Shopping for Dental Implants in Lakeway? Here’s a Helpful Guide!

You’re thinking about replacing your missing teeth with dental implants in Lakeway, but you don’t know how to shop for them. Furthermore, there are some details that you’re cloudy about: what to look for, the average cost to expect and other bits of information. Thankfully, you’ll get answers to all your questions as you read on!

The Dental Implant Explained

The first step to shopping for dental implants is to understand the different components that are involved in the process. The “star of the show” is the titanium rod that is inserted beneath the gums.

The dental Implant’s function is to act as the root by fusing with the underlying jawbone over a four-to-six-month time span. The durability that comes along with the titanium fixture only takes second to that of your natural roots.

Implant placement can cost from $500 to $10,000. It will depend on how many teeth you have missing and whether you need additional procedures like bone grafts or extractions.

• An Abutment for Greater Security

The abutment, also made from titanium, plays a key role in the success of the replacement process because it acts as an anchor-connector. It is screwed into the implant and makes it possible for a final restoration to be securely fastened.

Typically, you can expect the abutment to cost from $500 to $1,500.

• A Final Restoration for a Beautiful Smile

After the implant and abutment have been placed, the final step is to add either a crown – for one tooth; bridge – for three or more consecutively missing teeth; or a denture – to replace an arch or an entire set of teeth.

The cost can also range from $500 to $1500.

• What to Look for When Shopping for an Implant

When you’re shopping around for the right professional to place your dental implant, here are a few things to take into account:

• An experienced professional – One way to feel secure about having the implant procedure done is to work with a dentist who has years of experience and knows how to make any necessary adjustments.
• Beware of extreme prices – The cost of your procedure should fall within a certain range. Thus, if you’re quoted a price that’s extremely high or seems too low to be true, you should probably go in another direction.
• Make sure the entire process can be done in-office – You can save time and money by working with a practice that can complete the entire implant process under one roof. Furthermore, you won’t have to worry about any lapses in communication that could hinder the success of the procedure.

• Dental Insurance and Implant Placement

When planning for the dental implant process, you should contact your dental insurance company to find out whether your benefits will provide any coverage. Increasingly, insurance companies are becoming more inclusive of dental implant treatment, so it never hurts to inquire.

If you have to pay out-of-pocket, then ask the dentist if he or she accepts CareCredit, which is a low-to-no interest way of financing your dental work.

By reaching out to a dentist in Lakeway to schedule your first visit, you can get on track with replacing your missing teeth so you can lead a happier and more productive life.

About the Author

Dr. Daniel Eaddy earned his dental degree from The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio School of Dentistry. While completing his Advanced Education in General Dentistry residency at the South Texas Veterans Health Care System in San Antonio, he received training in such areas as dental implant surgery and periodontics. Dr. Eaddy restores smiles with dental implants at Eaddy Dentistry, and he can be reached for more information through his website.