Have you been recommended to install an implant retained denture? Unlike conventional bridges, these medical devices are more stable and similar to normal teeth. They don’t compromise the condition of natural teeth and might last a lifetime.
Nevertheless, patients are supposed to consider the cost of these medical devices before having one placed. There are various factors that influence the sum you’ll pay for the denture.
There are different types of implant retained dentures in Roanoke provided by experienced dental professionals.
These are the main factors affecting the cost.
The type of implant
The initial factor to consider when calculating the cost of such retained dentures is the type of implant. When discussing the treatment plan with your doctor, this decision is among the first ones to make. There are traditional and mini implants, which differ in size and cost. The former are wider and range between $1,600 and $2,200 per unit, whereas the latter are smaller and less expensive, between $500 and $1,500.
As far as the support is concerned, traditional implants offer the greatest level of stability, thus indispensable for large restorations. Nevertheless, these aren’t suitable for patients whose bone density isn’t sufficient to provide the necessary support. In such cases, mini implants are considered a better alternative for patients with low bone density, but these don’t offer the same support. Consequently, they require future replacement.
The number of implants
Another important factor to take into consideration when determining the cost of such a retained denture is the number of implants. The number of fixtures you choose should support a full or partial denture. Full dentures are supported with at least six to eight such medical devices, whereas partial dentures require no more than four.
Nevertheless, the advancement in technology has enabled dentists to use a special technique, called “All-on-4”, using no more than four posts for supporting a full denture. The strength of the jaw bone (mandible) should be sufficiently strong to endure the installation of these fixtures. Read more about the anatomy and function of the mandible. The higher the number of implants, the greater the cost of the retained denture.
The material
When deciding to install replacement teeth, the material of which these are made plays a major role in the cost of retained fixtures. There is a variety of materials to choose from, which range in durability and appearance. Some of the materials are almost identical to the shape and color of natural teeth. Their price range starts from as little as $300 to as much as $5,000.
Moreover, the most commonly used materials are titanium and zirconia. The former was discovered long ago in the 1950s, providing long-lasting results at a reasonable cost. It’s biocompatible, meaning it’s capable of fusing with the human bone.
In contrast, zirconia is a more recent invention, starting to be used in the 1990s. It’s a promising material because of reducing the risk of bacteria affecting the gums. While titanium implants can be manufactured in two-piece systems, zirconia models are produced as single pieces. The better the quality of the material, the longer the lifespan of retained dentures. Also, the amount of care individuals invest in plays an important role in their longevity.
Replacement teeth should be looked after just like natural teeth. They should be brushed a minimum of two times a day with a soft-bristle brush and low-abrasive toothpaste. You can floss daily with floss specifically used for such fixtures.
Right after the surgery, hard foods are supposed to be avoided in the course of the healing period, which lasts up to twelve weeks. Interdental brushes should also be incorporated as part of your maintenance routine, as these are efficient in removing food pieces and plaque.
The preparatory procedures
A crucial factor in determining the cost of implant retained dentures is the need for preparatory procedures. Some individuals who struggle with issues like gum disease and tooth decay must undergo treatment before proceeding with the installation of such fixtures. Also, those individuals with insufficient bone density need a bone graft to provide the necessary support. The following link, https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322344, explains the uses, types, procedures, and potential risks of bone graft.
In addition, these services include autogenous bone grafting, sinus lift augmentation, computer-enhanced treatment planning, and implant site development. For instance, sinus lift augmentation refers to a surgical procedure necessary for restoring the sinus cavity to its normal size.
Generally, when the upper back teeth sustain a loss, the sinuses tend to enlarge after the loss. Sinuses are filled with air, which is why dental implants cannot be successfully placed unless surrounded by a strong bone. The healing process is usually between nine and twelve months, following which these medical devices can be safely placed.
Autogenous bone grafting is another procedure performed before patients are provided with retained dentures. It often happens for the areas where dental implants should be placed to lack bone quantity. As a result, dentists have to borrow some bone from another area in the oral cavity and then graft it into the area with bone deficiency. These professionals usually borrow bone from the area where wisdom teeth are or the chin.
Additionally, implant site development is necessary when teeth have to be removed because of infection, which results in a lost bone surrounding the tooth. In such situations, bone grafting can be performed at the same time with tooth removal to prepare the site for the placement of fixtures later on.
The largest part of restorative dentists uses computer-enhanced treatment planning to make the evaluation of dental CT scans for bone quality, quantity, and location. This software is indeed helpful in determining the best placement for dental fixtures. These procedures aren’t included in the estimate for retained dentures but should be considered due to their high cost. For example, bone grafting ranges between $600 and $2,600.
Final word
Each of these factors is important in the cost calculations.
Be provided with an estimate first!
