Why are more Americans traveling to Costa Rica for inexpensive oral and cosmetic surgeries? If you ask one Washington Post editorial writer, it “just makes sense.”
Would you hop on an airplane to undergo a dental implant procedure in order to save up to $25,000+ if it meant you would receive the same quality of care from US-trained oral surgeons? Most would say, “Absolutely!” Due to the rising cost of health care (especially dentistry) in the United States and Canada, more Americans are seeking surgical procedures overseas.
If you are considering getting dental implants in Costa Rica, this is the guide for you! Read on to learn more.
Table of Contents
Why Should I Get Dental Implants in Costa Rica?
This is the big question. Why should I get dental implants in Costa Rica, when I could easily get dental implants in the United States or Canada?
First off, let’s dispel some myths about having dental procedures performed overseas and why you might consider having dental implant work performed in Costa Rica.
How Much Does a Dental Implant Cost in Costa Rica?
On average, the cost of dental implants in Costa Rica is roughly half that of having the implant performed in the United States. Take, for example, a single-tooth dental implant. In the United States, the average cost of a single-tooth dental implant is around $3,500. Yet, due to the insurance landscape and cost of living, the same dental implant, surgically implanted by a US-trained oral surgeon would only cost around $1,700 in Costa Rica — that’s a considerable cost saving.
Then there is the very popular All-on-4® treatment concept which uses four implants to support a full-arch restoration such as an overdenture. This type of procedure would cost $24,000 if it were performed in the United States. The Costa Rica dental implants price would be more than half that; roughly $10,000. Again, the quality of treatment is the same, but the average cost of dental implants in Costa Rica is much more affordable. The only difference is the location.
Lower Cost Does Not Mean Lower Quality of Care
“You get what you pay for” is a common expression in the United States. When most people see how inexpensive it is to get dental implants in Costa Rica, they mistakenly believe that the implants will be crafted from inferior materials and that the level of care won’t be the same.
In reality, the reason dental implants are much less expensive in Costa Rica comes down to several factors. The cost of living in Costa Rica is considerably lower than compared to the U.S. and Canada. And, most dental clinics in Costa Rica do not accept insurance, effectively cutting out the “middleman.” [Insurance artificially inflates the cost of most procedures.]
According to Implant Denture Statistics, the success rate of dental implants is 95%. The success rate of dental implants in the dental clinics that we recommend in Costa Rica goes from 95% to 97%.
How is Dental Insurance Applied in Costa Rica?
It sounds surprising to many in the United States and Canada, but most dentists and oral surgeons in Costa Rica do not accept dental insurance. But once you do the math it starts to make sense. When you consider that most dental insurance plans only cover roughly $2,000 of dental expenses each year, you can quickly see why most dentists in Costa Rica do not accept insurance.
In the United States, having an All-on-4® procedure performed on both arches would cost somewhere around $50,000. After that $2,000 in dental coverage is exhausted, you will still pay around $48,000.
In Costa Rica, having that same procedure performed would lead to $25,000 in out-of-pocket expenses. So, even if you do hold dental insurance, you will still save roughly $23,000 by having the procedure performed in Costa Rica.
So, if you’re searching for dental insurance that covers implants, your best bet would be to examine the coverage and the out-of-pocket costs before making any treatment decision.
Why Costa Rica for Dental Implants?
So, why go to Costa Rica for dental implants? The primary reason is the cost savings. Most dental implant procedures cost half of what you would expect to pay in the United States and Canada. By working with Care Overseas, you can also be assured that you will be receiving the same quality of care, clean room standards, and name-brand implants that you would receive in North America.
There is also one major reason patients flock to Costa Rica for treatments (even if funds are not an issue); Costa Rica is a tropical paradise. With 300 beaches spread out over 800 miles of shoreline, visitors can take in sweeping views of the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean, where humpback whales and sea turtles are a common sight. The country is also famous for its brilliantly colored scarlet macaws that grace the numerous almond trees.
If you love fresh food, you’ll also love Costa Rican cuisine. Most meals are prepared with absolutely freshest ingredients. Be sure to try the Gallo Pinto, which many consider the national dish!
In summary, if you love saving money, getting great dental work, and traveling, it just makes sense to go to Costa Rica for dental implants.
What is it Like Getting Dental Implants in San Jose, Costa Rica?
At Care Overseas, one of the questions we receive most often is what it’s like to get dental implants in San Jose, Costa Rica.
