The options available for tooth replacement are many and each has its own costs associated with them, but what is the real cost of dental implants? Unlike traditional dentures, they require no glues or adhesives to stay in place and they often last many years if not decades. They also have the advantage of acting very much like a natural tooth and helping to preserve the shape of your face.
It seems like more and more is being said about dental implants and their advantages. They are popular for very good reasons. They look and function very much like natural, real teeth, but they are designed to be durable and strong. But how much is this going to cost you?
How much does it cost to get a full mouth of dental implants?
On average a full mouth of dental implants only requires four implants per arch, four on top and four on the bottom. These are anchor points on which the arch is placed. Together they hold in place a denture securely and naturally to the gums. The final cost of your bill will often take in factors such as location, the number of dental implants that are required, the materials that are used for the implant and what if anything your dentist needs to do before the surgery. This can be things like tooth extraction, or molds of the teeth. You are also paying for the dentist’s expertise. Be sure that you are going to a reputable and skilled oral surgeon as your oral health impacts the entirety of the rest of your health. Getting a full set of teeth replaced can open the door to greater health. You can enjoy the foods you once enjoyed, speak with ease and clarity, and never worry about your smile again. The cost of more than one implant can range from $3,000 to $30,000, and if you opt for the best of all the available options that could go up as high as $90,000.How much does a dental implant cost for one tooth?
Getting a dental implant can cost roughly anywhere between $1500 to $6,000 including the cost of the office visits, any x-rays, any anesthesia, and any other associated costs. As with getting a full mouth of implants, the cost is directly related to the location, materials, and any prior procedures that will be required to be done. While this may seem like a large investment, remember that you aren’t paying for just a quick and simple fix. You are investing in your future health and livelihood. Being able to eat good, healthful foods is going to impact your ability to live a full and healthy life. If you are missing a tooth, you can not only impact your health by not being able to chew the foods you love and need, but your appearance will change as well. The jawbone will naturally recede if there is no tooth root to encourage the bone to grow. This means your face shape will change over time. A dental implant will save you that shift in appearance by being anchored directly into the jawbone. This allows it to act as a natural tooth and it will bond directly to the bone. This creates a stable and secure base for the implant crown.How much does insurance pay for dental implants?
Often insurance will cover the cost of dental implants if they are being implanted for a medical need. If it is considered a cosmetic surgery then many insurance companies will not cover the cost of dental implants. It is important to check with your dental insurance to see what they will cover and what costs you can expect to have to cover for the surgery, visits and other aspects of the service. Sometimes only portions or parts of the dental implant procedure will be covered, such as the initial consultation, office visits and more. Call your insurance as soon as you are considering to get dental implants and you may save yourself a ton of money. Some Medicare Advantage plans may include dental implants, so it is important to know what your coverage will and will not include.Why do dental implants cost so much?
One of the reasons why dental implants can be so costly is that they are not a single procedure, but require seeing a dentist or oral surgeon multiple times in order to check on your progress and provide consultations. Here is a very basic breakdown of what you can expect to do if you are planning on getting a dental implant:- Consultation. During the consultation, your dentist will check your mouth, get x-rays, and give a diagnosis of the condition of your teeth, gums, and jawbone. This is important to determine if you are a good candidate for implants. If you want to proceed with the implant surgery, your dentist will then take a mold of your mouth to be used in the creation of the implant.
- The setting of the implant. The implant surgery itself generally consists of the dentist or oral surgeon drilling a small hole into the jawbone and inserting the implant. You sometimes will get a temporary tooth after this procedure.
- The Abutment and Crown placement. After your gum and jaw have healed from the insertion of the implant base, an abutment is placed. This basically provides a surface for the permanent crown to be fixed on to. Sometimes the crown is placed after a period of more healing depending on the needs of the patient.