Besides the discomfort and inconvenience of dental procedures, the next thing people think of is, “How much does it cost?” For dental implants, that question can cause hesitation in having the procedure, even when implant dentures are an absolute medical necessity.
To help ease your concerns or to satisfy your curiosity if considering dental implants, read below and learn how much dental implants cost, and why.
The Average Cost of Dental Implants
The cost of dental implants can vary, depending on how many teeth are being implanted, among other factors. For a single-tooth dental implant, the cost is around $5, 000, but that is only for the implant and placement surgery; other contributing aspects can raise the cost significantly.
For full-mouth dental implants, the cost can be between $43, 000 and $56, 000, for the implants and surgery without any other factors included. Dental insurance providers may cover a portion of the cost, helping with out-of-pocket expenses, but some insurance companies may consider it a cosmetic treatment and forgo coverage.
If considering or need dental implants, the first thing to do is look over your insurance plan or call your insurance provider to discuss implant treatment.
Factors That Impact Dental Implants Cost
As mentioned above, the base costs for dental implants don’t include other factors that increase the price tag. While some may appear as a necessity, others are personal choices that depend on your lifestyle and insurance coverage:
Types of Dental Implants
The two typical and most common types of dental implants are endosteal and subperiosteal, the difference being how they’re attached to the jawbone. Endosteal implants are shaped like a small screw and are inserted into the jawbone, holding one or more replacement teeth. These are typically preferred when a patient has dentures or bridges already.
The other is the subperiosteal implant, which is placed on or above the jawbone with a metal post placed under the gum and holding the implant in place through it.
Implant Location
Where the dental implants are needed can affect the cost since the location affects how complex the procedure is. For example, implants in the front of the mouth are more visible, requiring more aesthetic considerations than those in the back.
Implant Material
There are two main options for dental implants to consider:
- Titanium Dental Implants: These implants have a low failure rate due to their biocompatibility, meaning the body won’t recognize the material as a foreign invader. Titanium is also highly resistant to corrosion and has low thermal conductivity, meaning hot or cold foods won’t irritate the implant or area around it.
- Zirconia Dental Implants: Like titanium, zirconia is biocompatible and metal-free for patients who have metal allergies or an autoimmune disorder. While it isn’t as strong as titanium, they are less susceptible to plaque buildup and blend well with natural tooth color.
Pre-Implant Treatments
Sometimes, additional procedures are necessary before or during the implant placement process to ensure a successful outcome. These procedures, such as bone grafting or gum disease treatment, can add to the overall cost of treatment.
Implant Insurance Coverage
Dental insurance coverage varies widely, and not all plans cover dental implants; as mentioned earlier, some even consider it purely cosmetic and won’t cover it. Those that do may only cover a portion of the cost, leaving the patient responsible for the rest of the costs. Always check with your insurance provider before scheduling dental implant treatment.
Benefits of Dental Implants: Is It Worth the Price?
This largely depends on what you and your dentist think about the total cost vs. dental benefits. When wondering, how much do dental implants cost, compare them to the inconveniences of traditional dentures or the price to your overall oral health not to have them. Some dentists will work with their patients with financing or paying overtime to help ease the burden, but it’s important to have that conversation openly with your dentist.
We at Bellevue aim to help all our patients improve their smiles and work with them to ensure that the price doesn’t bar them from the smile they deserve. If you’re searching for a dentist in Bellevue to help restore your smile with dental implants, look no further than the team at Bellevue Dentist.
Dr. Siamak Najafi is an accomplished dentist who has trained with the world’s leading dental pioneers. These days he teaches dentists from all over the world how to enhance the health and appearance of their patients’ smiles through state-of-the-art dentistry services.
Dr. Don Jayne is a nationally recognized leader in dentistry. He focuses on providing unparalleled expertise in cosmetic, general, implant, and sedation dentistry. He is dedicated to providing you with the most advanced techniques and effective technology available in dental care.