Dental Implants

Dental implants are our most sophisticated option for rehabilitating one’s smile. Designed to replace missing teeth or teeth damaged beyond repair, each dental implant can look and function just like a natural tooth. While traditional dentures sometimes involve discomfort, irritation, or slippage along the gums, dental implants are fused to the jawbone and/or maxilla for a permanent solution to missing teeth. With dental implants, our surgical and cosmetic dental team can restore both the look and function of your teeth, often providing a boost in confidence while improving your smile.

• What is a Dental Implant?
• Why Choose Us For Dental Implants?
• Dental Implant Candidates
• Dental Implant Risks
• Dental Implant Types
• Dental Implant Options
• Dental Implant Procedure
• Dental Implant Recovery
• Dental Implant Care
• Dental Implant Lifespan
• Dental Implant Cost
• Additional Dental Implant FAQs

What is a Dental Implant?

Dental implants can replace a single tooth or more. They can be the pillar for a dental bridge or support for a denture. This restorative dentistry technique is frequently used as an alternative to traditional dentures. Dental implants are composed of a titanium post that mimics a tooth’s natural root, as well as a porcelain replacement tooth that is handcrafted to blend seamlessly with or even enhance the rest of your smile. This advanced restorative solution allows you to eat, brush, floss, and rinse almost as if you had never had any dental work done.

Before After

Why Choose Us for Dental Implants?

At our practice, we can provide dental implant rehabilitations that are made from the most advanced materials available, including prosthetics of zirconia and other innovative ceramics. Our zirconia implant-supported crowns, bridges, and dentures offer superior esthetics, durability, biocompatibility, and longevity. In all cases, the dental rehab we provide is customized to suit the unique needs of each patient and fabricated in reputable dental labs that deliver only the finest finished products. The exceptional treatment and results you receive from our surgeon—Dr. Martinez—and the prosthetic team are on par with what you could expect from top cosmetic dentistry practices in the United States, but at a fraction of the price.

Our dentists are highly-trained and accomplished in cosmetic, restorative, and implant dentistry. Dr. Íñiguez is proud to be the only accredited member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD) with a private practice in Mexico, and he has undergone extensive post-graduate coursework in aesthetic techniques. He is also an accredited dentist who has a plethora of experience and worldwide exposure. Our dental implant specialist, Dr. Jorge Martinez, is an experienced dental surgeon with extensive dental implant training from Loma Linda University School of Dentistry in California.

In almost all cases, patients who choose to receive dental implants at our practice in Mexico save a significant amount of money compared to the cost of dental implants in the United States. Dr. Íñiguez and his team offer patients who take advantage of dental tourism in Mexico the same high-quality dental procedures at budget-saving prices. However, our practice emphasizes quality over cost, and we make patient safety and satisfaction our highest priorities. With access to a range of materials, our team is able to offer our patients the best-quality products, treatments, and tools. For example, we use certified zirconia versus low-quality zirconia. This helps ensure that your dental restorations are longer-lasting and more durable. By offering top-quality materials and the expertise of our highly-trained dental professionals, we are able to produce exceptional results for many patients.

Who Is a Candidate for Dental Implants?

Your dental implant consultation begins with an oral exam as well as a review of your medical history. Ideal candidates for dental implants will have adequate jawbone density to support the titanium post and be in good overall health. To determine sufficient bone structure, a 3D x-ray and panoramic x-ray will be needed. Patients of virtually all ages have successfully replaced missing teeth with dental implants.

During your appointment you will be asked questions, such as:

• Do you smoke or vape?
• Are you diabetic?
• Do you take medication for osteoporosis?
• Have you had radiation treatment lately?
• Did you consume aspirin or anticoagulants recently or regularly?
• Do you have periodontal disease?

Once Dr. Martinez determines you are a good candidate for dental implants, we can schedule a day for you to begin the treatment.

What Are the Risks Associated with Dental Implants?

