Missing teeth can cause significant problems both for your oral health and your overall health. Replacing missing teeth can mitigate these problems. There are several options for tooth replacement on the market, depending on your needs.
Among the most popular is dental implants because they look, feel, and function like natural teeth. However, due to these features, they are also the most expensive. The bad news is that dental insurance often does not cover treatment because there are less expensive options on the market.
In this article, we’ll explore more about dental implants and their cost, including the factors that are considered when establishing the cost. We will also offer options for paying for your implants.
Average Cost of a Dental Implant
The average cost of a single dental implant is around $5,000. However, there are several factors that are involved in determining the cost of implants, including:
What Goes Into the Cost of Dental Implants?
The factors involved in determining the cost of dental implants include:
Number of implants
Materials
Typically, the implant screw is titanium. There are two primary options for the crown: porcelain or composite resin. However, some patients have an allergy to titanium. The alternative is zirconia, which is usually more expensive.
Location of tooth
The location of the missing tooth makes a difference in the cost as well. A molar will usually cost more than a front tooth.
Experience/expertise of the dental professional
A specialist will usually charge more than a general dentist when performing dental implant placement.
Other Costs Associated with Implants
Dental Exams/X-rays
Dental insurance often covers a portion of dental exams and x-rays. However, if you do not have dental insurance, you may pay $200 to $450+ for this portion of your treatment.
Bone Grafting
Dental implants require adequate bone density. If you do not have adequate bone density, you will need a bone graft, which will delay your implant placement and can cost an average of $600.
Extractions
If you are missing many teeth and have some unhealthy teeth, the dentist may recommend extraction. Dental insurance will often cover a portion of tooth extractions, but if you do not have insurance, you can expect to add an additional $75 to $250 per tooth.
Sinus Lift
If your upper jaw density is low, there is a risk that the implant could perforate your sinus cavity. This can cause many complications and increase your risk of implant failure. In this case, the dentist will recommend a sinus lift, which increases the density of your upper jaw. This can add up to $2,500 to the cost of your implants.
Anesthesia
The cost of local anesthesia is included in the cost of the procedure. If you require oral or IV sedation, you can add $50 to $200 to your cost. If you need general anesthesia, the cost can be several hundred dollars because an anesthesiologist must be present.
Specialist Care
A general dentist can place dental implants, as long as they have been trained in implantology. However, if you require a specialist, such as an oral surgeon, you can expect to pay more for your treatment.
Are Dental Implants Worth it?
When you miss teeth, things you may take for granted such as speaking and chewing become challenging. In addition, adjacent teeth may shift into the empty space, which can cause your teeth to be misaligned. While expensive, dental implants can be well worth the investment.
If you have health issues that cause difficulties with healing such as low estrogen, diabetes, or leukemia. In addition, this may not be the best solution for smokers because of the increased risk of implant failure.
Dental implants offer the following advantages:
- Restores the function, feel, and appearance of missing teeth
- Preserves gum and jawbone health
- Prevents shifting of neighboring teeth
Dental implants have the following disadvantages:
- May damage gums, jawbone, sinuses, nerves, or adjacent teeth during implant placement
- May fail due to infection of gums/jawbone
- Risk of misalignment
- Risk of color mismatch
Schedule Your Dental Implant Consultation with Precision Dental in New Port Richey
If you are missing one or more teeth and are considering your options for tooth replacement, you should consider dental implants. The team at Precision Dental in New Port Richey will help you determine which option best fits your needs and budget. Contact us to schedule your consultation today.
We are located on Rancho Del Rio in New Port Richey. Our hours are Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM and Saturday from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM.
Dental Implants FAQs
Dental implants require oral surgery, which can be concerning. The team at Precision Dental understands that you may have some reservations. Therefore, we are happy to discuss your questions and/or concerns. Below are some of the most common issues that have come up.
Why no dairy after dental implant?
While dairy contains a variety of vitamins and minerals that are good for you, you should avoid dairy immediately following dental implant surgery. This is because dairy has been proven to cause irritation in the implant site, which could lead to implant failure. In addition, it may cause nausea and vomiting, which introduces stomach acid into the mouth. This can also trigger implant failure.
Are dental implants painful?
Patients are given local anesthesia to eliminate pain during the procedure. You may have some minor discomfort as the anesthesia wears off and as you get used to the implants, but this is easily mitigated with OTC pain relievers.
How long do dental implants last?
Research has shown that dental implants last a lifetime. You may need to replace the prosthetic after about 20 years, but it may also last a lifetime depending on care and maintenance habits.
How do dental implants work?
Dental implants are inserted into the jawbone to create a stable base for your prosthetic tooth/teeth. The prosthetic will be attached to the implant screw, giving you a tooth replacement that looks, feels, and functions like a natural tooth.
How long does a dental implant procedure take?
The entire process takes up to a year or so, depending on how well your body heals. The actual implant placement usually takes about 30 minutes to an hour.