Dental Implants

Overview

What are dental implants?

When it comes to missing teeth, there are a variety of restorative options to choose from. Dental implants are considered by many to be the best treatment option for achieving an authentic look that offers stability and comfort. They are specially made to look and function like natural teeth.

A dental or tooth implant is a threaded titanium post that is placed into a small hole during surgery in the upper or lower jaw. Implants take the place of natural tooth roots and provide a stable base for the attaching artificial teeth, known as crowns. The implant and crowns are connected by an abutment to support and hold the tooth into place.

Dental Implant Before and After Photo

Cost of dental implants

The average cost of dental implants can range from $3,500 to $6,500 per tooth according to the American Dental Association (ADA). The following are the average costs for different types of dental implant treatments:

1. Single Tooth Implant: Involves the placement of an implant in the jawbone to support a crown that replaces a single missing tooth. On average, the cost is between $3,500 to $5,000. This cost includes the implant surgery, abutment, and the dental crown.
2. Implant-Supported Bridge: Used to replace multiple missing teeth. The bridge is secured to dental implants rather than natural teeth. The cost varies depending on the number of implants required and the complexity of the case. On average, the cost is between $4,000 to $15,000 or more.
3. All-on-4 or All-on-6 Implants: Designed for patients who are missing all or most of their teeth in a dental arch. This technique involves the placement of four or six dental implants that support a full arch denture. The average cost is between $20,000 to $40,000 per arch. For patients who are missing all or most of their natural teeth, this can me a more cost-effective alternative to conventional implants.
4. Mini Dental Implants: Smaller in diameter than traditional implants and are often used for stabilizing dentures or for cases with limited bone volume. The average cost is between $500 to $1,500 per implant.

The costs mentioned above are average estimates and may vary depending on various factors.  To get a quote, schedule a consultation with an experienced implant specialist who can provide you with an estimate based on your specific needs.

Factors affecting the cost of treatment

There are several factors that can affect the cost of your procedure. Here are some of the top factors that influence cost.

• Your Dentist: The experience and reputation of your dentist can affect the cost of your procedure. Usually, dentists with extensive training or specialization may charge higher fees. When choosing an implant dentist, ensure they are certified by the American Academy of Implant Dentistry (AAID). Although board-certification and memberships in any organization does not guarantee a successful outcome, dentists must meet stringent criteria in order to achieve membership and board-certification. You can be confident that you are working with a highly trained, and experienced implant dentist who will help ensure your procedure goes smoothly.
• Location Matters: Where the dental practice is located can impact the cost.  Dental services in urban areas or regions with a higher cost of living often come with a heftier price tag compared to rural areas. If you want a general idea of the prices for dental procedures in your local area, you can use the Healthcare Blue Book, which functions similarly to Kelley Blue Book for estimating car prices.
• Number of Implants: The cost of dental implants will depend on the number of teeth that require treatment. Each tooth will have a separate fee, so the more teeth that need implants the higher the overall cost.
• Preparation Procedures: In some cases, procedures such as bone grafting may be necessary to ensure the implant’s success. These preparation procedures help create a suitable foundation for the implant.
• Implant Material: Dental implants can be made of different materials, including titanium and zirconia. Titanium implants are more commonly used and tend to be less expensive than zirconia implants. The choice of implant material may impact the cost of the procedure.
• Prosthetic Options: The type of dental prosthesis placed on the implant also affects the overall cost. Depending on your specific needs, options may include single crowns, implant-supported bridges, or full arch dentures. The complexity and materials used in the prosthetic restoration will influence the final cost.
• Dental Insurance: In certain cases, dental implants may be covered by insurance if it’s deemed necessary for functional purposes, such as in cases where tooth loss affects speech or the ability to chew.

If you are considering dental implants, schedule a consultation with an experienced cosmetic dentist near you. This will allow you to discuss your dental goals and gain a thorough understanding of the specific cost breakdown and factors that pertain to your individual case.

Is the cost covered by insurance?

Are dental implants right for you?

If you have a missing tooth or teeth, you cannot simply choose to have a dental implant as your restoration of choice. Dental implant candidacy is determined based on several factors, including:

• Oral health: Oral health issues that must first be treated before an implant can be considered. Gum disease, for example, will affect your candidacy.
• General health: Diabetes and cancer are two examples of health conditions that may prevent implantation.
• Age: Implantation may only be considered after adolescence, once bone growth is complete.
• Bone/gum tissue: An insufficient level of bone and/or gum tissue may prevent implantation without a bone or gum graft.
• Smoking status: If you are a smoker, you will be advised to quit before treatment. Implant failure is considerably higher with smokers.
• Crowded teeth: If your surrounding teeth are too close together, it may not be possible to fit an implant in the space. These cases require alternative considerations.

Recovery time

How long do dental implants last?

With proper care and maintenance, dental implants can last a lifetime. Their success rate is over 95%, making them a durable and reliable option for tooth replacement.

For more information about dental implants visit www.perio.org.

_{EnhanceMyself.com relies on sources such as professional medical organizations, government agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals to write it’s articles. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, in-depth, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.}

^{*Medical Disclaimer: This website does not provide medical advice. Read more.}