If you are losing (or have lost) one or more of your teeth, it is important to be seen by a dentist. At that point, your dentist will be able to discuss your options with you.
If you don't do anything, you may struggle with your speech, as well as with eating. Your face may also change shape because your teeth are needed to keep your jaw strong, which helps with facial aesthetics.
One of the best ways to fix missing teeth are dental implants. Implants are placed directly into your jaw where they act just like your natural teeth roots. By getting implants and then replacement teeth on top of them, you will be able to eat anything you like. These teeth will be just as strong as your regular ones!
Unlike traditional dentures, implant-supported dentures are stable and stay in place without the need for adhesives. They are a superior option for those who are missing several teeth in a row. However, you may need to have teeth removed before all of the necessary implants can be added. This can raise the associated costs of the procedure.
These dentures are becoming more and more common, especially on the lower jaw, where it is difficult to create a gum-line fit. While implant-supported denture plates aren’t so different from normal dentures, but the associated procedures can increase the cost when required.
When deciding what path to take, many people have to consider the cost of each procedure. So, how much do dental implants cost?
The truth is that dental implants can be expensive. You could be looking up to several thousand dollars for dental implants. However, you also should look at the benefits. Dental implants are the best way to fix missing teeth. If done correctly, they will last for the rest of your life.
Dental implants are "medical devices" that are implanted into your jaw. Even more important, these need to be placed correctly, which is filled with nerves and blood vessels.
If your dentist positions your implants incorrectly (with as little as a two-millimeter error), your implants will not work correctly. Also, they will probably need to be removed. This surgery is often difficult and can really damage your jaw bone.
Because of this, cost should not be the main factor in your decision. Instead, you need to find a dentist who is experienced and able to perform this procedure.
To ensure the best success, you may want to make sure that you find a Board-Certified Prosthodontist. This means that they have completed an additional three years of training specifically in crowns, bridges, dentures, and implants.
So, you are not only paying for the implants themselves, you are also paying for an experienced dentist to ensure that your implants are placed properly for the best chance of success.
There are other factors that may determine how much your implants will cost. These include:
The number of teeth that are missing:
Cost will also depend on the type of teeth that you are going to replace yours with. If you are missing one tooth, you may choose between cemented crowns and screw retained crowns. If you are missing several teeth, you may be looking at fixed bridges, removable bridges, or dentures.
The number of implants that are needed. Depending on how many teeth you are missing, you may need one implant or you may need several.
How good your bone is:
It is important to find out how good your bone is. You need to have adequate bone width and height where we will place the implant. If not, bone grafting may be necessary before any implants can be placed. This can cost several hundreds of dollars to make sure that your bone will be able to support the implants.
The type of implant(s) used:
While standard implants are designed to work in most mouths, some people will need "mini" implants. Standard implants are more expensive than their smaller counterparts, though "mini" implants are not the first choice.
Since there are so many factors that determine the price of dental implants, it is important to schedule a consultation with your dentist.
Are dental implants covered under insurance?
Yes and no. Some dental plans include implant insurance, and some don't. We’ve all dealt with insurance plans and policies, and coverage can be vastly different.
Don’t make your decision based on what was covered for your co-worker or even someone in your immediate family. There are yearly limits, pre-existing conditions, reasons for replacement, and deductibles that all need to be taken into account.
A dental implant is usually considered an elective procedure by insurance companies and therefore is not typically covered. However, there’s more than one component to an implant and your policy may cover a portion of the procedure, such as part of the cost of a crown. Or, if you’re really lucky, maybe all of the cost! We offer several financing options to help cover this difference or the entire procedure if needed.
Don't hesitate to contact us to schedule an appointment for your FREE consultation. At that time, we can discuss your options, as well as the specific costs of each procedure so that you can decide what is best for you and your family.
