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 Implant cases vary widely according to the dental situation. Each person’s dental arch is different, and everyone has teeth that are differently sized and shaped. Implants must be custom-made on a case-by-case basis to fit the mouth of each individual patient. There is no such thing as a “standard size” dental implant, and because of the highly personalized nature of these sophisticated tooth replacements, it is impossible for an ethical dental practice to advertise fixed pricing. There are simply too many variables that factor into calculating the cost of the service.
The most obvious of these factors is the number of implants themselves. Simple cases might require 1-2 implants. This is often needed when a person loses one or two teeth to a fracture or severe tooth decay. In these instances, it is relatively easy for the dentist to make a replacement for each missing tooth and simply place it in the gap. However, when there is severe trauma to the mouth and multiple teeth are lost, there is considerably more labor involved in reconstructing the person’s smile.
Another variable is how much bone is left after teeth have been removed or lost. Some people wait years before they seek out a cosmetic dentist for implants. In these cases, there is always some degree of bone loss. Jaws need teeth just as much as teeth need jaws. Without tooth roots to grow around, bones begin to recede, leaving less structure in which to place an implant. Cases such as these may require a combination of implants and porcelain bridges in order to perform a full mouth reconstruction.
If periodontal disease is present, this further complicates the situation. Periodontal disease progresses in four different stages, each one being more severe than the last. In order to prevent Periodontitis from spreading and advancing in severity, cosmetic dentists will first have to treat this condition before planning any implant work. Otherwise, the tooth replacements will most likely fail, and the condition of the patient’s health can be severely diminished. Treatment of periodontal disease, of course, is a separate service that carries with it its own variable price point in addition to tooth replacement services.
By far the best way to understand what your options exist and what the prices are those options are is to schedule a full dental evaluation. A complete evaluation will normally consist of the following:
1. X-rays will reveal the condition of the jaw bones and determine how much surface area is available to support implants
2. Photos will help cosmetic dentists better examine the condition of existing teeth and better design tooth replacements that look natural. are is to come in for a complete exam that includes x-rays,
3. A visual examination helps spot any periodontal disease that is present.
With this information, cases involving missing teeth can be thoroughly evaluated and sufficiently understood for a plan of action to be developed. Once this plan is developed, the cost of the service can then be accurately established and any necessary payment options arranged.
Cosmetic Dentistry is a specialized field that requires extensive knowledge and experience to be done correctly. The Medical Center Dental Group in Houston, Texas brings all of that and more to the direct benefit of each and every patient we treat. Although we are located in the world famous Houston Medical Center at Scurlock Towers, we routinely see dental patients who travel from Austin, San Antonio, Dallas, Beaumont and Midland Texas to see Dr Dale Brant, Dr. Charles Campbell or Dr. Elizabeth O’Sullivan-Winslow for their cosmetic denistry services.
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