Patient safety is our first priority and any factors that may contribute to complications are reviewed during the consultation. As with any surgery, the placement of dental implants can be associated with some risks, such as infection or implant failure, which are extremely rare if you are a healthy individual with good oral hygiene. Attending follow-up appointments, closely following post-operative instructions, and immediately notifying our office of any problems can dramatically reduce any risks. Dental implant placement is generally a very predictable procedure and the vast majority of patients experience no complications.

What Types of Dental Implants Are Offered?

There are two main types of biocompatible dental implant systems you can choose from:

Standard Titanium Dental Implants

Titanium dental implant systems, which include the implant post and abutment (the piece that attaches the prosthesis to the post), are the standard choice for implant dentistry and have been used successfully since the 1960s. Titanium is a biocompatible material, meaning it does not cause irritation, and has the ability to fuse naturally with the bone tissue through a process called osseointegration. Titanium dental implant systems are designed to be durable, secure, and long-lasting.

Straumann^® Dental Implant System

Straumann^® has created state-of-the-art dental implant titanium alloy models. Benefits can include added strength, faster healing, a less-invasive placement procedure, and various quality guarantees related to specific materials and models.

What Are My Dental Implant Options?

Dental implants can be used to secure several different types of prosthetics to replace either a single missing tooth, multiple adjacent teeth, or a full-arch of teeth:

Single-Tooth Implants

Dental implants that replace a single missing tooth require an implanted post topped with a custom dental crown. It is possible to receive multiple single-tooth dental implants in a row, in areas throughout the mouth, or as individual replacements for an entire arch of missing teeth.

Implant Bridges

When multiple adjacent teeth are missing, two and sometimes three single implant posts can be topped with a custom bridge prosthetic. The bridge prosthetic is comprised of multiple replacement teeth fused together as one piece. We use them for full arches as well for those who want a fixed option instead of dentures. Implant bridges are often a suitable option for individuals who have some bone recession that precludes them from multiple single-tooth implants, or for those who desire a more budget-friendly treatment plan.

Implant Dentures

Implant-supported dentures are full-arch denture prosthetics secured with dental implants. They can provide excellent results, and are often a great choice for those who wish to replace all of their upper and/or lower teeth. Each arch requires two to six implants each, depending on the individual’s unique requirements, priorities, and goals. Implant dentures are often a good option for patients who lack the jawbone density to support a full arch of single-tooth dental implants.

If you are considering dental implants and want to find out which options may be most suitable, we encourage you to contact our office to speak with a knowledgeable member of our team.

What Does the Dental Implants Procedure Entail?

On the day of your procedure—granted you do not need extractions and a bone graft or a sinus lift—the titanium dental implants will be placed in the jawbone. Over the following four to six months, the post should fuse to the jawbone, creating a secure root for the replacement tooth. Once the healing process is complete, you will return to our office, have the porcelain replacement tooth attached to the post, and your restoration will be complete. If you do need a sinus lift or bone graft prior to implant placement, then you must wait between four to eight months to heal and build proper and sufficient bone structure for the implants.

What Can I Expect During My Recovery from Dental Implant Surgery?

The recovery period following a dental implant procedure is often relatively quick with regard to soft tissue healing. The fusing of the implants with the jawbone can take from four to six months, and it is important to take good care of your oral health and follow all of your dentist’s aftercare instructions. Patients often return to work the day of or the day after their initial implant surgery. Sutures from the procedure are typically removed within two weeks. Over-the-counter medication is generally sufficient for addressing any discomfort and pain that may be felt in the first few weeks following your treatment, but Dr. Íñiguez may prescribe an oral medication if your discomfort is more severe or persistent.

How Do I Care for My Dental Implants?

Dental implants require no special maintenance outside of proper daily hygiene (brushing and flossing) and regularly scheduled dental exams and cleanings.

How Long Do Dental Implants Last?

Dental implants are intended to last a lifetime. However, should the permanent crown ever become worn or damaged, it can be replaced. With dental implants, the integrity of your bite and your smile can be restored for natural-looking, beautiful results.