The Safest City in Central America
For starters, San Jose is the safest city in Central America. Due to the high number of English-speaking visitors, the city also has special policía turística (”tourist police”), of which a vast majority speak English. These
“tourist police” are a common sight in Costa Rica. You will usually see them working in pairs, either on foot, on bicycles, or even sometimes on horseback!
It’s a Tropical Paradise, Too!
Being in Costa Rica, San Jose is a tropical paradise. With an average annual temperature of 76°F, Costa Rica is never too hot, nor too cold. This means you can expect to enjoy the beaches and many outdoor activities at any time throughout the year.
Can You Get Implants the Same Day as Your Visit?
Yes! You can absolutely have any remaining teeth extracted and have implants on the same day as your visit. These are referred to as “immediate function” dental implants. Typically, what happens is the dentist schedules any extractions (if necessary) on the same day as your immediate function implants (such as All-on-4). This also cuts down on expenses related to anesthesia, conscious sedation, as well as the standard office visit fee.
If you are only having one implant performed, you will leave with a temporary crown until the final restoration is ready and the implant site has had time to heal. For full-mouth restorations, a temporary bridge will be worn until the implant sites are healed and the final zirconia or ceramic bridge arrives from the laboratory. In most instances, the temporary crown or bridge is worn for six months, at which point you will return for the final restoration or have this last non-surgical step completed in your home country.
What is the Best Costa Rica Dental Implant?
Is there such a thing as the “best Costa Rica dental implant?” Here’s the straight answer: The term “best” is a qualifier and there is no medical basis to determine what is the “best” in terms of quality of care. What matters most is what is best for you, the patient. That being said, Care Overseas aligns prospective patients with United States-trained doctors practicing in Costa Rica. The implant surgeons we recommend have all been vetted to deliver the same quality of care you can expect to receive in the United States. Some aspects that go into our determination of the quality of care include:
- The practitioner’s level of experience and training
- Cleanroom standards as described by the ISO
- Practitioner received training/certification in the United States
While there may not be a thing such as a “best Costa Rica dental implant,” since that is a subjective expectation based on each individual patient’s needs, Care Overseas can ensure a quality of care that is on par with that in the United States. (Plus, there is the benefit of receiving treatment in a tropical paradise at a 40-70% discount!)
What is a Dental Implant Warranty?
It might sound odd to think of dental implants as having warranties, but even at the discounted rates in Costa Rica, dental implants are still an investment. One thing to consider when browsing periodontal restorations is the dental implant warranty. Most dental implant manufacturers (Nobel Biocare, Straumann, Biohorizons, etc.) offer a lifetime warranty if the restoration is completed using their own parts, including the screw, implant, and abutment. If parts are mixed and matched, you can typically expect to receive a 5-to-10-year warranty on the implant. That being said, component failures of dental implants are very rare — after all, most of these parts are crafted from high-grade titanium.
Is Costa Rica the Best Country for Dental Implants?
Beyond the tourism aspect, patients and practitioners have often stated that, after the United States, Costa Rica is the best country for dental implants. This makes sense since quite a few of the dental implant surgeons practicing in Costa Rica received their training in the United States.
Care Overseas aims to be your Costa Rica dental guide. We will help you overcome any language barriers having to do with lodging, transportation, booking, and other accommodations since we complete all of these tasks on your behalf. Plus, we can recommend only the practices that have been verified by our unique vetting procedure.
How Do Dental Implants in Mexico Compare to Costa Rica?
Sometimes we will have a potential client that will ask about getting dental implants in Mexico instead of Costa Rica. While dental implants are similarly less expensive in Mexico, there is a multitude of other factors that make it less than an ideal place to have this type of procedure performed.
For one, crime is a major consideration. According to the CIA World Factbook, the crime rate in Mexico is 44% higher compared to Costa Rica. But, it’s not just the crime rate, it’s how violent crime has become in Mexico. Kidnapping-for-ransom schemes led by cartels are a major concern (especially in metropolitan and tourist areas). In both countries, you may have a little bit of an issue if you have limited Spanish skills, though fortunately over 10% are fluent in Spanish in both countries.
When you consider the benefits of dental implants, choosing between the two countries shouldn’t be a barrier to having this life-changing procedure performed. And, the dental implant cost in Mexico is quite comparable to those in Costa Rica.
7 Steps of a Dental Implant Procedure in Costa Rica
One of the top questions we receive at Care Overseas is about the dental implant procedure in Costa Rica. It seems like a confusing process, but once we break it down by each step then it all starts to make sense.
