Big Smile Dental is dedicated to helping you restore your smile and regain the confidence that comes with a complete set of teeth. Our team of skilled professionals is committed to providing top-notch dental implant treatments tailored to your unique needs.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are an exceptional solution for individuals who have experienced tooth loss due to injury, decay, or other dental issues. At Big Smile Dental, we provide a superior, long-lasting, and natural-looking replacement for missing teeth, substantially improving functionality and aesthetics.
At the heart of this sophisticated dental procedure lies the dental implant itself, meticulously designed to replicate a tooth’s natural function and appearance. Comprised of three essential components – a titanium post, an abutment, and a dental crown – dental implants are a testament to the remarkable advancements in modern dentistry.
How Much Do Dental Implants Cost?
The cost of dental implants can vary depending on the individual case. On average, a single dental implant typically falls within the price range of $1,500 to $2,000 per implant, specifically for the implant itself and not for the entire procedure. In addition, there are other additional costs to take into account, such as the crown, abutment, tooth and root extraction, office visits, as well as pre-op and post-op care. These additional costs can range from $1,500 to $2,800. As a result, the total cost for a single implant generally falls between $3,000 and $4,800.
Why Dental Implants Are an Investment
At first glance, dental implants may appear costly, particularly when compared to alternative methods of tooth replacement. However, it’s important to consider the long-term expenses associated with dentures and bridges, the two common alternatives. These alternatives often require frequent repairs or replacements every 5 to 10 years. The cumulative cost of such maintenance can quickly surpass the investment necessary for dental implants, which have the potential to last a lifetime with proper care.
In addition, dental implants provide a unique advantage by preserving the integrity of your jawbone, a benefit not afforded by dentures or bridges. As the jawbone deteriorates, it can significantly impact facial appearance, leading to changes that contribute to an older look. Moreover, the stability of the remaining natural teeth can be compromised, as the jawbone serves as the crucial support for their roots. When the jawbone diminishes, the risk of tooth loss becomes substantially higher. The value of retaining your natural teeth within your mouth is truly invaluable and cannot be overstated.
Therefore, we encourage you to view dental implants not as a mere expense but rather as a valuable investment.
What Are the Payment Options Available?
You’ll find that most of our procedures are covered by various dental and medical insurance plans. Our helpful office staff will be happy to assist you in filling out your insurance forms to ensure that you receive proper reimbursement from your insurance carrier.
For your convenience, we offer the following payment options for financing your dental treatment:
- 5% Pre-Payment Discount
- 12-month, interest-free Financing Program, available on approved credit
- Major Credit Cards
- Personal Checks
- Cash
- Senior Citizens enjoy a % courtesy fee reduction for payment in full at the start of treatment.
Our office accepts a variety of different Insurance carriers. Please call our office, and our staff will help determine your dental benefits as estimated by your insurance carrier.
How Do Dental Implants Work?
During your initial consultation, we will thoroughly examine your oral health and determine the best course of action. We take into consideration various factors, such as bone density, gum health, and your specific dental needs, to create a personalized treatment plan that suits you.
Using state-of-the-art technology and advanced techniques, we will precisely place the titanium implant into your jawbone, providing a stable foundation for your new tooth. The implant will naturally fuse with the bone over time, ensuring a strong and durable restoration.
Our commitment to excellence extends beyond the surgical procedure. We meticulously craft custom dental crowns that match your natural teeth’ color, shape, and size, ensuring a seamless and beautiful smile.
At Big Smile Dental, your safety and comfort are our top priorities. We maintain strict sterilization protocols and create a welcoming environment where you can relax during your visits. Our friendly and knowledgeable staff will be there to address any questions or concerns you may have.
What Type of Dental Implant Is Right for You?
Your prosthodontists will choose from the various coating, connectors, and size options available for each type of dental implant. While there are various ways to place implants, the type of implants usually falls into one of three groups: endosteal implants, subperiosteal implants, and zygomatic implants.
Common types of dental implant placement methods include:
- Full upper replacement – your dental surgeon will use implants to replace all upper teeth with new, synthetic teeth completely. All missing tooth roots will be replaced with implants.
- Full lower replacement – Big Smile Dental will replace all of your lower teeth, using essentially the same procedure as a full upper replacement to anchor all missing teeth.
- Anterior replacement – this procedure refers to replacing easily accessible and visible front teeth with implants. Dental specialists at Big Smile Dental will fill in the root area and then attach replacement teeth. This replacement can be performed for a single tooth or several missing teeth. Your oral surgeon will evaluate your particular needs and design a treatment plan accordingly.
- Posterior replacement – this type of replacement is as customizable as an anterior replacement but refers to the larger teeth in the back of the mouth. Here again, your dentist will evaluate your condition, determining whether one tooth needs to be replaced or a larger row needs implants.
