How Much Do Dental Implants Cost?

If you have already done some research on how to replace missing teeth, then you will properly have discovered there are three options. The first is to have a conventional denture that is supported by your gums and which although okay is a slightly old-fashioned option. Although a convenient and cost-effective way to restore missing teeth, dentures are not without problems.

Your second choice is to consider having a dental bridge which is supported by your existing natural teeth. This can be an excellent choice, but the teeth either side of the gap must be strong and healthy enough to support a dental bridge. Additionally, if these teeth are strong and quite nicely shaped and don’t have any cavities, then it’s important to realize they will have to be ground down quite substantially which can increase the risk of these teeth becoming infected in the future. This brings us to the third option which is to have dental implants.

Dental implants are the most advantageous way to replace missing teeth and can represent a long-term solution for tooth loss. However, dental implant treatment isn’t cheap, so it’s hardly surprising that one of the first questions things people want to know is how much it will cost. The simple answer is that it’s impossible to provide anything other than a ballpark figure for dental implant treatment as the exact cost is dependent on many different factors.

Dental implant treatment requires oral surgery, and the price can be dependent on your dentist’s overheads, their geographical location, and their experience. Every dental implant treatment is slightly different, and the cost can vary according to whether you need teeth removed in preparation for dental implant treatment, and the condition of your jawbone and gums.

Quite often people will require a small additional procedure in preparation for dental implant treatment called artificial bone grafting. Sometimes it’s also necessary to build up gum tissue that may have been destroyed due to disease or trauma. You may think you need some additional sedation for your implant treatment, especially if the procedure required is quite complex or lengthy, and of course, that will cost a little extra.

Then there is the actual implant treatment itself which can vary according to the type of procedure, the implant components and the number required, and the type of final restoration needed to restore your teeth. Another thing to consider is whether you will need a temporary restoration which will be worn during your implant treatment. This might be necessary if you need to replace teeth that are right in your smile line or which are required to help you chew food.

If you do want a ballpark figure, then it can be anywhere between $2500 and $5000 to replace a single tooth, but this is a very rough guide. If you think this sounds expensive, then let’s take a look at why dental implant treatment is costlier than dentures or dental bridges.

Even the most straightforward dental implant treatment needs a small surgical procedure because the implant must be inserted through your gums and into your jawbone. Obviously, you don’t want just anyone doing this type of surgery because it is pretty specialized. Some general dentists have completed weekend courses in placing dental implants, but other dentists have received significantly more training.

For example, a periodontist is a dentist who has received lengthy and advanced training in placing dental implants, and their experience can be reflected in the price. Don’t let this put you off, as, like anything in life, you generally get what you pay for. The more accurately your dental implants are planned and placed, the greater the chances of a happy outcome for your treatment. You’ll benefit from having dental implants that have been accurately positioned to provide you with a beautiful smile and with teeth that function correctly.

An increasing number of dentists will now use computer-guided surgery when placing dental implants and this type of CAD/CAM technology isn’t cheap. It’s likely that a good dental implant dentist will have invested substantial sums of money in a cone beam CT scanner and in the CAD/CAM technology required to diagnose, plan and place your dental implants.

This technology will provide you with a more predictable treatment outcome. The surgery required to place dental implants should be smoother and quicker with computer-guided surgery, ensuring your treatment is more comfortable, and healing is faster.

Your choice of final restoration can dramatically impact the cost of implant treatment. Even just a single dental implant crown can be made from several different materials, all of which have different prices, and its the same situation for dental bridges. If you need to replace a complete arch of teeth, then your choice is a fixed bridge that is only removable by your dentist or an implant-supported denture which you can easily remove for cleaning. The cost can vary considerably, and it may affect the number of implants recommended by your dental implant dentist.

There are so many different factors that can affect the cost of dental implant treatment which is why you cannot get a proper price unless you have a full consultation with a dental implant dentist. When you do research this option, then consider your implant dentist’s experience and training, and it’s best to choose someone who is close to home or work.

While you might get great implant treatment by going abroad, it can be risky, and it makes follow-up appointments extremely difficult. In comparison, when you pick a dentist close to home, then they can help you to maintain strong and healthy implants for years or even for life. They will know exactly which implant components they used which makes it much easier if any components need to be replaced. When done correctly, your dental implants could last for decades so that even though treatment may initially seem a little pricey, the long-term costs are extremely low.