How much do dental implants cost?
If you’re reading this article, you probably have one or several missing teeth. You might be considered your tooth replacement options, such as dental bridges, dentures, and dental implants. Before we discuss what to expect from the dental implants cost, let’s discuss some general concepts about dental implants.
Understanding dental implants and their anatomy.
Dental implants are titanium screws drilled into the jawbone under the empty socket of a missing tooth. Yes, you might be surprised to learn that a dental implant isn’t a replacement for the visible crown of the tooth but rather the tooth’s underlying root structure. The titanium implant is drilled into the jawbone during dental implant surgery. Over time, your body undergoes a process known as osseointegration — your jawbone tissues grow around the implant, rooting it firmly in place. As such, the dental implant effectively replaces the missing tooth’s root structure.
Once the dental implant is firmly rooted, the dentist attaches an abutment to the implant. The abutment is a connective component that comes between the implant and the prosthetic. Finally, a tooth-colored and tooth-shaped prosthetic is attached to the abutment. The prosthetic can come in various forms. If you’re missing one tooth, you can get a single tooth implant with a dental crown. If you’re missing multiple teeth, you can get two dental implants to support a dental bridge. And if you’re missing all your teeth, you can get all-on-4 dentures, i.e., complete dentures supported on four strategically placed dental implants.
So, how much do dental implants cost?
Answering how much dental implants cost is really difficult. As the previous explanation shows, numerous factors are involved in a dental implant procedure. As such, the cost of dental implants can depend on the location of the missing tooth, the type of prosthetic necessary, and numerous other factors. Generally speaking, the entire dental implant procedure may cost a few thousand, but there’s no way to provide an estimate without a consultation.
Which factors determine the cost of full-mouth dental implants?
- Experience: Different dentists have different levels of experience. The most experienced dentists with specialized training in dental implants will likely cost more. However, dental implant surgery is extremely tricky and complex, so you must work with dental clinics specializing in dental implants.
- Preparation: Dental implants often require preparatory procedures, such as tooth extraction, bone grafting, or sinus lifts. A bone grafting may be necessary if you have inadequate jawbone tissues under the missing tooth’s socket. Furthermore, the cost of the preparatory procedures also depends on numerous factors, including the type of bone grafting material, the type of extraction, and much more.
- Location: The cost of dental implant surgery varies depending on the location and individual condition of the targeted areas for dental implants. Each patient is unique and requires a unique dental implant surgery. As such, the cost of dental implants will vary for all patients.
- Prosthetic: As mentioned previously, you can get numerous types of prosthetics for your dental implants, such as dental crowns, dental bridges, and dentures. Furthermore, all of them have different costs, depending on the material used.
Numerous factors come together and contribute to the final cost of dental implants. As such, it’s impossible to provide a general overview of your dental implants cost. If you’re wondering about the cost of full-mouth dental implants or the cost of a single tooth implant, please contact your dental implant specialist. They will examine your teeth, discuss your concerns, and curate the ideal treatment plan and cost for you.
Can I cover the cost of dental implants with insurance?
Generally speaking, dental insurance plans don’t cover dental implants. Most insurance companies consider dental implants to be an elective procedure because the patient can technically also get dentures or dental bridges. However, dental implants offer far greater long-term benefits than dentures and dental bridges, so some insurance providers are starting to offer limited coverage for dental implants. Please provide your insurance details to our dental clinic — we’ll determine if you’re a suitable candidate for dental implants insurance coverage.
How can I afford dental implants?
- Take dental loans to cover your implant cost.
- Consider using CareCredit or other third-party financing plans to cover the cost of your dental implants. These plans also provide low-interest or no-interest options.
- Ask your dental clinic if they have an in-house payment plan to help you afford dental implants.
VIP Dental Implants actively helps patients with insurance coverage and third-party financing. Our helpful staff will discuss all of your payment possibilities, helping you choose a payment option that places the least burden on your finances.
Are dental implants worth it?
Dental implants are completely worth it, even if they’re not covered by insurance. They’re the only option for patients wanting a second chance with perfect teeth. Dental implants look, feel, and function like natural teeth, and they last a lifetime. Furthermore, dental implants don’t require additional maintenance, unlike dentures. You don’t need to take them out every night, nor is there a risk of them slipping out while eating or speaking, which can cause significant embarrassment. As such, dental implants improve the overall quality of your life, and you can’t put a price tag on that.
At what age can dental implants be placed?
You can get dental implants at any age after 18 if you have missing teeth.
How long will it take?
The dental implant procedure takes 1 to 2 hours per implant.
How long does an implant take to heal?
After the dental implant procedure, the healing process may take around 6 months, following which you can get the permanent crown or bridge. However, you can proceed with your daily activities during this time — the osseointegration process happens in the background.
How long will implants last?
Dental implants are designed to last a lifetime.
Schedule an appointment to explore your dental implant cost in Houston, TX.
VIP Dental Implants is a state-of-the-art dental clinic specializing in dental implants. If you’re missing one tooth, multiple teeth, or all of your teeth, we can help you select the ideal dental implant options. Please schedule an appointment to determine the cost of your dental implants in Houston, TX.
