as long as possible, consider adjusting your lifestyle. Avoiding habits like chewing on ice or other hard objects (such as pencils, fingernails, or packaging) is essential, as these can exert significant force and pose a risk of implant failure. Additionally, smoking or using tobacco products can encourage bacterial growth in the mouth, potentially resulting in gum disease or other complications. It's a good idea to break such habits and replace them with healthier alternatives, such as using proper tools for opening packaging.

Protect Your Dental Implants

Dental implants are tough, but not indestructible. If you grind or clench your teeth, it can negatively affect both the implants and their restorations. In that case, wearing an oral appliance can help break the habit. And if you're into sports, wearing a mouthguard is a great way to shield your face from unexpected hits.

Schedule Regular Dental Checkups

Even if you're doing a great job with your oral care at home, plaque can still sneak in and cause issues over time. That's why it's crucial to keep up with regular checkups and cleanings with our team, even if you don't have any natural teeth left. These appointments allow us to ensure your implants are in top-notch condition and keep your smile healthy!

Does Getting Dental Implants Hurt?

Firstly, our team will do everything we can to ensure that you’re as comfortable as possible during your appointment. We’ll begin your procedure by completely numbing the area that we’ll be working on with a local anesthetic, significantly reducing discomfort. Furthermore, the jawbone doesn’t consist of many nerve endings, so you shouldn’t expect much pain throughout your visit. The surgery itself won’t hurt, but it’s normal to feel sore or tender for the next few days following your procedure. To make your recovery smoother, you’ll simply need to take over-the-counter/prescribed pain relievers and/or a cold compress to alleviate discomfort. If you notice any pain that persists or worsens after several days, come see us for help.

How Long Do Dental Implants Last?

In general, dental implants are so successful that you can expect them to last several decades to even a lifetime. However, this will mainly depend on how well you take care of them. Not only will you need to regularly brush, floss, and rinse with mouthwash every day, but you’ll also need to visit your dentist at least every six months so they can monitor your progress as well as your oral health. It’s also important that you implement a healthier diet consisting of nutritious meals like fruits, veggies, and lean protein to promote strong and healthy gum tissue and jawbone density. Avoid chewing anything too hard or sticky, as this can cause damage or complications with your implants.

Can I Get Dental Implants If I’m Diabetic?

If you have diabetes, you’ll need to keep your condition under control so that your odds of successful treatment can be on par with that of nondiabetic patients. If left unchecked, your situation can negatively impact your healing process, making it more difficult for your dental implants to properly fuse with your jawbone. Consult your endocrinologist or primary care provider to see how you can manage your blood sugar levels before moving forward with dental implant treatment.

Am I Too Young to Get Dental Implants?

Anyone younger than 18 years old may not be eligible for dental implants. This is because their jawbone is still maturing and hasn’t fully developed. If placed, the posts can end up interfering with bone development and lead to certain issues. Some people’s jaws might fully develop during their mid-20s. Our team will be sure to evaluate your situation during your consultation and determine if this treatment is right for you.