Overview of Dental Implants
Dental implants are among of the most common dental procedures performed in Mexico. Dental implants are permanent solutions to replace teeth lost due to trauma, gum disease, tooth decay, and imperfections of the root canal.
Common Dental Implant Types:
1.) Endosteal implants – attached directly to bone to provide an anchor for artificial teeth within jawbone structures.
2.) Subperiosteal implant – a metal framework that fits over the jawbone to help provide anchors for artificial teeth when the bone support structures are damaged or inadequate.
The Materials Used in Dental Implants
Dental implants are strong and durable and can be made of a variety of materials. Your dentist will determine what type of implant to use for your situation. The implants or abutments are usually made from one or a combination of:
The Dental Implant Procedure:
In endosteal implant procedures (the most common dental implant), small holes are drilled into the jaw site where tooth has been lost or removed in order to insert a titanium screw that will hold the dental implant in place. This hole will be slowly and carefully enlarged to allow the implants to be inserted. The implant site is allowed to heal before the new artificial tooth is attached. This may take several weeks to several months, depending on condition of the jawbone structure, age, and general oral health of the candidate.
The best candidates for dental implants include patients who have/are:
- Lost a tooth or teeth due to oral disease or injury
- About to lose teeth
- Wearing dentures
- Individuals with history of chronic diseases are smoking or suffering from alcohol abuse may not be good candidates for implants.
Benefits of dental implants:
- There are no loose parts unlike dentures.
- Implants are comfortable and stable.
- It can last a lifetime.
- They feel and look like normal teeth.
- Ability to chew and bite food again.
- Improves appearance and self-esteem
- Prevents bone resorption or bone loss
Cost of Dental Implants in Mexico
Dental clinics base their pricing on a variety of factors that include supply costs, regional/location averages, laboratory costings, treatment difficulty and the surgeon’s years of experience.
Dental implants can be extremely expensive when performed in the US as it can cost $2,488 for a single implant only. If it was a complete set with crown and abutment, it can cost $4,263. In Mexican cities such as Los Algodones, a single implant can cost you only $700 – $750 while a complete set can cost $1,100. It also comes with a dental implant package that includes the implant to be used, its two year guarantee and the diagnostic consultation. Another city you can visit to avail of an implant is Tijuana where a single implant is priced $900 – $1,000. Meanwhile if it includes a crown and abutment, it can be priced at $1,495 – $1,575.