#1. Comprehensive dental evaluation
Before you hop on a plane and have dental implant surgery performed you will need a thorough evaluation. This should include an evaluation, as well as X-rays and possibly molds created of your existing teeth. In some instances, CT scans may be performed to gain greater insights into the health of your jawbone. If the dentist determines that you are a candidate for dental implants, you can then discuss how to coordinate your treatment plan with a dentist, periodontist, and/or maxillofacial surgeon in Costa Rica. If you decide to use the services of Care Overseas, we can help you coordinate everything!
#2. Extractions and bone grafting
Depending on the amount of edentulism (bone loss) and the density of the jawbone, additional steps may be required before the jawbone can be prepped for a dental implant. If teeth are being extracted, it’s generally recommended that implants be placed on the same visit, or within two weeks of the extraction. Therefore, if you plan on having implants placed in Costa Rica, you should also consider having the extractions performed during the same visit.
#3. Grafting (when necessary)
If there is not enough healthy bone material to support an implant, then a bone graft will be recommended. There are a number of grafting options available, and your dentist will discuss these with you.
#4. Surgery and placement of implant and healing abutment
Depending on what type of implant surgery you elect, you may have to return to Costa Rica for your final restoration(s) to be completed. With most types of dental implants, implant surgery is performed to insert the implant, then a healing abutment is placed. This allows the jawbone and gums to heal so they can provide primary stability for the crown, bridge, or full arch.
With immediate loading (immediate function) implants, the final restoration can be added within 48 hours so long as the implant achieves primary stabilization. This is most commonly performed on single-tooth restorations in healthy jawbones and is usually reserved for only incisor implants in the esthetic zone (the most visible teeth when you smile).
#5. The “wait and heal” process.
It may take anywhere from 60 to 90 days for your jawbone to heal and osseointegration to become complete. During the healing process, you will wear a temporary restoration. This restoration can be either a crown, bridge, or restoration, but the purpose is to give your smile a realistic appearance until you are ready for the final restoration.
#6. Placement of the final restoration.
After several months the healing process should be complete. At this time the healing abutment will be removed and the final abutment and restoration (whether crown or bridge) are then set in place.
The last step? Love your new smile, of course!
What is a Dental Implant?
A dental implant is essentially an artificial tooth root that is surgically implanted into the jawbone. This implant can then be used to secure a crown, or multiple implants can be used to secure a full arch bridge.
Even though the term “dental implant” implant has become synonymous with the whole restoration, there are actually several different components to a dental implant. The most basic dental implant has a screw (the part that is surgically inserted into the jawbone), the abutment that tops the screw, and finally, the crown.
Currently, dental implants are the most lifelike replacement to natural teeth in terms of function, feeling, and appearance. The point of a dental implant is to give the restoration the same strength and stability that you would expect from a natural tooth.
Since your teeth shift a little each day, replacing missing teeth with dental implants helps to keep your remaining natural teeth from shifting out of place, which can lead to a cascade of oral health problems down the road (especially additional tooth loss).
Types of Dental Implants
Up until 20 years ago, there were basically two types of dental implants: endosteal and subperiosteal. Today, virtually all dental implant procedures are endosteal (in the bone) dental implants. Also, there is another option beyond titanium: zirconia. Read on to learn more about the types of dental implants available.
Immediate Function Implants
Sometimes referred to as “immediate load” implants, immediate function implants allow a temporary crown or bridge to be placed the same day as the implant procedure. Immediate function implants are usually reserved for patients with healthy jawbone density that can support immediate function without compromising the implant.
Mini dental implants (MDIs)
Mini dental implants are narrower than standard implants, usually with a diameter less than 3.5mm. MDIs are often used for single-tooth implants where space between tooth roots is limited, but they can also be used in situations where there is inadequate bone density to support a standard-sized implant.
Wide-platform implants
Wide-platform dental implants serve several purposes. Most commonly they are used to replace the root of a single molar or to elevate the sinus floor in indications with compromised bone.
Subperiosteal implants
These implants are placed under the gums, but not into the bones — were sometimes used with patients with reduced bone density. Now they are rarely used since the long-term results were often less than desirable, and the advancements in bone grafting and implant technology essentially obsolete subperiosteal implants.
Zirconia implants
Zirconia implants have now been on the market for over 10 years. More practitioners are beginning to use zirconia implants as they demonstrate similar stability and osseointegration properties as titanium implants — features important to those who are titanium or are just searching for a more esthetically pleasing option. Also, zirconia is known to accumulate fewer biofilms and plaques, substances that can cause infections and implant failure. Dental implants are not for everyone, but if esthetics and other concerns are important, you may want to discuss zirconia implants with your dentist.
