Everything you wanted to ask about implants — answered.
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Frequently Asked Questions
The clinical, financial, and logistical questions that drive most dental implant decisions in the Sacramento and greater California market.
Why most $1,999 vs $4,500 single-tooth implant comparisons collapse on examination
The most common question we receive is some variation of: 'How can your $1,999 single-tooth implant be one-third the price of what my dentist quoted me?' The answer is structural, not magical. The wholesale cost of the three implant components is well-understood: the titanium fixture (Neodent or Straumann) costs the practice $300–$650, the custom CAD/CAM abutment $200–$400, the monolithic zirconia or porcelain crown $250–$500 from the dental lab. Add CBCT-scan amortization, surgical staff time, sterilization, and overhead, and the actual marginal cost of a single-tooth implant runs $900–$1,400. Private practices price implants at $4,200–$6,800 to support overhead structures designed around lower case volume; corporate chains charge similar amounts to support ad spend and commissioned-sales infrastructure. Our $1,999 pricing reflects bundled, transparent line items at higher case volume — the same Neodent or Straumann fixture, the same CAD/CAM workflow, the same surgical protocol, just without the per-line-item markup.
The clinical questions that determine candidacy that most consults skip
Several clinical factors meaningfully affect implant candidacy that consults rarely cover in detail until after a treatment plan is signed. (1) Smoking history: active smokers have implant failure rates approximately 2x the non-smoker baseline, with risk concentrated in the first 12 months post-placement; documented cessation 4 weeks pre-surgery through 12 weeks post-surgery substantially mitigates this. (2) Uncontrolled diabetes (HbA1c above 7.5%): impairs osseointegration and elevates peri-implantitis risk; well-controlled diabetes (HbA1c under 7%) does not. (3) Bisphosphonate therapy (Fosamax, Boniva, Actonel, Reclast) for osteoporosis: oral bisphosphonates carry low MRONJ risk for routine implant placement; IV bisphosphonates carry higher risk and require careful evaluation. (4) Prior head/neck radiation therapy: radiation-induced microvascular damage in the irradiated field complicates osseointegration; CBCT review plus referral coordination with the oncology team is standard. (5) Bruxism: untreated parafunctional activity produces overload failure post-restoration; nightguard therapy is mandatory.
What to bring to your free CBCT consult to make the appointment efficient
The free 3D CBCT scan and consultation at our offices runs approximately 45–60 minutes and produces a complete written treatment plan with all costs itemized before you leave. Several items make the appointment substantially more efficient. (1) Prior CBCT scans or panoramic X-rays from previous dental work — if available, bring them on a USB drive or email them in advance so Dr. Sunny can review them alongside the new CBCT. (2) Current medication list including dosages, particularly bisphosphonates, anticoagulants, immunosuppressants, and SSRIs (sertraline and similar carry a modest implant-failure association). (3) Dental insurance card and a copy of your plan benefits summary if available — our front desk verifies benefits in advance, but having the summary on hand resolves any ambiguity about implant coverage and annual maximums. (4) Photos of your smile from multiple angles, particularly of the area concerned — useful for matching crown shade and discussing aesthetic goals. (5) A written list of questions; most patients forget half of what they meant to ask once the consult is underway.
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