How Much Do Dental Implants Cost?

The cost of your dental implants will vary based on the amount of preparatory treatments required before implantation (tooth extractions, periodontal treatments, bone graft, and or sinus lifts), the number of implants you have placed, and the type of prosthesis (crown, bridge, or overdenture) you receive. To give you an idea of our pricing for dental implants and dental implant-related procedures, please refer to the following estimates:

Implants and Prosthetics – Our Prices vs. U.S. Prices

• A Standard Titanium Dental Implant (implant only) starts at: $750 (U.S. Price = $2500)
• A Straumann^® Dental Implant (implant only) starts at: $1000-1500 (U.S. Price = $3500)
• A Standard Implant Crown (including abutment) starts at: $800-1000 (U.S. Price = $2500)
• A removable Implant Supported Overdenture (for 2 implants): $1500 (U.S. Price = $6500)
• A removable Implant Supported Overdenture (for 3 implants): $2500 (U.S. Price = $8000)

Implant Related Procedures – Our Prices vs. U.S. Prices

• Bone Graft (per unit): $500 (U.S. Price = $950)
• Sinus Lifting starts at: $1500-2500 (U.S. Price = $3500)

How is the Price for Dental Implants Determined?

Each dental implant procedure performed at our practice is customized to meet the needs of the individual patient. Consequently, the exact price of dental implants will vary from case to case. The first step for establishing the cost of your dental implants is a consultation with our dental implant specialist and cosmetic dentist. During this time, our dentists will perform an oral examination, review your medical history, discuss your goals, and determine your candidacy for the procedure. If you are a good candidate for dental implants, Drs. Jorge Martinez and Isaías Íñiguez will collaborate to develop a customized treatment plan and provide a quote for the final price. Common factors that may affect the total cost of your dental implant procedure include:

• Number of dental implants needed
• 3D imaging for jawbone assessment
• Bone grafting treatments required to improve jawbone density and structure
• Location of missing teeth
• Complexity of customized treatment plan
• Quality of the dental materials used to fabricate the restorations (i.e. e.max, zirconia, and porcelain-filled composite)
• Laboratory fees for manufacturing custom implant restorations (i.e. dental crowns, bridges, and dentures)
• Local or general anesthesia services

During your consultation with doctors on staff, they can discuss the details of your proposed treatment plan and explain the exact price. It is important to note that tooth replacement with dental implants at our practice in Mexico typically costs significantly less than it would in the United States. Because Dr. Íñiguez has reached the same level of education, experience, and accreditation as many of the leading restorative and cosmetic dentists in the United States, you do not have to sacrifice quality for a low price. He is the only accredited member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry who has a private practice in Mexico, and he is dedicated to delivering the highest-quality care and results to all of his patients.

Additional Dental Implant FAQs

Can dental implants look natural?

Our goal is always to provide the most natural-looking and functional dental implant restorations. The dental implants we offer can look very natural because each dental prosthesis is custom made according to our specific instructions. We have relationships with exceptional dental labs who create all of our prosthetics with great attention to detail. These labs offer high-quality materials like e.max^® and zirconia, which are both strong ceramic materials that can closely resemble the appearance of natural teeth.

How do dental implants feel?

Once the dental implant process is complete the restoration should feel extremely similar to natural teeth. Daily activities such as eating, drinking, and speaking should also feel very natural. Ultimately, the purpose of dental implants is to produce results that feel essentially indistinguishable from natural teeth in form, function, and appearance.

How many dental implants will I need?

The quantity of dental implants necessary varies based on the unique needs and goals of the patient, including how many teeth are missing, the current level of jawbone density, and the type of restoration desired. A single missing tooth usually requires one dental implant, whereas multiple missing teeth will likely require several strategically placed implants. Those missing a complete arch of teeth and are being treated with an implant-supported denture generally receive at least four dental implants to ensure the denture prosthesis remains secure.

