Dental implants have skyrocketed in popularity since their first introduction in the 1960s. According to the European Federation of Periodontology, dental implants have many benefits. They can improve the over-all oral health for patients. And that is why the treatment is very prevalent despite the cost of dental implants.
For instance, unlike other dental cosmetic solutions, dental implants are superior in many ways. They are more practical and effective. For one, dental implants are able to imitate natural teeth. Both function and appearance wise.
Secondly, they bring about immense health benefits. Which other solutions are incapable of triggering. One such health benefit of dental implants is their prevention of bone deterioration. This is a health problem that tails missing teeth.
But, despite the daisy-like perks, the cost of dental implants can be a challenge for individuals without deep pockets. Although few of us have money to burn, a great majority of the population still suffers from missing teeth.
According to the American College of Prosthodontists: “More than 36 million Americans do not have any teeth, and 120 million people in the U.S. are missing at least one tooth. These numbers are expected to grow in the next two decades.”
In the following article, we’ll break the concept of dental implants down. All the way to the minutiae of the technique. And give you tips on how to overcome the financial factors and cost of dental implants without compromising on the quality.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are dental prosthetic units that serve as a replacement for lost teeth. The material you choose for treatment can influence the cost of dental implants. `Hence why you need to be familiar with all the available variations to make the ideal decision. Most patients often fall into regret for spending on the wrong material or technique.
To make the process simpler, we’ll go over the standard anatomy of a dental implant structure.
1- The Implant
The root, also known as the implant, is the fragment that goes within the jaw to provide support. Beyond anchoring, the implant is the feature that braces the health effects. Typically, a dental implant root is made of titanium. Thus, when considering the costs of dental implants, the root has little to no effect on the costs.
2- The Abutment
The abutment succeeds the root and is the structure that acts as a link between the crown and the root. To form a link, the abutment goes on the root with security so that the crown can be placed successfully. The abutment can influence the cost of dental implants because they come in a range of different materials.
3- The Crown
The crown is the synthetic structure that resembles the above-the-gum portion of the tooth. Likewise, since the crown can come in a versatile range of material, it has an influence on the cost of dental implants. The crown has the ability to mimic teeth in terms of function. Whereas the proximity by which a crown can resemble a natural tooth depends entirely on the material the patient opts for.
What Are The Factors That Affect The Cost Of Dental Implants?
Alright, to receive a cost of dental implants within your budget, there are a few factors to look out for.
1. Material of the Dental Implant
The material you choose for your dental implant parts has a massive influence on the cost of dental implants. Aside from the root, which typically is titanium, you have the option to select the material for the remaining two pieces.
The implant (Root)
- Dental implants are a two-part unit that consists of a root and a crown. Each unit is made from a separate array of elements.
- For the root the current material is titanium. Titanium is a metal that is resistant to corrosion and lasts permanently.
- Given its stable characteristics, it is considered the standard material. But, dentists can enhance on it or blend it with other materials.
- A popular combination for the root is a titanium base with a 100% pure calcium hydroxide coat. This blends well with the jaw bone.
- A cheaper alternative mixture is a root that is 70% titanium. The remaining 30% being a blend of copper and other metals. The latter often corrodes within ten years and requires replacement until then.
Abutment
For the abutment, you have the flexibility to select from a range of materials. You have titanium, surgical grade stainless steel, cast gold, zirconia, and polyether ether ketone (PEEK). Also, consider the longevity of the material. This will impact the structure when considering the affordable cost of dental implants. While titanium might top the list price-wise, it is also likely to last the longest before you need a replacement.
The Crown
Zirconium-based crowns are considered the top-notch option in cosmetic and prosthetic dentistry. In comparison to copper and other alternatives, zirconium is the most durable and has the longest longevity periods. Because it is thicker than other materials it is not susceptible to chipping. Additionally, it can be matched to the color of neighboring teeth.
Material 1: Metals
Metal crown options consist of a gold alloy, palladium, nickel, or chromium. In contrast to the properties of alternative crown options, metal is relatively durable. And requires less amounts of tooth structure to be filed down. Metal crowns resist pressure applied by the natural activity of chewing and biting. The wear down of metal crowns occurs at a much slower rate than alternative options.
As for their effects on adjacent teeth, metal crowns are relatively safe. Minimal tooth wear may occur to neighboring teeth. Metal crowns fall short in their visible appearance. They are ideal for encasing out-of-sight teeth.
Material 2: Metal Infused Porcelain Crowns
Metal infused porcelain crowns are a practical alternative. It is the intermediate between all-metal and all-porcelain crowns. This gives it a mixture of benefits from either material. Unlike metals, metal-infused porcelain can be color-matched to natural teeth. But, unlike metal, this category of dental crowns is prone to wear. Leaving all-metal crowns the more durable option. In terms of authenticity, ceramic-infused crowns are second only to all-porcelain.
