If you are one of the millions of people in the United States living without one or more natural teeth, there’s a chance you’re already familiar with a few replacement options: dentures and dental bridges. Proven effective and highly reliable among patients and dentists, you may prefer something more stable and long-lasting. If that is the case, dental implants are the way to go, but how much will they cost? Learn what kind of financial investment is required for these prosthetics and which factors your dentist will consider before discussing price.
The Materials Used
Titanium and zirconia are the two most common materials used to create dental implants. The former is most often preferred because it’s biocompatible, which means it fuses well with your bone and surrounding tissues.
However, if you are allergic to titanium or experience increased sensitivity, zirconia can be used to create the implant post. Its biocompatibility and natural-looking aesthetic ensure a blended appearance.
The Number of Implants
During your examination, your dentist will determine how many teeth you are missing. This will help them decide how many dental implants you need to restore and rebuild your smile.
If only a single tooth is missing, you can expect the cost to be much less than if you need an implant bridge or denture. For example, a bridge requires two implant posts, while a denture needs between four and six.
The Type of Restoration
Using the information compiled from previous determinations (number of implants needed), your dentist will then choose which type of restoration your smile needs. It will either be a crown, bridge, or denture.
A single dental crown will cost significantly less than a bridge or denture. However, it’s important to remember that even if you require a more detailed restoration, you will save money in the long run by avoiding frequent replacements, relinements, and adhesives.
The Preliminary Treatments
During your consultation, you will undergo a thorough evaluation – one that is performed by a qualified dentist who can identify whether you are a good candidate for dental implants. While looking at your smile, they will inquire about your overall health and decide if you can immediately move on to oral surgery or if you need additional treatments.
If they recommend restorative services before dental implants, you may require gum disease treatment, bone grafting, a sinus lift, or tooth extraction. These procedures will be factored into your cost estimate, so that you have a comprehensive breakdown of how much your new smile will cost.
Dental Implant Surgery
If your dentist performs your dental implant surgery in-house, this will prevent you from receiving an additional bill; however, if you need a referral, this will be separate from the fees tabulated by your dentist’s office.
Many factors will determine your overall dental implant cost, but the good news is that you can use your insurance to help cover a portion of your treatment (i.e., restoration, consultation, preliminary care, etc.). If you need help to pay additional out-of-pocket fees, you can count on your dentist to explain other ways you can save while you pursue a healthier, more complete smile.
About the Author
Dr. Philip Batson and Dr. Elizabeth Abe are a husband-and-wife team who oversee Columbia Healthy Smiles. Offering dental implants to those with one or more missing teeth, they partner with local specialists who can ensure the placement of each new prosthetic is correct and stable for a firmer, longer-lasting set of teeth. If you want to know how much this type of treatment will cost and whether it’s worth the investment, contact us via the website or by calling (573) 875-7071.