But which dental implant is right for you? According to the article “Interventions for replacing missing teeth: different types of dental implants” in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, the right implant is often the one recommended to you by the oral surgeon. After reviewing 1300 types of dental implants, the authors found that a vast majority had the same long-term success rate.
What are Mini Dental Implants?
Are you aware that dental implants actually come in a variety of sizes? Mini dental implants (sometimes referred to as narrow diameter dental implants), are usually those that are less than 3.5 millimeters in diameter. The reason a practitioner may recommend mini dental implants is due to the limited space where the implant should be placed.
This kind of treatment is very common for narrow spaces, typically between two existing teeth for single-tooth implants or to replace a lateral or central incisor. But these can also be used in instances where there is a shortage of viable bone tissue. Despite being small, mini dental implants have a material strength, meaning you likely won’t have to worry about what foods you eat with a mini-implant in place.
They Preserve More Bone, Too!
Additionally, since less bone material needs to be drilled to place the mini dental implant, more of your natural bone material can be preserved. Having healthy bone tissue is an essential part of the osseointegration process.
What are Endosseous Dental Implants?
When you hear a discussion of dental implant implants, what most are referring to are endosseous dental implants. These are dental implants that are surgically implanted into the jawbone. There is a certain type of implant that can be placed below the gums and on top of the bone, but these are far from ideal.
Although the information is largely designed to guide professionals, the FDA website offers a host of information on endosseous dental implants.
Dental Implants: Materials and Options
When it comes to dental implants, materials do play a significant role in the treatment’s effectiveness and longevity.
Since dental implants were first introduced in the 1960s, it’s become well established that the materials, textures, and surface chemistries of implants play pivotal roles in the success of an implant.
In “A Critical Review of Dental Implant Materials with an Emphasis on Titanium versus Zirconia” by the scientific journal Materials (Basel), they noted the following:
“An ideal implant material should be biocompatible, with adequate toughness, strength, corrosion, wear, and fracture resistance.” While titanium dental implants have a longer clinical history and exceptional biocompatibility in terms of osseointegration, zirconia is also a promising dental implant material.
What About Zirconia Implants?
Since zirconia is more brittle than titanium it may not be an ideal implant material for molar regions. Although, zirconia does have properties that offer better biocompatibility with soft-tissue integration such as the gingiva and mucosa. Zirconia also demonstrates superior bacterial inhibition when used in abutments, as noted in the Dental Material Journal. Protecting the implant zone from bacteria is crucial to the survival rate of implants.
Dental Implant Placement & Surgery
Dental implant placement and surgery has two components; for one, the surgery must make sense biologically, and the aim of implant surgery should be to restore function. The British Dental Journal article “Surgical guidelines for dental implant placement” makes several additional points surrounding placement and surgery. Before a dental implant is even considered, an examination and diagnosis should be performed.
Before you travel to Costa Rica for implant surgery, you should have an examination performed to determine if a dental implant is in your best interest. Your family dentist can even help develop a treatment plan that can be finalized once you arrive in Costa Rica.
If the osseous ridge of the jawbone is found to have insufficient material (or is in a poor state of health), your dentist may recommend undergoing rehabilitative procedures such as a bone graft prior to the placement of the implant.
How Does Dental Implant Osseointegration Work?
Dental implant osseointegration is the process of a foreign material fusing with bone. In terms of dental implants, pure titanium and titanium alloys are the most common types of implants in use today. Titanium and bone share an ionic interaction that encourages new bone growth around the implant site, which also helps the site of the implant to become stronger and healthier over time. The latest titanium implant posts go beyond the materials used; they also have microporous structures, unique textures, and surface coatings that encourage faster healing and new bone growth.
There are several methods that can help improve osseointegration. One is by way of using regenerative graft materials to restore bone density in areas where implants are to be placed. Bone regeneration can also be encouraged through the use of CaP (calcium phosphorus), Bioglass (BG), Collagen I, growth factors, medications, as well as various implant and abutment surface chemistries.
If bone density or bone quality is an issue in the maxillary (upper) jawbone, a zygomatic implant can be placed. This type of implant can be used in conjunction with the All-on-4® treatment concept to provide full-arch rehabilitation.
The Process of Getting a Dental Implant
A dental implant can be used to replace one or several missing teeth, restoring the occlusion (“bite) and appearance of your mouth. A missing tooth can cause neighboring teeth to drift out of place, as well as cause the jawbone to lose mass, a process known as “resorption.”
