If you have lost a tooth, or anticipate the need for a tooth extraction, then you are likely a good candidate for dental implants. Dental implants are titanium posts that are surgically secured to the jawbone, providing a steady and stable anchor for artificial replacement teeth. Dental implants are widely considered standard-of-care for tooth loss, creating long-lasting and natural-looking restoration.
As you consider getting dental implants, it is only natural to wonder about the total cost. Several factors affect the total cost of dental implants.
What Factors Go into the Total Cost of Dental Implants?
Consider five of the most significant variables that can impact the total cost of getting dental implants.
- The number of replacements you require. Having a single tooth replaced will cost less than having multiple teeth replaced. Also, the configuration of your mouth may determine whether all replacements can be done in one surgery or whether multiple surgeries are needed. The latter scenario is rare but does come with higher costs.
- The position of the tooth. Both the angle and location of the tooth can impact the cost, as some teeth may require more advanced and complicated dental work to replace.
- The density of your jawbone. If you do not have sufficient jawbone to anchor the implants in place, then you will need to have a bone graft. This surgical procedure helps regenerate bone, making you a more viable candidate for implants, but it can also contribute additional costs.
- The need for extractions. If you have unhealthy teeth that need to come out, you will likely need tooth extractions, which results in a slightly higher cost.
- The overall state of your oral health. If you require treatments for periodontal disease or other conditions, that may also cause the cost of treatment to increase.
Dental Implant Financing
Dental insurance will sometimes cover at least part of your implant placements. In addition, your oral surgeon’s office may offer flexible financing options, allowing you to get the treatment you need and then pay for it over time. Be sure to ask about financing at your initial consultation.
Why Choose Dental Implants?
For most patients, implants are the best way to achieve full restoration of dental form and function. Consider a few of the benefits of getting dental implants over other forms of tooth replacement:
- Once healed, implants will enable you to enjoy all of your favorite foods as normal.
- Implants are the only form of tooth replacement that stimulates the jawbone, protecting against bone loss and unwanted changes to your facial appearance.
- Unlike bridges and dentures, dental implants do not require your healthy adjacent teeth to be shaved or otherwise compromised.
- With proper care, dental implants can potentially last a lifetime, helping you avoid the costs associated with further dental restoration work.
- Dental implants look and behave just like your natural teeth, giving you confidence in your beautiful, healthy smile.
Are There Any Disadvantages to Dental Implants?
Implant placement is a simple procedure that is done with IV sedation or general anesthesia, meaning there is very little physical discomfort involved.
Dental implants also have a high success rate. When placed by a qualified and experienced oral surgeon, implants come with a very low risk of side effects. The risk of side effects is further diminished when you receive a high-quality dental implant. Your oral surgeon can tell you more about the quality of the implants used.
What Types of Implants are Available?
Dental implants fall into two primary categories:
- Endosteal implants are small, screw-like implants attached to the jawbone. This is the most common option.
- Zygomatic implants are anchored to the cheekbone, an option for patients who need upper teeth replaced but have insufficient jawbone to keep endosteal implants in place.
Additionally, your oral surgeon should offer various types of implant placement procedures. Some options include:
- Single implant placement is usually all that is needed to replace a single missing tooth.
- Immediate implants are available for some patients so you can have an implant placed into an empty socket at the same time as the tooth extraction, potentially saving you time and money.
- Full arch restoration involves the restoration of multiple teeth, using a minimal number of strategically placed implants.
How Do Dental Implants Costs Compare to the Cost of Going Without Implants?
The upfront expense associated with dental implants may seem steep, but often, getting dental implants can save you money over time.
. If you get dentures or a dental bridge, you will likely lose bone over time, which may lead to unwanted changes to your facial appearance and also complicate your dental restorations. Addressing these issues may take additional treatments, but dental implants can help you avoid this extra hassle and added expense because they help prevent jawbone reabsorption.
Additionally, dentures require special rinses to keep them clean, and even with the most rigorous standards of care your dentures will need to be replaced every few years. This brings added expenses. Dental implants are designed to last much longer, and with basic brushing and flossing, you can avoid any unnecessary replacement costs.
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