Dental implants tend to be more expensive than alternative tooth replacement options such as dentures or bridges, yet unlike these temporary solutions, they will last a lifetime.
Note that several factors influence the cost of implants, including post, abutment, and crown prices. Many patients also require bone grafting or sinus lift procedures, increasing the final price tag.
Cost
The cost of dental implants varies significantly between individuals. It also depends on factors like replacing multiple teeth at once, any preparatory procedures needed, materials used such as titanium or zirconium implants used, quality of posts/abutments/crowns used, and laboratory costs associated with them.
Consulting with an implant expert will help provide you with a more accurate picture of the costs involved with your case, including X-rays, diagnosis, prognosis, and any additional procedures necessary, such as bone graft or sinus lift procedures, and their prices.
Your dentist may suggest pre-implant treatments such as gum disease therapy and bone grafting to ensure a successful implant surgery. Failing to comply with this recommendation could increase your risk of complications after surgery.
Most treatment plans for dental implants are relatively pain-free; however, they will add to the total cost. If cost concerns you, discuss financing options with your dentist; approximately 80% offer payment plans through CareCredit, allowing patients to spread out payments over multiple months until everything has been paid in full. In some instances, insurance providers also cover part or all of this amount.
Procedure
Implants are the only tooth restoration option that replaces missing roots, providing the foundation for artificial teeth and helping prevent bone loss in your jaw. Unfortunately, however, implants can be expensive, but there are ways to offset costs, such as getting insurance coverage or using flexible spending accounts or health reimbursement arrangements (HRA). You might even be able to find a dentist offering in-house payment plans.
Cost considerations depend upon the number and type of implants required; as with any surgical process, more implants require more complex and extensive work as more materials will be involved in their placement. Furthermore, different implants, such as titanium- or zirconium-made devices, will vary in cost depending on their material composition and the reputation of the provider; the level of expertise of the provider could also have an effect.
Before getting an implant, your dentist should explain the entire process, short and long-term recovery, costs, and possible treatment plans tailored specifically to you. They should answer any of your queries and create a tailored treatment plan suited for you.
At your consultation appointment, inquire about discounts and financing options with your dentist to assess better whether dental implants are right for you. Also, shop among various providers; some may offer lower rates or better terms than others.
Visit a dental school to reduce costs for dental implants by hiring advanced students as dental implant placement experts at significantly reduced prices. Be sure to research first to ensure the school is accredited and its students are adequately trained.
Materials
Dental implants are surgical fixtures used as artificial tooth roots. Once in place, they fuse with the jawbone through an osseointegration process, and your dentist can restore them with crowns or bridges that mimic natural-looking and functioning teeth. Although more expensive than other restorative procedures, implants provide better value over time as they prevent bone loss while improving oral health – plus, there are no dietary restrictions or necessary dental adhesives.
Titanium is the go-to material for dental implant applications, known for being strong yet lightweight, non-toxic, and highly biocompatible. Alloyed versions may provide greater strength and durability; titanium’s ability to integrate with human bone tissue – known as “osseointegration” – sets it apart as the go-to choice.
Other materials to consider for dental restorations include zirconia and porcelain, both less common options that may be good choices for those allergic to titanium. Furthermore, a thermoplastic polymer known as Polyether Ether Ketone (PEEK) offers some advantages over titanium, making it more biocompatible; PEEK boasts high toughness and strength with minimal wear-and-tear damage and biocompatibility benefits.
Material selection for an implant screw is of critical importance in terms of both integration with your jawbone and long-term success. The surface texture also has an impactful role to play here; smooth surfaces tend to be easier to clean while better equipped at withstanding bite forces that exert pressure on teeth.
All-on-4 implants are an innovative treatment option designed to replace all your upper or lower jaw teeth at once, providing a lasting solution for people who have lost most of their natural teeth or cannot support traditional implants due to insufficient bone density. All-on-4 implants are typically comprised of highly durable titanium that seamlessly integrates with bone tissue for seamless results.
Insurance
Dental implants can invest in your health and happiness, offering increased quality of life while building confidence. Before committing, however, you must carefully research insurance plans to find an ideal plan that ensures optimal care during and post-procedure.
Patients often ask whether their insurance will cover the costs associated with dental implants. Although some policies offer coverage, it’s wise to check their specifics, as waiting periods and annual maximums vary between plans.
Dental insurance plans typically cover routine exams and basic restorations; it rarely covers more extensive treatments like implants; however, specific medical plans will cover their costs if necessary for treating an underlying health issue.
Depending on the circumstances surrounding your situation, various specialists may need to be seen before dental implants are placed. This includes seeing an oral and maxillofacial surgeon; an orthodontist (who specializes in conditions related to mouth, jaws, and faces); or a prosthodontist who designs and fits artificial teeth.
If you have dental insurance, review its details to see whether implant treatment is covered. Some plans offer specific coverage of implants, while others label them as cosmetic procedures and exclude them altogether. In general, plans with higher premiums tend to cover more costs associated with your treatment for implants.
Financing
Dental implants are an effective solution to replace missing teeth, yet are typically not covered by insurance as a cosmetic or elective procedure rather than necessary treatment. There may be ways of making the investment more affordable through financing options for dental implant procedures.
One of the best options available to you is to utilize a credit card offering zero percent interest for a specific period or open up a Flexible Spending Account (FSA), which allows you to set aside pre-tax money each year towards medical and dental treatments (some employers even provide this benefit); any money left unused must be repaid within its allotted annual limit or payback penalty will apply.
Borrow funds from your retirement plan instead of taking out a personal loan. This option could often be more advantageous as no taxes or penalties need to be paid, plus the money will still go toward investing for retirement. Depending on your employer, this may be easy and straightforward – contact their HR department and discuss this potential option first!
Are You Applying for a Loan From a Bank or Credit Union? Another option would be to secure a personal loan through a bank or credit union, which is typically an easy and swift process, often yielding results within days or two. Some lenders may even be more accommodating towards patients needing dental implants due to understanding the unique challenges involved; one such lender is ONEderful Finance which offers patient-friendly dental implant financing based on your income and financial history.