The metal could become prominent at the intersection of the crown and the gums. Somewhere between the meeting point of the crown and the gum, there may be a visible silver line. The metal-infused porcelain crowns are ideal for front or back teeth replacement.
Material 3: All-Resin
Considering financial factors, all-resin crowns are ideal from the perspective. All-resin dental crowns serve for minimalistic function such as supporting and preserving teeth. But, the prices and features compromise entirely on the quality and aesthetic appeal. They are far more likely to be prone to wear downs and fractures.
Material 4: Ceramic Or Porcelain Crowns
Aesthetics wise, dentists consider porcelain and ceramic top tier. They recommend them equally for the front and out-of-site teeth. Durability and strength-wise, porcelain and ceramic crowns come second to metal-infused porcelain. But, in terms of possible allergic reactions, porcelain or ceramic, crowns are a safe option for patients with metal allergies. The properties of all-ceramic and all-porcelain crowns, the crowns provide most authenticity. Unlike metal and all-resin crowns, porcelain and ceramic crowns induce damage on neighbor teeth.
Material 5: Temporary Crowns
Temporary crowns are not a long term solution; they are often placed as a quick-fix solution until permanent crowns are ready for use. Your doctor can craft temporary crowns on-premises at the dentist’s office from stainless steel or acrylic. Permanent crowns, on the other hand, are designed in off-site laboratories and take a few days to be ready.
Dental Bridges
A budget-friendly option is dental bridges, a smart way through which you can cut down the cost of your dental implants. The technology of dental bridges is crowns connected to form bridge-like structures. The treatment is ideal for those looking to replace more than one tooth. But, if patients are looking for implant-free bridges, they have to meet some requirements. There must be between the gaps a tooth at each end. The presence of teeth on each end is to position the bridge and secure it. In case all teeth are lost, dental implants can connect the bridges. The material of the crown varies depending on the patient’s financial ability.
2. The Number Of Implants You Need
The total cost of a single implant is much less than the total price you will pay for a full mouth replacement or an all-on-four one. But, the per-tooth cost often begins to decline as the number of implants increases.
3. The Condition Of Your Jawbone
“If you do not have enough bone to support an implant, you may be able to have the bone in the area built up. This is a common procedure called bone grafting or augmentation. If a bone graft is done, you will need four to eight months to heal before having the implants placed in your jawbone. You can wear dentures or a bridge during this time, so you won’t be without teeth.”
– Colgate and the Faculty of the Columbia University College of Dental Medicine
Before proceeding with treatment, your dentist will examine your teeth, gums, and jawbone. This way they can ensure you have ample bone structure to support one or more dental implants. If your dentist determines that you do not have enough gum tissue to support implants, you will need grafting. Grafting will ensure that your mouth is properly prepared to receive the implants. The dental implant procedure will be more costly if you need grafting.
2. Where You Will Get Your Dental Implants
The location in which you get your treatment done influences the cost of Dental implants enormously. Dental implants abroad can be so expensive that cost-related access is an obstacle patients face. Patients are reluctant to consider cheaper options for fear of a horrible experience. Without realizing that by delaying treatment, they are risking their dental health.
Turkey is an ideal country for affordable medical care that doesn’t compromise on quality. Here are 7 reasons other than the affordable cost of dental implants medical tourists are flocking to Turkey.
1) Access to Accomplished Dental Specialists
Dental Practitioners in Turkey must study dentistry for at least five years. And then have five more years of additional studies. Dentists must be a members of two boards before practicing. The Turkish Dental Association and the Turkish Academy of Aesthetic Dentistry. This means that dental implants in Turkey are a safe option as dental clinics are strictly regulated by the government.
2) Cost Savings as a result of the cost of dental implants
Dental implants can completely transform a person’s smile by filling gaps. Unfortunately, their high prices in the United States and Europe prevent many people from being able to afford them. For instance, dental implants can cost $3,000 to $4,500 per tooth in the United States and many other countries.
Read more: REVEALED: Dental Implants in Turkey Cost Compared to the U.S
By traveling to Turkey for their dental implants, patients can save 50% of the costs. These cost savings can add up for patients seeking to have many teeth replaced.
