Tooth decay is a disease that can affect people of all ages. Poor hygiene and excessive intake of sugary foods are some factors that contribute to this condition. To deal with this, dental implants, which are artificial tooth roots, are often used to replace damaged teeth. This also helps restore a healthy smile and improve oral health. In Mexico, the average cost of dental implants generally ranges from M$ 650 to M$ 11,280.

Types of dental implants
Depending on the overall condition of the teeth, one can choose from several types of implants.

Single-tooth implants
This is the most common kind of implant. In this procedure, an implant is used to replace a single missing tooth. It generally involves placing a post and a crown. The post is placed within the jawbone using surgical technology. This is a painless procedure, and the post will take about 3 to 4 months to fuse with the bone. Unlike other kinds of tooth restorations, this procedure involves dental health experts replacing an entire missing tooth all the way from root to crown.

As this procedure is extremely flexible and versatile, it is highly recommended for those with a single damaged or lost tooth (or even multiple teeth, in case they are not next to each other).

Implant-supported bridge
For people who have multiple missing teeth next to each other or cavities or damage to teeth next to each other, an implant-supported bridge is a good option. A teeth bridge consists of two crowns on either side of the missing tooth gap (after the decayed teeth have been extracted), with an artificial tooth held by those crowns in between. Unlike single-tooth implants, this process involves an implant-supported bridge with crowns connecting to the dental implants. The key difference here is that the teeth missing in the middle of the gap do not receive a dental implant.

It is an efficient procedure, but the drawback here is that the lack of replacement teeth may lead to loss of bone mass.

Implant-retained denture
This option is ideal for those who have lost all their teeth or have severely damaged teeth. A denture is an artificial arch of teeth that rests on the gum line, giving the appearance of a full set of teeth. One advantage of this is that those who have no healthy teeth can regain the look and function of natural teeth with a denture. On the downside, as the dentures are removable and replaceable, they can slide, drag, subtly click, or fall out. After getting dentures, people are likely to feel uncomfortable while eating and talking for some time.

Before making a denture, health experts will use dental molds to get an accurate figure of the shape of the mouth. Once the shape is taken, the mold will be used to accurately craft a denture for clients. Through multiple iterations and days of usage, the denture’s shape is perfected for daily use for the clients.

Costs associated with dental implants
As specified earlier, the costs of dental implant procedures can vary widely based on the material, size, and procedure.

– A single titanium implant costs between M$ 650 and M$ 1,350
– A zirconium implant costs M$ 1,270
– A mini dental implant costs M$ 400
– Same-day dental implants cost M$ 1,230
– Zygoma implants cost M$ 2,500
– All-on-4 implants cost between M$ 7,080 and M$ 9,710
– All-on-6 implants cost M$ 10,210
– All-on-8 implants cost M$ 11,280
– 3-on-6 implants cost M$ 10,170

If undergoing other procedures, the cost can be higher. For instance, bone grafting can cost M$ 200, and a sinus lift can cost M$ 500, adding to the dental implant cost.  All these numbers are estimates and can change dynamically from one clinic to another. Because of this, it is important to contact the dental health expert to learn the accurate pricing before opting for their services.

Factors to consider while choosing an implant specialist
There are many dental implant specialists and clinics across the country. Choosing the best option boils down to a client’s personal preferences and other factors.

Experience
Qualifications and training are essential factors to consider when choosing any dentist, but what matters more is their years of experience and practice. Experienced dental health experts not only have been in the field longer but also have the necessary knowledge to deal with any scenario that comes their way. So, it’s wise to opt for an experienced professional, even if they charge more, instead of a dentist with less experience.

Full-service availability
Dental implants are lengthy procedures that take several months to complete. Multiple elements are involved in the implant procedure. Some dentists handle mini-procedures, such as tooth x-rays, cleaning, mold forming, installation of posts, and installation of artificial teeth, among others, instead of the entire operation. A full-service dental implant provider can take care of all these mini-procedures. These providers also handle all the tasks from start to finish and charge one fee for the entire process, making it convenient and simple for clients.