- Are you tired of wearing wobbly, loose dentures?
- Or is it time to transition to dentures?
- Do you have one or more missing teeth you’d like replaced?
If so, you need to consider dental implants.
Modern dental implants are strong, safe, and can last a lifetime in patients who practice good oral health. In today’s blog, you’ll learn answers to the most commonly asked questions about implants. If you have other questions or want to schedule a one-on-one consultation with Dr. Gary Horblitt, a respected Fairfield prosthodontist and dentist, give us a call at (203) 335-1011 now.
How much do dental implants cost, will insurance cover them, and do you offer financing options?
Hey, that’s three questions in one! Let’s answer all three.
The price of a dental implant procedure has many factors. For instance, will you need bone grafting or periodontal therapy prior to implant placement? Another issue is how many implants you need. Generally, implants range from $3000 to $8000, necessary abutments can cost $300 to $700, and the final restoration–crown, bridge, or denture–can range from $800 to $3000.
Dental insurance may cover part of the cost of your implant procedure, but implants may be considered cosmetic by your carrier. Cosmetic dentistry is not covered by insurance. If you are owed any reimbursement from your insurance provider, we will file your claims as a courtesy.
Financing options are available, and we believe everyone who needs dental implants should be able to afford them. We work with CareCredit and Lending Club patient financing institutions. Both offer 0% financing for qualified applicants and long-term options for lower monthly payments.
Is Dr. Horblitt experienced in dental implant procedures and restorations?
Yes! In fact, Dr. Horblitt is a prosthodontist, so he specializes in teeth replacement solutions. He has been in practice since 1984, so in addition to acquiring vast experience, he has seen the evolution of prosthodontic dentistry throughout his career.
Dr. Horblitt’s expertise includes:
- Section Chief of Prosthetic Dentistry at Yale-New Haven Hospital
- Teacher, writer, and presenter of clinical implant dentistry to residents, peers, and lab technicians
- Trained with Dr. Branemark, a Swedish pioneer of implant dentistry
- Performed the first upper and lower dental implant restoration in Connecticut
Am I a good candidate for dental implants?
Every case is a bit different, and you won’t know for certain whether you’re qualified for dental implants until you undergo an examination with Dr. Horblitt. However, these factors play a role in that determination:
Overall health condition – Diabetics, smokers, and patients who have undergone radiation for cancer treatment, who have specific autoimmune disorders, or those who take certain corticosteroids, antidepressants, or bisphosphonates may not be eligible for dental implants. Those with good overall health tend to make the best candidates.
Jawbone density – Patients who have gone without tooth replacement for a long time, denture wearers, and those who have gum disease may not have sufficient jawbone density to support implant posts. In some cases, bone grafting can improve a patient’s bone density and help them qualify for dental implants.
Assessment results – Patients who smoke, drink a significant amount of alcohol, or do not practice good oral hygiene habits may not make good candidates for dental implants because these factors inhibit the ability to heal. Also, those who clench and grind their teeth (a condition called bruxism) may get implants, only to see them fail early. Bruxism can be treated with a nightguard, increasing the patient’s eligibility.
Age – While there is no upper age limit for dental implants, as we get older our bodies do not heal as quickly. This is a consideration for any patient over 70 years of age. On the flip side, we must wait until a patient’s jawbones have fully developed prior to placing implants. The earliest age for dental implants is late teen years.
Pregnancy – It’s best to wait until after your baby is born to undergo a dental implant procedure.
Let’s Talk About Your Dental Implant Case
A thorough oral health evaluation, health history, medications list, and discussion of lifestyle risk factors will help Dr. Horblitt decide if dental implants are a good solution for your oral health. Implants have a 98% success rate, and with good oral health practices they can last for the rest of your life! To discuss your concerns and questions, reserve a consultation with Dr. Horblitt in our Fairfield, CT dental office by calling (203) 335-1011. Your smile means the world to us!