3) Stellar Cultural Sites
“Another major benefit of flying to Turkey for dental implants is the chance to see some of the best cultural and historic sites in the world. Examples include the famous Blue Mosque. Haga Sophia, and the Topkapi Palace etc. The Grand Bazaar and the Spice Market are also amazing attractions for shopping enthusiasts.”– Dental Departures
Trained dentists and low prices are not the only reasons why people are booking trips to Turkey. Turkey is home to some of the most beautiful and historic sites in the world. Following their dental implant procedures, patients can enjoy a full dental holiday with sites such as the Grand Bazaar, Blue Mosque, and others.
4) Care In A Convenient Location
Located in Southeastern Europe and Southwestern Asia, many can visit Turkey by car. Also, flights from European countries and America are relatively easy to secure. Also, Turkey’s visa and passport restrictions are relatively relaxed. Residents of fifteen nearby countries can enter Turkey without a visa. People from Germany, France, Spain, Belgium, Switzerland, Portugal, and Bulgaria can enter with expired passports.
5) Superb Focus on Periodontics
Members of the Turkish Society of Periodontology commit to providing the highest level of care. This includes a keen focus on prevention and restorative surgery. The TSP collaborates with the Ministry of Health to develop policies that help patients prevent disease. And encourage patients to exercise good oral hygiene following dental implant surgery.
6) Top-Notch Dental Equipment
Turkey’s growth in Turkish-made medical devices provides easy access to state-of-the-art equipment. From high-quality Turkish and German-made stainless steel instruments. From brilliant LED lighting to the most luxurious dental procedure chairs. Patients can approach surgery knowing that they will be comfortable.
7) Multiple Procedures at a Single Location
Medical tourism in Turkey extends well beyond dental implants and oral surgery. People from all regions of the world are flocking to Turkey to have complete makeovers. For example, after their dental implants, patients may choose to have a hair transplant and a facelift.
Is Opting For Affordable Cost Of Dental Implants Worth It?
To answer this question, there are several points to discuss. As mentioned earlier the cost is not a measure of quality. Affordable dental implants can either be a delightful investment or a regretful one. So, how to make dental implants a pleasant experience for you and your wallet? Well, the answer is, do your research.
Material
Do enough research to become familiar with the variety of materials used in dental implants and which are the most efficient. In general, titanium is currently the dentist’s favorite, and for a reason. Titanium is a metal resistant to corrosion and can remain viable for so long. For the crown most dental clinics implement porcelain as it has an unparalleled efficiency. With that being said, there is no reason for dental implants to be affordable in one clinic and out of reach in others. The material is the same, and you guessed it, the structure is the same too.
Dentist charges
Well, then that leaves dentist charges. It is a known fact that any medical procedure is almost entirely dependent on the skill of the surgeon. We second this. It is not our aim to put your precious whites at risk. So again, do your research. Make sure the dentist has ample experience. Read google reviews about the clinic and the dentist of interest. This is a precautionary measure that patients should take regardless of the treatment cost and place. Also, remember a higher dentist charge does not necessarily mean high skill and expertise.
Moreover, we keep repeating time and time that checking the credibility of clinics and doctors should be a priority for patients. You can visit the Joint Commission International (JCI) and search for the hospitals or clinics of interest. Make sure to read our guide on how to choose the best dental clinic in Turkey.
Average Cost Of Dental Implants In Turkey
The average cost of dental implants per unit is around $500-$600. When assessing hospitals, consider the cost of dental implants within the average. Typically costs below the average, although tempting, is usually a sign of low-quality services.
Dental Implants FAQ
How Do I Prepare For Dental Implants?
Dental implants need the final decision of maxillofacial surgeon, a periodontist, and prosthodontist. Typically, a maxillofacial surgeon will evaluate the condition of the mouth, jaw, and face. A periodontist will examine the gums and bones. Finally, a prosthodontist will carry out the procedure to design the dental implants.
The evaluation process for dental implants requires three main categories:
1- A Comprehensive Dental Evaluation
This constitutes receiving dental x-rays and 3D imaging, as well as having molds and models of your teeth and jaw crafted.
2- A Thorough Review Of Your Medical History
Your doctor will request to learn the intricate details of your medical past. Here are some of the information you should never hide from your dentist. The medical conditions you have and how long you have had them. Be explicit about any medications you take, whether prescription or over-the-counter drugs. Patients with heart conditions and orthopedic implants need antibiotics before the procedure. This is to avoid any risks of infection.
3- Treatment Plan
The treatment plan is tailored around the needs and conditions of every individual patient. Your doctor will discuss your options with you. How many teeth you need, the material of the crown, and sedative and anesthetic options.
How Many Teeth Can Dental Implants Replace?
Typically, one unit replaces one tooth. Based on the number of gaps and their adjacency, patients may need fewer dental implants than there are gaps. For instance, if a patient has three consecutive gaps, they may need only two implants and three crowns. The two implants are placed in the two ends, and a bridge of crowns is attached above it. This method provides equivalent support to individual implants at lower rates.
