Dental implants are among the many options when it comes to tooth replacement solutions. They offer perhaps the best advantage in that they are as close as you can come to gaining your natural tooth back. Unlike traditional dentures, they can last decades of use and require adhesives or sticky glues to stay in place. They even preserve the natural shape of your face!
But what is the true cost of dental implants?
More and more people are choosing dental implants due to their incredible advantages. They are popular for all the reasons that are listed above and more. In this article, we will explore the cost of various implant options and the reasons behind those numbers.
What is the cost of a full mouth of implants?
Generally, a full mouth of dental implants will often require four implants per arch, four on top and four on the bottom. The anchor points are where the denture is placed. Together, the implants hold the denture securely in place and naturally against the gums.
The final cost of dental implants will often have to factor in such things as location, how many dental implants are required and what materials are used in the implant and what, if anything, your dentist may need to do before the surgery. They may need to remove a decayed tooth, take molds, or do other preliminary exams.
You are also paying for the dentist’s expertise. You want to make sure that your dentist is fully versed in the implant surgery, or can refer you to a skilled oral surgeon. Your oral health impacts the rest of your health and your ability to live a full and engaged life. Getting your mouth fully replaced with a new set of teeth can open the door to a lifetime of greater health. You will be able to enjoy the foods you once loved to eat and be able to speak with clarity and ease, all while having a fantastic smile.
The cost of more than one implant can often range from $3,000 to $30,000 and if you opt for the best of all the available options for materials and service it can increase to as much as $90,000.
What is the cost of a dental implant for one tooth?
To get a single implant, you can expect to spend anywhere between $1,500 to $6,000. This cost includes the cost of office visits, any x-rays or anesthesia that would be needed, and any other associated costs. Just like getting a mouth full of implants, the cost is directly related to where you get the surgery, the materials that are used, and any prior treatments that your dentist may require.
This may seem like a big investment, but remember that you are investing in your future health and in your livelihood. If you can eat good, healthful goods, and be able to speak with ease, it can directly impact your health and your ability to live a full life. If you are missing a tooth, you can not only impact your health by not being able to chew good food, but it can also change your appearance as well.
The jawbone will recede when there is a missing tooth. An implant acts like a natural tooth and is anchored directly into the jaw. This encourages the bone to continue to grow in and around the root of the implant. Without the implant, your face shape will change over time.
Does insurance pay for a dental implant?
Insurance can be expected to cover at least a portion of the dental implant if they are being used for a medical need. If they determine that it is for cosmetic reasons then many insurance companies will not cover the cost of dental implants.
Be sure to check with your dental insurance company to see what they will actually cover and what you would expect to pay for the surgery, consultation visits and other aspects of the treatment. Sometimes, insurance will pay for portions of these, such as the dentist’s visits.
Call your insurance company as soon as you can so you can see how much money you would be saving. Some Medicare Advantage plans may include dental implants, so it is very important to be completely clear on your coverage.
Why are dental implants so costly?
Dental implants tend to be costly because they are not just a single procedure, like getting a filling. The procedure requires seeing a dentist or an oral surgeon multiple times in order to check on your progress and provide consultations.
This is a basic outline of what you can expect to do if you are getting a dental implant:
- Initial Consultation. During your initial consultation, the dentist will examine your mouth, take x-rays, and give you a diagnosis of the condition of your teeth, gums, and jawbone. This is an important step to determine if you are a good candidate for implants. If you elect to proceed with eh implant then the dentist will take a mold of your mouth for the creation of the implant.
- The implant installation. The implant is then installed in a surgery. This consists of the dentist or oral surgeon drilling a small hole in your jawbone and inserting the implant. You may get a temporary crown after this procedure.
- The Abutment and Crown are placed. After your gum and jaw had healed from the setting of the implant, the abutment is placed. This provides a surface for the permanent crown to be fixed to. This is sometimes placed after a period of more healing depending on the needs of the patient.
If you think composite fillings are for you, and you live in Upland, CA, give the Upland Dental Group & Implant Center a call for your consultation at (909) 985-1966. Our expert team will be more than happy to answer your questions.