How long is the dental implant procedure?

The length of the implantation procedure varies from person to person depending on several factors, such as their systemic and gum health, how many teeth must be replaced, how many extractions must be performed, if bone grafts will be necessary, how many implants will need to be placed, the type of anesthesia required, and the complexity of the treatment plan. Your dentist will thoroughly explain what to expect during your procedure including the estimated amount of time it may take. Typically, a basic dental implant procedure can be done within one hour, but more extensive procedures will take longer. Once your implants heal, you will return for an appointment to place your final prosthesis.

Is dental implant surgery painful?

With advanced technology and local anesthesia, our patients are usually comfortable during the placement of dental implants. Please speak with Dr. Íñiguez if you experience dentophobia or desire a stronger degree of anesthesia so we can discuss available sedation dentistry options.

How successful are dental implants?

When placed by a trained, skilled dentist using quality materials, dental implants can be a highly successful solution for missing teeth in form, function, and longevity. Success can be further maximized by the patient’s general care of the implants and adjoining prosthesis (if the restoration involves an implant-supported denture) over time with proper oral hygiene, routine check-ups, and avoidance of tobacco products.

Are dental implants covered by my insurance?

As with many elective dental procedures, dental implant surgery is not typically covered by insurance providers. However, we offer special cash discounts and payment plans to help make the cost of treatment more affordable.

What should I eat after dental implant surgery?

For the period immediately following dental implant surgery, patients are typically instructed to temporarily change their diet to avoid any disruptions with their results. While patients will shortly be able to return to their regular diet, it is recommended that they avoid hard foods of any kind for the first few days following implant placement. Transferring to a soft food diet for at least the first 24-72 hours after surgery is ideal to eliminate the chance of solid foods causing discomfort or damage to the newly-placed implant. Recommended foods during this phase include soup, yogurt, scrambled eggs, soft breads and pasta, and applesauce.

Does smoking affect dental implants?

Yes, smoking can be harmful to dental implants in several ways and may even lead to implant failure. Smoking and tobacco use can increase the risk of infection, extend the healing process, aggravate gum disease, and have the potential to cause additional bone loss around the implant. Generally, Dr. Íñiguez recommends that patients stop smoking at least one month before the dental implants are placed and refrain from tobacco use following the procedure with a long-term plan to ensure they continue to avoid the habit going forward.

What are some alternatives to dental implants?

If dental implants are not right for your needs, there are several alternative tooth replacement options. Patients often find success with receiving traditional dentures or dental bridges. All of these options are viable restorative dentistry treatments that can address missing or damaged teeth for improved function and aesthetics. Our team can help determine which option is best for you at your initial consultation.

Are dental implants safe?

Dental implants can be a safe and effective treatment option for those needing to replace damaged or missing teeth. They can provide long-lasting and natural-looking results, and they can be cared for just like your natural teeth. Our skilled dentists have the training and experience necessary to help minimize discomfort and reduce the risk of any potential complications. Once the implant is in place, it is important to maintain good oral hygiene habits and schedule regular dental visits to promote the long-term health of both your mouth and your implant.

Is it safe to get dental implants in Mexico?

Whether an individual is in the United States or Mexico, dental implants should only be placed by a highly experienced and qualified dentist at a reliable, ethical practice that adheres to high standards of sterilization and safety. If a patient does pursue dental care in Mexico, it is important to review and confirm documentation of the dentist’s education and training, credentials and license, experience and previous results, the types of dental technology available, and the quality of materials utilized at the practice. Be mindful of policies for follow-up care, medications provided, warranties, etc. to validate the decision for dental tourism. Dr. Íñiguez is accredited by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD) and our entire team of skilled dentists is happy to help answer any questions you may have. We work closely with patients to ensure a safe, convenient experience crossing the border and while in Mexico for dental care such as dental implant restorations.

If you have more questions about the dental implant procedure, or wish to schedule a consultation, please contact our office today.