Dental implants — what the price depends on

Preparing for the dental implant procedure

The health of the entire oral cavity is crucial for the success of implantation. Existing dental problems can hinder the correct placement and integration of the implant with the bone, as well as lead to complications and failure of the procedure.

Treatment of caries

Any dental problems such as tooth decay, periodontal disease (e.g. gingivitis) or root infections must be treated before implants are implanted. These conditions can negatively affect the healing and acceptance of the implant by the body. If left untreated, caries can lead to the spread of bacteria and infections at the implantation site, which hinders the healing process and can cause implant rejection. In addition, caries is often indicative of poor oral hygiene, so an effective hygiene routine must be implemented before implantation to ensure a healthy environment for the implant. Curing caries also prevents the need to implant more implants in the future. In general, a healthy oral cavity increases the chances of a permanent and properly functioning implant.

Teeth whitening

Implants are made to order, matched to the color of the patient's natural teeth. If you are planning whitening, it is worth doing it before the procedure so that the implant can be matched to a new, lighter shade of the teeth. After implantation, the color of the implant will not change, even if you later whiten the remaining teeth. Whitening before implantation improves the aesthetics of the smile, providing a uniform effect.

Bone reconstruction

Jaw or mandibular bone reconstruction procedures, called bone augmentation, may be necessary prior to implantation. After tooth loss, the bone surrounding the root disappears due to lack of stimulation, which makes it difficult or impossible to place the implant stably. The implant requires a healthy and strong bone structure to ensure durability and stability. In some cases, bone reconstruction is necessary to create the right conditions for implant implantation.

Raising the bottom of the bay

The sinus lift procedure involves gently lifting the sinus membrane and filling the resulting space with bone material, which increases the amount of bone supporting the implant. This is especially important in the upper jaw, where the bone may be too thin or close to the sinuses. Without this procedure, the implant could penetrate into the sinus, leading to complications such as infections.

Crown material

The crown of the implant, that is, the visible part that imitates a natural tooth, can be made of different materials, which affects its aesthetics, durability and price. The most commonly used are:

• Porcelain — characterized by a natural appearance, well imitates the color and shine of teeth, although it can be prone to cracks under strong pressure.
• Metal-porcelain — combines the strength of metal with the aesthetics of porcelain, although a dark line may appear at the root of the tooth.
• Full ceramic (e.g. zirconium oxide) — offer excellent aesthetics, are durable and suitable for people with metal allergies.
• Precious metals (e.g. gold) — very durable, although less aesthetic, often used in posterior teeth requiring greater chewing force.

Material of implants

The implant screw, embedded in the jaw or lower jaw bone, is usually made of titanium or zirconium oxide.

• Titanium implants are durable, corrosion-resistant, biocompatible and integrate well with bone (osteointegration). They are the most commonly used and usually cheaper.
• Zirconia implants are a more modern alternative, aesthetic thanks to the white color, non-metallic, which is beneficial for people with allergies to metals. They are also biocompatible, but usually more expensive due to the cost of material and production.

Temporary and permanent crown

After the implant is implanted, it takes time for it to integrate into the bone (osseointegration), which lasts from several weeks to months. At this time, a temporary crown made of less durable materials such as acrylic or composite is often used to maintain aesthetics and functionality.

After the implant is stabilized, the temporary crown is replaced with a permanent crown, made of aesthetic and durable materials, which mimics the natural tooth and allows normal eating, speaking and smiling.

Determining the final price of implants

The price of implants is determined after a full dental evaluation and the development of an individual treatment plan. The patient's health status, imaging results (e.g. X-ray, CT scan), type and number of implants, additional procedures needed, materials used to manufacture the implant and crown, and the number of follow-up visits are taken into account. Only then can you determine the detailed cost of the entire treatment.