How much do Dental Implants Cost?
Dental Implants 101
Dental Implants replace a missing tooth by placing a new root into the gums and attaching a new tooth to it. The new root looks like a threaded screw and it is actually placed down past the gums into to supporting jaw bone. The implant grows into the jaw bone (a process called integration that takes 3-6 months). After the implant grows into the bone, a new tooth or crown is attached to it. Your implant and new tooth are finished.
When people lose a tooth, it is a problem. It is a problem because it affects the way they look or the way they chew or the way their teeth fit together. Also, it affects the way they look and feel about themselves. Over time, these problems can get worse so many people decide to get a dental implant to restore their missing chomper.
Patients ask a lot of questions about dental implants. Most people have heard that they work and that they are a good tooth replacement option. However, the number one concern of most people needing a dental implant is how much do Dental Implants Cost?
How much do dental implants cost is the biggest question because people want to replace their missing teeth but are mindful that the cost fits into a budget that works for them.
The following are three different possibilities to help to try to explain the big question of how much do dental implants cost?
How much do dental implants cost possibility number 1:
A patient loses his front center tooth do to decay. The bone around the root is intact and healthy.
In this possibility, the dental implant cost is fairly straightforward. The damaged tooth would be removed, a bone graft would be place, an implant would be placed, and a crown would be placed. The dental implant cost for the entire procedure would be approximately $3,000-$5,000.
How much do dental implants cost possibility number 2:
A patient is missing his second to the back upper molar. The tooth has been missing for 10 years.
In this possibility, the dental implant cost is a little more involved. Since the tooth has been missing for a long period of time, the area requiring the implant would possibly need a sinus lift and a bone grafting procedure prior to the implant placement. After a 3-6 month healing period, the implant would be placed. Since this requires additional procedures to prepare the implant site, the dental implant cost for this procedure is more costly and would be approximately $5,000-$7,000.
How much do dental implants cost possibility number 3:
A patient has no lower teeth and a denture that constantly moves around creating sores in his mouth. His denture is so loose he can only eat soft foods. He wants teeth that do not move. He wants to be able to eat corn on the cob and solid foods again.
In this possibility, the dental implant cost is even more complicated. First, the patient will need to be evaluated for the possibility of multiple procedures. Multiple bone grafts as well as multiple implants are a strong possibility. Also, the teeth that attach to these multiple implants can be made in a variety of ways. Since multiple implants and complex restorations would be needed, this procedure would be the most costly of these three examples. The dental implant cost for this procedure would be $7,000 and up.
As you can see, the dental implant cost depends on the degree of difficulty of the proposed treatment and every situation is different. The dental implant cost also depends on the skill of the Doctors and the quality of the final restorations. There can be a wide range of costs depending on these factors which accounts for the price differences in dental implant cost estimates.
Dental implants can be wonderful options for patients. To have a long lost tooth replaced can be a big benefit to the physical, mental, and emotional health of many people. Dental implants, although not outrageously expensive, do come with a fairly high price tag. However, with proper budgeting and planning, they are in reach for most people who really want them. If you decide on proceeding with an implant, discuss with your Doctor all of your treatment options and explore the dental implant cost that is specific for your care.
You may want to read this related article titled, Dental Implants to Support Dentures.
I hope this article clarified the big question of how much do dental implants cost; if not, please feel free to contact us if you have specific questions regarding your individual situation or if you would like to schedule an appointment with one of our four doctors to evaluate your individual case. We look forward to welcoming you and your family at Thomas L. Anderson and Associates.