A dental implant will be more expensive than an alternative tooth replacement, such as a dental bridge. A single dental implant in Aliso Viejo typically costs between $3,500 and $6,000. Financing options including credit card payments, and third-party financing through CareCredit may be available to help with the cost of a single dental implant. However, keep in mind that the initial investment into a dental implant can pay off in the long run, as an implant may last your entire life. Read on to learn more about dental implants in Mission Viejo.
Reasons to Replace a Missing Tooth With a Dental Implant
Missing teeth pose risks to not only oral health but to overall health. Gaps left between teeth make the adjacent teeth more likely to shift into the space, thereby destabilizing them. This puts you at increased risk of losing additional teeth after losing one tooth.
Missing teeth also lead to jawbone loss. When you are missing a tooth, the absence of its root causes your jawbone to begin to recede. If the missing tooth isn’t replaced, in time the loss of bone can alter your facial structure, causing premature aging.
In addition, empty sockets left by missing teeth can also accumulate dangerous bacteria, increasing your risk of mild gum disease (gingivitis) and more severe gum disease (periodontitis). A growing body of evidence indicates that poor oral health can lead to serious and chronic conditions including heart disease and diabetes.
However, missing teeth don’t just impact your physical health and appearance. If you have missing teeth, there’s a good chance that you may also feel insecure or self-conscious about the gap in your smile. In multiple studies, individuals missing teeth report a reduced quality of life, as the result of low self-esteem.
All of these risks can be prevented with a dental implant. Dental implants are safe, strong, durable, natural looking, and function like natural teeth. With good oral hygiene, your dental implant will last at least 20 years, and for many people may last their entire lifetime.
Procedure for Getting a Dental Implant
If you decide to move forward with replacing a missing tooth with a dental implant, you can expect a variety of painless scans and X-rays. These images will be used to position the implant properly, while others will be used to create the crown that will be affixed to the implant. On the day of your implant surgery, a biocompatible screw (the implant) will be surgically implanted into your jaw. Over the next several months, a process known as osseointegration will take place.
Osseointegration is the process by which your jaw bone and soft tissues begin treating the implant like they would a natural tooth root. They grow up the implant, fusing bone to the screw, and securing the implant in its place. Once this process is complete, an abutment will be placed on top of the screw, which will affix the artificial tooth to the implant. For many people the process, from your initial consultation through the attachment of your artificial tooth, will take just about six months.
Schedule a Consultation to Replace Missing Teeth in Aliso Viejo
If you’re ready for a beautiful, complete smile once again, schedule a dental implant consultation with Dr. Patel at Aliso Smiles today by calling 949-916-7800. For your convenience, you may also request an appointment online.