If you are missing one or more teeth, you are not alone. It is estimated that close to 200 million adults in the United States fall into this category. The good news is, there are many options for tooth replacement, including dental implants.
According to dental experts, implants are the “gold standard” because they look, feel, and function the most like natural teeth. Esteem Dental Implants is a revolutionary procedure performed by certified, highly-trained dental professionals who provide compassionate care throughout the process. This procedure can change your life in only one day by giving you the healthy, beautiful smile you’ve always wanted.
Below, we’ll explain what you need to know about the cost of dental implants.
What are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are restorative dental devices used to replace missing teeth. They are designed to restore the natural look, feel, and functionality of teeth. Once you are fully healed, no one will ever know that your teeth are artificial unless you tell them.
Average Cost of Dental Implants
On average, a single dental implant costs around $5,000. If you were to replace each tooth with a single implant, you could pay $60,000 or more. Hybrid options, such as All-on-4, cost an average of $12,000 per arch.
Factors Impacting the Cost of Dental Implants
There are several factors that can impact the cost of your dental implant procedure:
Type of dental implant
Typically, dental implants are made of titanium. However, in some cases, patients prefer a material that more closely matches neighboring teeth or they are allergic to the other metals used with titanium. These patients require a more expensive material: zirconia, which is a ceramic-based material.
Number of teeth being replaced
The more implants you need, the more your procedure will cost.
Location of dental implants
Typically, dental implants for front teeth cost more than molars because it’s harder to match the angle of the jawline in the front. However, every patient is different and your dentist will work with you to create a personalized treatment plan.
Preliminary procedures
Some patients require additional procedures such as extractions, bone grafts, and more to prepare their mouths for the implants. Many times, basic X-rays are included as part of the consultation. However, if more specialized scans are needed, such as an MRI or CT scan, those may add to the cost of implant surgery.
Location of the dental clinic
Clinics in major metropolitan areas typically charge higher fees for their procedures because the cost of living is much higher.
Experience/expertise of the dentist
Many times, the longer a dentist has been practicing, the higher their fees. Another reason for the higher fees is the training they’ve been through. The more training they have, the higher their fees.
Tips for Reducing the Cost of Dental Implants
Dental implants are one of the most expensive tooth replacement options, but there are some ways that you can reduce the cost:
Shopping around for the best deals
Prices vary from one clinic to another, depending on the factors discussed above with the location of the clinic and the experience/expertise of the dentist being the two major differences. Seek a second and even third opinion when considering dental implants.
Discussing payment options with your dentist
Many patients struggle with paying for dental treatments out-of-pocket. However, many clinics offer financing options. Some have in-house options while others have third-party financing through companies such as CareCredit, Sunbit, LendingClub, and more. Ask the office staff about your options to learn more.
Dental Insurance
Dental insurance can sometimes help with the out-of-pocket costs associated with dental procedures. Many insurance providers consider dental implants to be cosmetic, so they may not cover anything. On the other hand, there are some that recognize the restorative benefits and will cover a portion. The office staff will work with your provider to learn more about your coverage options.
Are Dental Implants Worth it?
Dental implants require a major investment both in time and money. The good news is that they offer many benefits that help balance out that cost. For example,
- ● While the crown or prosthetic may need to be replaced in about 20 years, the implant screw will last a lifetime with proper care and maintenance.
- ● While porcelain dental bridges and dentures can look somewhat natural, a prosthetic attached to a dental implant looks more natural because it does not move around.
- ● Implants are inserted into the jawbone, which means they do not come out so you don’t have to be concerned with special care- simply brush/floss as you normally would.
- ● Implants have a stronger bite force since they are supported by the jawbone instead of just the gums.
Schedule Your Dental Implant Consultation with Esteem Dental Implants
If you are missing one or more teeth, schedule your consultation with an Esteem Dental Clinic today. We have a nationwide network of dental professionals who are trained in this procedure. This is a patient-focused approach to provide you with the confidence that comes with having a natural, healthy, and beautiful smile.
Dental Implants FAQs
The team at Esteem Dental Implants wants to make sure that you understand your options, including dental implants. Below, we’ve provided answers to some of the most frequently asked questions. If you have any that are not addressed here, we’ll be happy to discuss those with you.
Why no dairy after dental implant surgery?
Dairy contains a lot of vitamins and minerals that can support your healing as well as your overall health. However, immediately following dental implant surgery, you should avoid these products. This is because dairy is known to cause irritation and inflammation in sensitive oral tissues. In addition, dairy has been shown to cause nausea and vomiting, especially in patients who are lactose intolerant. This introduces stomach acid into the mouth, which can irritate the surgical site.
Are dental implants painful?
Local anesthesia is used to numb the area we are working in, so you should not feel any pain during the procedure. If needed, we can provide you with sedation to help you relax, and possibly sleep, while we work. You may have some minor discomfort as the anesthesia wears off and during the healing process, as you adjust to having a foreign object in your gums and jawbone. If you do have severe and/or uncontrollable pain, you may be experiencing implant failure, which requires immediate attention.
How long do dental implants last?
The implant screw is designed to last a lifetime, with proper care and maintenance, which includes brushing and flossing twice daily, flossing at least once, and visiting the dentist every 6 months for a check-up. You should also reduce your sugar intake and choose foods and beverages that support your overall health.
How do dental implants work?
Dental implants replace the look, feel, and functionality of a missing tooth. It does this by replacing the entire structure of the tooth, root, and crown. The implant screw is placed in the jawbone to act as a tooth root. The crown sits on top replacing the visible portion of the tooth.
How long does a dental implant procedure take?
The entire procedure, including healing times, takes several months to a year or more, depending on your body’s ability to heal. However, placement of an implant screw should take no more than 20 minutes each with a skilled surgeon.