Will I Feel Pain Throughout The Dental Implant Procedure?
Dental implants are elementary procedures. In essence, the surgical part alone may last anywhere between 15-20 minutes. Of course, the procedure length varies from one case to another. This depends on complications in the process.
That being said, the procedure is works under the effect of local anesthetic. Aside from the initial sting of the injection, no pain should be felt after. Whether you are familiar with dental anesthetics or not, it is not a cause for concern. Numbness will spread over the treated area; no sharp or painful effects will be felt. But, the numbness is exclusive to the pain. Patients will feel the pressure applied and the movements of the dentist’s hands. As well as vibrations from the drilling.
For complex cases that need many implants, dentists might opt for sedatives instead of local anesthesia. The effect of sedatives varies entirely from local anesthetics. The former affects the entire body by making patients feel very tranquil and relaxed. Patients after sedation often have no memory of the procedure that occurred. Thus, making it ideal for patients with dentist phobias. You can tackle post-operative discomfort and pain with the use of over-the-counter painkillers and ice.
It is imperative that patients visit experienced dentists to ensure a safe procedure.
What Is Bone Grafting, And Is It Always Necessary In Dental Implants?
For starters, bone grafting is a process of replacing or strengthening the bone. It happens through transplanting bone tissue to the area. Bones are capable of regenerating on their own. But, often grafting will be necessary if the jaw bone is not intact. Or does not have the strength to support and fuse with the dental implant. Upon scaffolding the jaw bone, the newly generated tissue possesses more strength. And natural bone tissue will heal over the grafts.
Are implants always necessary?
For the second part of the question, whether implants are always necessary or not, well, it depends on the strength of your jawbone. The action of chewing and other typical oral activity exerts force on the bone. And if your bone is not strong enough to handle the pressure, the procedure will be a waste of time and money for you. A graft is only necessary if you do not have a solid foundation for the implant to rely on.
There are a few materials utilized in bone grafting to rebuild a jaw bone. An autograft, for example, uses the patient’s bone tissue to rebuild the jawbone. Another popularly used alternative is synthetic bone grafts. A material that mimics the bone structure to increase circulation in the area. The graft material will deteriorate in months and newly made bone tissue will replace it.
For some, grafting might be necessary but only minimally, therefore, you can perform it on the same day as the implant surgery.
How Do You Care For Dental Implants?
You can care for your dental implants the same way you can care for natural teeth. Brush twice daily, floss, and use saline water to rinse your mouth.
Can Dental Implants Fail?
It is very rare for dental implants to fail. In most cases the procedure is successful. But it could fail if the bone and titanium root did not fuse completely, in which case, your dentist will remove the implant. You can try again in three months. It is best to abstain from smoking and consuming alcohol or keeping the consumption of either at a minimum not to hinder the fusion process.
What Is The Process And Timescale Of Dental Implants?
You dentist will drill through the jaw bone creating a vacant space to place the implant inside. The next step of abutment placement is postponed until the bone and implant fuse together. This phase often takes anywhere between eight to ten weeks.
Placing the abutment
- Some implants come with the abutment built-in.
- However, most do not prefer the protruding structure of the abutment and so opt for implants without the abutment.
- The placement of the abutment is a surgical procedure on its own and requires the opening of the gum to expose the implant underneath.
- The process involves the application of local anesthetic and is an outpatient setting.
- Once the dental implant becomes visible, your dentist will attach the abutment to the titanium root. And close the gum around the abutment without covering it.
- The gums require at least two weeks to heal after the placement of the abutment.
Artificial tooth placement
- Once the gum heals, the new appointment will constitute impression-taking of the mouth to get the right measurements for the tooth.
- There is a versatile range of material from which you can select the material of your crown. Speak with your dentist about the available options for you and the options that will best meet your financial plan.
What To Expect After The Procedure?
Expect to swell around the face and of the gums. Minor bruising may or may not occur. Additionally, expect pain and minor bleeding to occur. Your dentist will provide you will all the necessary information you need for recovery.
The Bottom Line
Men and women from all corners of the world are traveling to Turkey for dental implant surgery. With access to top dental professionals and affordable procedures, patients are able to save money. And spend the rest on a vacation around Turkey’s breathtaking scenery and attractions.
There are particular measures you can take to alter the cost of dental implants. For instance, the material you choose as well as location.
Contact us at Vera Smile. As Turkey’s most accomplished dental implant surgery provider, we are happy to offer a free consultation. Also, we are conveniently located in Istanbul and look forward to helping you!