Are Dental Implants Affordable
Salem, OR
 Dental implants may not be affordable for many people. It is a far more expensive dental restoration procedure as compared to dental bridges and dentures. But implants offer so many benefits that they outweigh their high cost.
Dental Implants
Dental implants are titanium posts that offer a solid foundation for the placement of dental implant restorations.
People having missing or damaged teeth can replace them with dental implants. Dental implants are highly recommended by dentists and are considered a gold standard for teeth replacement.
Teeth replaced by dental implants do not slip, slide or move around while chewing and speaking, a benefit that dental bridges and dentures do not provide. However, the complex procedure and different materials used, such as abutment and titanium implant, raises the cost of the whole procedure.
The dental implant surgical process involves a team of dental professionals and is performed in many complex steps.
Evaluation of the Jaw and Mouth
A thorough evaluation of the mouth using imaging tests is done to capture detailed images of the jawbone structure and teeth. The dentist will examine the oral health of the patient for signs of gum disease and then suggest an appropriate treatment plan according to the condition of the jawbone.
Jawbone Grafting
If a person has lost jawbone mass or the jawbone is too thin and soft to hold the implants, a dentist recommends bone grafting before the dental implant surgery. In this process, bone graft materials are used to rebuild the bone, and the process can take several months to complete.
Placement of the Implant
The procedure involves making an incision in the gum to expose the jawbone. An oral surgeon then drills the metal implants inside the jawbone at the correct angle and position. During this time, the patient will still have the gap of the missing tooth, so a temporary denture can be prepared until the permanent dental restoration is fixed to the dental implant.
Jawbone Healing
The bone is allowed to heal for a few months in a process known as osseointegration. When the jawbone heals and grows around the dental implant, it fuses the implant body with the jaw structure, which is responsible for providing strength to dental restorations.
Abutment Placement
An abutment is a connecting piece that joins the replacement tooth with the implant body. Placing an abutment needs another small surgical procedure in which the oral surgeon again cuts the gum to expose the implant and then attaches the abutment on top.
Dental Implant Restoration
When the gums heal, the dental specialists will take impressions of the mouth to create an artificial dental crown, which can be cemented in place.
Are Dental Implants Affordable?
The cost of dental implants depends on many factors, but a single tooth replacement with a single dental implant, along with all the additional costs, can range between $3,000 to $5,000.
Consultation Fees
The team of dental specialists involved in the surgical procedure includes dentists, oral surgeons, and periodontists, and their consultation fees may be separate. Initial consultation with your doctors and scheduled follow-up appointments are the most critical steps to ensure that the patient’s oral health is in optimum condition.
Material Costs
Titanium dental implants cost less to manufacture than other types of implants, like zirconia. The material cost also depends on the number of implants used for the replacement of teeth. The titanium implant body itself can cost almost $1,500, and this doesn’t include the cost of the abutment and dental implant restorations.
Surgical Procedure
The initial consultation is followed by surgical implantation of the metal posts in the jawbone. After the bone heals, additional surgery is performed to cut the bone and attach an abutment to the dental implant.
Additional Costs
Sometimes a patient’s jawbone structure isn’t strong enough to withhold a dental implant. In this case, a bone grafting procedure is done to increase bone mass. This process can increase the overall cost of getting dental implants and also increases the overall time for the completion of the whole procedure.
Crown Material
The material of the dental crown also affects the overall cost of dental implant surgery. If you are going for an affordable option like acrylic resins, then the overall cost will decrease. But if you choose a more realistic-looking ceramic or porcelain crown, then they will cost you more.
Dental Implants vs Dentures
Dentures offer their unique benefits as an alternative dental restoration, and they are also less costly as compared to dental implants.
A single tooth implant can cost anywhere between $1,500 to $2,200, but a complete set of dentures (for either upper or lower teeth) can cost around $1,000 or $1,300.
Many people may prefer dentures for their low initial costs, but we highly recommend dental implants as a better option for teeth restoration. This is because dentures require refitting from time to time since they do not preserve the bone. The repair and replacement costs of dentures every few years are almost equivalent to the one-time investment you can make for dental implants.
Dental implants, when taken care of properly, can last anywhere from 30 years to even a lifetime. They feel more comfortable while biting or chewing than dentures and do not need to be removed and soaked in a cleaning solution overnight.
If you have healthy gums, great oral health, sufficient jawbone density, and do not use tobacco, then you are an excellent candidate for receiving dental implant restorations.
What Are the Drawbacks of Dental Implants?
The process for getting dental implants is highly invasive and completed through multiple surgeries. The whole procedure for getting dental implants can last from several months to over a year. Furthermore, there is a slight risk of complications and side effects after the surgery, including pain and swelling or an allergic reaction to the titanium posts.
Do Dental Insurance Plans Cover Dental Implants?
Dental insurance plans do cover dental implants, but only a portion of it. Dental implants are deemed to be elective by insurers, which means that the insurance pays for only a small portion of the total cost associated with the procedure.
At Fairmount Dental Center, our dedicated dentist Dr. Luisa Snyder ensures that all patients understand the pros and cons of dental implants and the overall cost they will be expected to pay. If you would like an initial consultation, call us at (503) 362-8364 to book your appointment. |