Dental implant surgery replaces the root area of the tooth with metal, screw-like posts. These posts are installed into the jawbone, where they provide a strong base for an artificial tooth, known as a crown. This surgery can be performed in several steps depending upon the kind of implant you’re getting and the health of your jawbone.
Dental Implants Improve Quality of Life
Do dental implants improve quality of life? When you wear dentures, certain words can be difficult to pronounce. You may lose some sense of self-confidence due to the fact that your teeth may look artificial. There’s also the issue of food options; with dentures, tough, chewy foods like steak are completely out of the question.
A study titled Comparing the Quality of Life of Patients Requesting Dental Implants Before and After Implant actually looked into how patients’ quality of life improved after dental implant surgery. To dental implant surgeons, the results were not quite shocking, but someone new to the concept may be surprised at how profound of an impact dental implants can have on your life. Some of the key life improvements noted by the Open Dental Journal include improvements with:
- Speech clarity
- Oral health
- Physical activity
- Sexual intimacy
- Self-confidence
- Diet
- … and others
According to the study authors Naser Sargozaie, Amir Moeintaghavi and Hamid Shojaie, the one area in which quality of life saw no noticeable improvement was in the quality of sleep. It turns out dentures, teeth, or implants have little influence on the quality of sleep. But, for all those other factors mentioned in the study, dental implants can profoundly impact the quality of life in key areas.
Dental Implants and Orthodontics: Can They Coexist?
In some instances, a patient may need both dental implants and orthodontic treatments in order to complete and straighten an arch. A treatment involving both dental implants and orthodontics may require several dental specialists working together.
Patients who are partially edentulous — that is, missing several or most of their natural teeth — often have their remaining teeth drift out of place, which can complicate treatments. One potential issue that may arise during treatment planning may be a lack of anchoring points.
The second issue is whether to use the dental implants as anchor points in orthodontic treatment, a scenario that usually requires multiple disciplines and clinicians working together on a single treatment plan. Having both dental implants and orthodontics procedures performed together is difficult, but not impossible.
What About Dental Implants in Patients with Bruxism?
Sometimes when people are in a light stage of sleep, they grind their teeth together in a condition known as bruxism. Bruxism not only reduces the quality of sleep, but can wear away tooth enamel, lead to temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ), and cause the teeth to shift out of place over time. Placing dental implants in patients with bruxism presents a unique challenge and many clinicians recommend against placing dental implants in patients with bruxism.
In a 2006 Journal of Oral Rehabilitation publication titled “Dental implants in patients with bruxing habits,” the authors, F. Lobbezoo, J.E.I. Brouwers, M.S. Cune, and M. Naeije state that bruxism can lead to biological and biomechanical complications which can reduce the success rate. The authors cite several studies which show a 15% reduction in the success rate among patients with bruxism. What’s the reason for this difference in the success rate? Immediate function dental implants are designed for vertical force, not the lateral force that is common among bruxists.
According to one study in the International Journal of Oral & Maxillofacial Implants, preliminary evidence suggests that wearing a protective nightguard can reduce the potential for implant failure due to teeth grinding, but it cannot eliminate it completely.
All-on-4 Dental Implants: The Many Benefits
All-on-4 dental implants have become the go-to implant style for those who are conscious of cost, function, and appearance.
When you are looking to replace a full arch of teeth, All-on-4 dental implants may be an ideal option. With this option, a full implant overdenture is supported by four, five, or six posts, all depending on how healthy the jaw is and where the implant posts can be placed.
Like single-tooth implants, All-on-4® dental implants are surgically embedded into the jawbone. This means that everyday tasks most of us take for granted, such as eating and drinking, feel totally natural.
With All-on-4® dental implants, it’s possible to restore complete function to your bite — and do so quickly.
More youthful appearance
Having a complete set of teeth also restores some volume to the lower half of your face. This means there are cosmetic benefits to dental implants even when you are not smiling!
Enjoy your favorite foods
With a full-arch rehabilitation such as All-on-4, you can finally enjoy the hard, sticky, and chewy foods you’ve been missing out on.
Boost your confidence
Undergoing a full-arch rehabilitation is one of the most confidence-boosting events a patient can undergo. You will rediscover the feeling of smiling, kissing, speaking, and laughing with total confidence.
How Much Do All-on-4 Dental Implants Cost in Costa Rica?
