How Much Do Dental Implants Cost?
Statesville, NC
 Dental implants are as close as it gets to real teeth, with extremely good longevity (to the tune of 40 years or more) and complete oral functionality. Unlike dentures, which require removal for cleaning and replacement every few years, dental implants are a permanent solution that stays with you for life. The average price for a single dental implant starts at just above $3,000.
Multiple tooth implants can cost you about $20,000 all the way up to $50,000, depending on the implant materials and placement. For example, implants for the front teeth are usually more expensive than back teeth. This difficulty mostly comes from the fact that the dentist has to carefully align everything with the front jawline to retain the patient's aesthetics.
The cost of dental implants also depends on the dentist's experience. A dentist with years of experience may charge more for their specialized knowledge, but it pays off with better results for the patient. This may seem steep at first until you compare the long-term costs of alternatives such as bridges and dentures that often require frequent replacement and visits to the dentist. It is worth noting that no two individuals are alike because several variables are responsible for evaluating the price of dental implants.
How Much Do Dental Implants Cost?
For obvious reasons, the more dental implants you require to restore your oral functions, the more expensive the procedure. Besides, having multiple dental implants will usually require more careful prepping as opposed to a single dental implant. This often means multiple scans, longer healing time, and more frequent visits to the dentist.
Materials for Dental Implants Can Be Expensive
The go-to material for dental implants is titanium due to its high biocompatibility compared to other metals as well as durability. The only problem with titanium is that it can be a rather expensive material to obtain, much like gold. Its price moves from one extreme to another, which can have a noticeable impact on the cost of a dental implant.
3D Scans of the Mouth
In order to create the most compatible dental implant for your mouth, our dentist will require a detailed understanding of the entire oral cavity. This includes information about the jawbone, upper and lower gums, various bone structure, root fractures, canals, and nerves. It will also help our dentist understand if the patient has enough bone density to support dental implants.
Patients who don't have enough bone density may require a bone graft surgery. The data is obtained with the help of 3D scans, including a combination of x-rays and CT scans that capture multiple images of the head. These images are then sent to a computer that puts them in a 3D format. In most cases, the 3D scans should take no longer than 30 to 60 seconds. These scans will contribute to the overall cost of the dental implant.
May Require a Bone Graft Surgery
Some patients may need to undergo bone graft surgery if they don't have enough jawbone density to support an implant post. The material for bone grafts is usually transplanted from the patient's own body or a donor (usually an animal). Regardless of the material used, the healing time for bone grafts can take anywhere from three to six months.
Patients who smoke during this time may experience delayed healing, which could further complicate their dental implant procedure. Bone graft surgeries will require multiple appointments with the dentist to monitor the healing process and to decide when it's time to begin the dental implant procedure.
This will contribute to the overall procedure for implants.
Dental implants are the most durable and natural-looking option, but they do come at a price. Dentures can provide a good balance between affordability and durability, but they don't prevent jawbone loss since no stimulation is provided to the roots. Patients have described dentures as a less comfortable option when compared to implants.
Bridges are a reliable tooth replacement option that only works if the patient has a few missing teeth. The procedure for dental bridges is more simplistic and, therefore, less costly. It's also relatively quick and painless compared to dental implants. Patients who have lost all of their teeth may be recommended to opt for implant-supported dentures. This procedure helps replace several teeth at once and may be the best option for restoring the function and appearance of natural teeth.
Compared to regular dentures, implant-supported dentures provide a better quality of life and last longer. Regular dentures may need to be replaced once every 10 years, especially because the patient's bone structure will change with time. However, implant-supported dentures can have a longer lifespan of over 20 years.
Which Option Is Ideal for Me?
It is important to visit an experienced dentist such as Dr. Packman and to assess your oral health and determine if you are a good candidate for dental implants. After the initial consultation, our dentist will provide you with a treatment plan to help you get close to your goals.
This may include the timeline for dental implants, dentures, or bridges. The dental implant process will require surgery, which means that an incision will be made into the gum to make room for the implant. A temporary crown is placed over the implant to start the healing process.
The healing process will require the patient to make dietary and lifestyle changes, such as switching to softer foods and avoiding smoking. Once the jawbone has healed and fused with the implant, our dentist will place a permanent crown over the implant. This will complete the procedure and restore your oral functions, as well as help improve your cosmetic appearance. After the procedure, it is recommended to follow up with our dentist to ensure that the implant is working as it should.
Wondering if you're a good candidate for dental implants? Call (704) 978-7060 to set up an appointment with our experienced dentist at Jon C. Packman DDS. |
