Cost Of Dental Implants
Dental implants are said to be relatively expensive, especially when you compare them with traditional alternatives such as dentures. However, the long term benefits of dental implants far outweigh the short term expenses you may have. It is recommended to think of dental implants as an investment and not just an expense. In general, you should be expected to pay anywhere from $1,500 to $2,000 for a single dental implant. Note that this does not take into account other expenses such as tooth extraction, dental filling, dental crown, root extraction, office visits, as well as post-op care. Some patients may also be required to undergo bone graft surgery, which is a separate expense entirely. In general, the total cost of a single dental implant can range from $3,000 to $5,000, mostly depending on other factors such as your overall health. Let's explore some of the more important expenses involved in a typical dental implant procedure. 3D ImagingThe first step in the dental implant procedure involves a dental exam. Like any other dental scan, this scan also requires you to sit still in a dental chair while our devices do their work. Note that imaging technology has come a long way in the past few years and patients are exposed to only a fraction of the radiation. The use of 3D imaging allows our dentists to perfect the dental implant procedure and maximize its success rate. In most cases, 3D imaging is usually done with the help of CT and x-ray scans. These tests are usually in the $300 to $500 range, depending on how many are being performed. The images are then used to construct a 3D image of your internal anatomy with picture perfect accuracy. This information will greatly assist our dentists in performing the surgery and ensuring a comfortable fit for patients. Materials Used for Dental ImplantsDental implants make use of high quality materials that are biocompatible with patients. A typical dental implant consists of three parts: the implant post (also referred to as the screw), the abutment, and the prosthesis. The default choice for dental implant posts is either titanium or something sturdy like zirconium oxide. Both materials are extremely strong and durable, but titanium offers greater longevity. It is also more expensive and has a very long lifespan of over 40 years. The dental crown is usually made from materials like metal alloys, ceramics, and porcelain. For most patients, ceramics is a good choice because it offers the most natural look to patients. Each of these materials will add to the cost of the dental implant procedure. Titanium, for obvious reasons, will contribute most to the price of the procedure because it can be relatively difficult to source the material. At Rockton Dental, we make sure to only use high quality and sturdy materials that are bound to last a lifetime. Bone Graft SurgeryDepending on how long the patient has been waiting to fix their teeth, they may experience a high degree of jawbone loss. This usually means that they may not have enough bone density to support the dental implant. In which case, the patient may be prescribed bone graft surgery. Without adequate bone density, the dental implant is at a high risk of falling out of its place and may even penetrate the sinus, which could lead to some serious complications. For most dental implant procedures, patients are required to have at least 1 mm of bone around the dental implant. It is worth noting that bone grafts are invasive surgeries that can be taxing on the body. The average healing time for bone graft surgeries is about six months, during which time, the patient may be required to make periodic visits to our dentist to monitor their progress. All of this will add to the overall price of the procedure and you may be expected to pay anywhere from $1,000 to $10,000 depending on your specific situation. Type of Anesthesia MattersMost dental implant procedures are performed under local anesthesia. This may only add about $50 to $200 to the overall cost. However, some patients may be too squeamish about the idea of someone drilling into their jawbone, which is understandable. These patients may opt for deep sedation performed only by a licensed anesthetist. During the surgery, the anesthesiologist will closely observe the patient's vitals to prevent any complications. This can make the procedure significantly more expensive, adding anywhere from $500 to as much as $5,000 or more. Dental Implants Are an InvestmentAlthough at face value, it may appear as if dental implants are an expensive procedure. However, when you take into account the life changing implications they can have, including the ability to restore your smile and oral functions, the prices are easy to justify. Alternatives like dentures and bridges, which may be less expensive in the short run, often require extensive repairs and replacements every five to 10 years. Dental implants, on the other hand, can last an entire lifetime if you take good care of them. The cost of maintaining your dentures and bridges will quickly add up over the years, and may even rival the cost of dental implants. In the case of dental implants, you don't have to take any special precautions when it comes to oral care. All you have to do is brush and floss your teeth just like you would with your regular teeth. The same cannot be said about alternatives like dentures where you may have to change your oral care routine. Moreover, dentures and bridges do not prevent further bone loss of the jaw. Bone density loss can have an impact on your facial features and could make you look older. Dental implants provide constant stimulus to your jawbone. For more information on dental implants, please call (815) 624-3269 and our experienced professionals will get back to you. |