With the All-on-4® treatment concept, one of the top questions patients have is how affordable this dental implant can be. The good news is All-on-4 dental implants cost roughly half of what you would expect to pay in the United States. So, an “all on 8” procedure (implants in both arches) that would normally cost around $50,000 would only cost $25,000 when performed in Costa Rica.
What About All-on-4 Dental Implants Recovery Time?
It’s amazing to think that only a few decades ago, the process of having traditional dentures placed could take anywhere from 8 to 12 months — and that was only for healing and recovery! With All-on-4, patients can resume their normal routines in as little as 2 or 3 days. The most common complaint after undergoing any type of dental implant procedure is a headache, which will generally last the first several days following the procedure.
Your doctor will provide you with a list of things you should do and should not do the days following your procedure. Your general recommendations may include:
- Use of a medicated rinse
- Brush only with a soft toothbrush
- Do not smoke or “vape” during the healing process. Even tobacco-less vaping products can cause a buildup of bacteria around the healing sites, which can complicate the healing process.
During the first 90 days following your treatment, the doctor will likely recommend that you stick to a diet of soft foods and liquids. Minimizing the amount of pressure on the healing sites helps the osteointegration process (bone fusing to titanium implants). Also, you will most likely be fitted with a temporary bridge while your jawbone and gums heal. Temporary bridges are not designed for hard and “chewy” foods.
How to Clean All-on-4 Dental Implants
While you can’t clean the implant yourself since it is fully encapsulated in the bone and the mucosa/gingiva, there will still be a care routine you will need to follow to maintain your implants and oral health.
Yes, you will still have to floss! Even though the crowns do not have the enamel, dentin, and pulp of natural teeth, flossing is still important in controlling oral bacteria. There are specialized flosses made specifically for dental implants. One section of it has what is called the “threading portion,” which is a firmer plastic. Then there is a spongier section that actually does the actual mechanical cleaning around the gums. Finally, there is a section that contains regular floss. Don’t forget the last of the teeth!
What about Water Flossers?
Most dentists recommend water flossers for natural teeth, so wouldn’t the same recommendation apply to All-on-4 dental implants? Not exactly. The reason is that water picks (flossers) tend to be overly aggressive. Instead of eliminating bacteria from around the abutment areas, you may risk pushing bacteria around the abutment collar and down into the implant site. If you do choose to use a Waterpik, then be sure to make sure you use a combination of half water, half chlorhexidine (Corsodyl(R) mouthwash. Keep the water flossing unit at its lowest setting.
If there is a build-up of bacteria around the implant, your dentist or periodontist will likely have a tool such as GalvoSurge which can jet ionized water around the implant in order to remove the bacteria.
Warning Signs
If you notice pus or a foul taste around the implants, you should have this checked out by your dentist. This could signal an infection that could compromise your dental implant.
Full-Mouth Dental Implants
You’ve likely heard of dentures, bridges, and even dental implants, but you may not be familiar with the concept of full-mouth dental implants. What periodontists mean by full-mouth dental implants is that all of the natural teeth are replaced in the upper and lower arches.
The cost of full-mouth dental implants largely depends upon where the procedure is taking place geographically, the materials used, and the level of specialization by the practitioner.
Typically, when a full arch of teeth is replaced, an implant-supported bridge or “overdenture” will be used. An overdenture can be supported by either 4, 5, 6, or more dental implants.
There are a number of advantages of full dental implants over conventional dentures, including:
- Greater stability
- More food options
- Better digestion
- Reduced risk of jawbone resorption
- Longevity
- Improved esthetics
- Maintain fullness of facial features
They’re Comfortable, Too!
Also, we cannot discount how comfortable dental implant-supported dentures are over traditional dentures. With dental implants, you won’t have to suffer from a poor fit, which can change slightly from day to day. Nor will you have to deal with painful ulcers on the gums.
Most types of overdentures have built-in studs that are used to attach the denture or bridge to the implants’ abutments.
Dental Implants: Before & After
Tooth loss can drastically reduce the quality of life. This is why many dental implant companies are allowed to advertise that their products are life-changing — because going from full tooth loss to a full set of dental implants is truly a life-changing experience. Before and after photos of dental implants just tell one part.
In a study by the Open Dentistry Journal titled “Comparing the Quality of Life of Patients Requesting Dental Implants Before and After Implant” they noted the most common issue of edentulism (tooth loss) is the inability to eat properly and speak clearly. But tooth loss also makes patients less confident about smiling and laughing, which harms their social life and self-confidence. In this article, the team concluded that the only metric in which dental implants did not improve quality of life was sleep and rest. While dental implants did not detract from these activities, they also had no noticeable positive effect.