Why Choose Dental Implants?
There are many advantages to receiving dental implants, including:
- Improved appearance – Dental implants look and feel just like your natural teeth. And because they are designed to fuse with your jawbone, they become a permanent dental solution.
- Improved speech – Poorly fitted Dentures can slip around in the mouth, causing you to mumble or slur your words. Teeth implants allow you to speak clearly without the fear of them slipping out of place.
- Improved dental health – Dental implant placement doesn’t require reducing nearby teeth, as a tooth-supported bridge does. Because nearby teeth are not altered to support the implant, more of your natural teeth are left intact, improving long-term oral health. Individual implants also allow easier access between teeth, improving oral hygiene.
- Higher durability and success rate – The success rate of dental implant surgery can vary depending on where the implants are inserted in the jaw. Still, in general, dental implants have a success rate of up to 98%. And can last a lifetime with proper care.
How Long Do Dental Implants Last?
Dental implants are a durable and long-lasting solution for tooth replacement. With proper care and maintenance, they can last for many years and often for a lifetime.
How Long Is the Healing Process?
On average, dental implant surgery takes roughly four to six months of healing time. This healing phase permits the patient to recuperate before the dental crown is set.
Our highly skilled team of dental experts remains at the forefront of the constantly evolving field of implant dentistry, continually updating their knowledge to bring you the most cutting-edge techniques and advancements. By seamlessly blending their extensive expertise with a compassionate approach, we prioritize your comfort and well-being throughout every step of the treatment process.
How Painful Are Dental Implants?
The level of pain experienced during dental implant procedures can vary from person to person. However, with modern techniques and the use of anesthesia, the discomfort is typically well-managed and minimized throughout the process. However, some discomfort is normal once the anesthesia wears off following the implant procedure. Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can be used to alleviate this discomfort.
Can Anyone Get Dental Implants?
In most circumstances, anyone who is healthy enough to have a standard tooth extraction or oral surgery can be considered for a dental implant. Patients must have healthy gums free of periodontal disease and sufficient bone to support the implant. They must also be committed to maintaining good oral hygiene and visiting the dentist regularly. Heavy smokers, those with uncontrolled chronic diseases like diabetes or heart disease, and patients who have had head/neck radiation therapy should all be reviewed individually. If you are considering dental implant surgery, consult our dentists at Big Smile Dental to see if they are right for you.
How Do You Care for Dental Implants?
Proper care and maintenance are crucial to ensure the longevity and success of dental implants. Following the recommended aftercare instructions provided by your oral surgeon is essential. Here are some general guidelines for caring for your dental implants:
- Oral Hygiene – Maintaining good oral hygiene is crucial to the success of your dental implant. Brush twice daily and floss at least once per day. A soft-bristle toothbrush is recommended to prevent any damage to the surgical site. Be gentle around the implant area, especially in the first few days after surgery.
- Rinsing – Rinse your mouth with a warm saltwater solution (half a teaspoon of salt in 8 ounces of warm water) several times a day. This can help keep the area clean and soothe any discomfort. Do not use commercial mouthwashes unless they are specifically recommended by us, as some of these may irritate the surgical area.
- Food and Drinks – Stick to a diet of soft foods for the first few days after your procedure. Avoid hot food and drinks for a few hours following the surgery as it may increase swelling or cause burns in the numb area. Gradually reintroduce harder foods into your diet as healing progresses.
- Avoid Smoking and Alcohol – Smoking and alcohol can interfere with the healing process and the successful integration of the dental implant. Try to avoid these, particularly in the immediate aftermath of your procedure.
- Rest – Getting sufficient rest is essential for your body to recover and heal. Elevate your head slightly while sleeping to help reduce swelling.
- Swelling and Bruising – Apply an ice pack to the affected side of your face in 15-minute intervals to help manage any swelling or bruising.
- Follow-Up Appointments – Attend all scheduled follow-up appointments so that we can monitor the healing process, address any potential issues, and remove sutures if necessary.
- Report Complications – If you experience severe or increasing pain, unusual swelling, fever, or any signs of infection around the implant site, contact our office immediately.
Be sure to follow our advice and address any concerns promptly to ensure the long-term success of your dental implants.
Where Are We Located?
Chicago residents, especially in the Avondale and Logan Square areas, can request an appointment with Big Smile Dental for a consultation to determine their candidacy for this procedure. We’ll conduct a thorough examination of your mouth to determine if you’d do well with dental implants. Chicago residents benefit from more than just an experienced dental team in their neighborhood. With our special web offer, new patients can receive a complete examination and a full set of X-rays for just $1!
