In comparison with other tooth replacement options, dental implants are surprisingly affordable, especially when considering long-term cost effectiveness.
Several factors influence the cost of dental implants, including how many teeth need to be replaced and where they are located, the type and number of implants, and whether any additional procedures are needed to prepare your mouth.
Costs vary depending on your specific needs when it comes to dental implants. For an accurate cost estimate for quality dental implants, it is best to get an evaluation by an experienced dental implant expert.
If you see ads for dental implants with low prices that seem too good to be true – well, you know what they say. And if someone quotes you a price for dental implants without examining you, be wary.
Insurance coverage and payment options
An increasing number of insurance companies now cover dental implants because of the long-term benefits they provide over other tooth replacement options. Ask your employer if you can receive an allowance toward implants equal to that of a bridge or traditional dentures if this coverage is not offered.
Many implant dentists also offer financing and payment options to make dental implants even more affordable, so ask what plans your dentist offers.
The true cost of alternatives
- Initial costs versus total costs. The initial price you pay doesn’t include the cost of replacing your dentures or bridges. This may be necessary as often as every 5 to 15 years. It also doesn’t include ongoing maintenance costs, such as fixatives and adhesives.
- The convenience costs. Unlike your natural teeth or dental implants, you need to remove your dentures to soak and brush them, which can be a time-consuming hassle.
- The health costs. Without a tooth or implant, your jawbone will begin to deteriorate, which can change your facial appearance.
- The social costs. Dentures can slip or click when you chew, laugh, talk or kiss.
From a financial perspective, dental implants are cost-competitive with other tooth replacement options over the long term. And when you also factor in quality of life and long-term oral health, dental implants clearly rank as the higher-value alternative.
What to expect when getting an Implant.
Teeth restored with dental implants look, feeland function just like natural teeth. You brush,floss and visit your dentist for regular check-upsand cleanings, just as you would care for anatural tooth. The process is often completed over>multiple visits:
- Consultation and planning, including initial exam, imaging of your teeth, questions about your dental and medical history, and discussion of your treatment options.
- Placement of dental implant(s).
- The dental implant, usually a cylindrical and/or tapered post made of titanium, issurgically placed into the jawbone.
- Placement of the abutments, which are the connectors placed on, or built into, the top of the implant to help connect your replacement teeth, if needed. Additional connecting devices needed to attach multiple replacement teeth to is also possible at this time.
- Placement of custom-made individual replacement tooth (or teeth) or an implant supported fixed bridge or implant-supported overdenture.
As you heal, your implant will integrate or fuse with your natural jawbone. Temporary teeth can. During the period when the dental implant integrates with your natural bone. This healing process can takeweeks to months while you proceed with your>everyday life between appointments. Most people return to work the next day, and any discomfort can typically be treated with commonly used pain medication.
