Cost of Dental Implants
How Do Dentists Determine the Price?
It’s no secret that dental implants are among the most expensive forms of tooth replacement available in dentistry to date. However, it’s important to keep in mind that the longevity and restorative benefits of dental implants are meant to be the best long-term solution for tooth replacement. With that said, the treatment is highly customizable, which means the cost will largely fluctuate depending on your needs as a patient. To learn which factors influence cost the most, keep reading or give our office a call to schedule a consultation!
Types of Dental Implants
The materials used for dental implants can vary depending on which manufacturer makes them. While all implants are designed to integrate with existing bone and gum tissue, some implants are made up of multiple components, while others are one solid piece (i.e. titanium vs. ceramic materials.) Furthermore, the number of implants placed will depend on how many teeth you need to replace, but not as closely as you’d think. For example, replacing one tooth takes one implant, but replacing three or four teeth at a time typically only takes two implants. This is because implants can be customized to fit with dental bridges.
What are the Stages of Dental Implants?
Another important fact to keep in mind is that dental implant treatment requires multiple phases to complete. This includes the placement, healing and restoration phase, all of which can be influenced by the complexity of your treatment. The more implants you plan on placing, the more complex your treatment will be overall. If you require periodontal therapy or other preparatory treatments to receive dental implants, such as a bone graft or sinus lift, it will influence the cost as well. These treatments can prolong your treatment length and will require additional visits to complete.
Are Dental Implants Worth the Investment?
Dental implants are the only treatment that works to replace the root structure that sits underneath your gum tissue. Unlike other methods that merely address the crown that makes up your smile, replacing the root is essential to making your tooth replacement feel natural and long-lasting. In most cases, dental implants are more cost-effective than dental bridges and dentures because they do not require nearly as much maintenance nor routine replacement like other methods. Dental bridges only last about 10 to 15 years before they need to be replaced, and dentures require replacement even more often. In comparison, dental implants last between 25 years and a lifetime.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Dental Implants?
Historically, dental insurance would not cover the cost of dental implants because they would not consider them medically necessary. However, in recent years dental insurance companies have been more inclined to cover certain aspects of treatment, including the preparatory steps needed to make them viable. This includes periodontal therapy or certain types of surgery, but this can vary from plan to plan. Always talk with your dental insurance company directly to confirm your benefits. Our office will work with you to confirm your needs for treatment, whether you’re missing one tooth or all the teeth in your arch.