There are a number of treatment options available to patients who need to have one or more missing teeth replaced. The overall best option is with dental implants. Dental implants are a stable and aesthetically pleasing option for patients. Other options to replace teeth are not as costly as implants but implants are significantly more secure and have a longer lifespan than most restorations.
A dental implant is a titanium post that is surgically placed directly into your jaw bone with a part of the post left protruding slightly through the gum tissue. An abutment and implant crown are custom made to restore the implant and replace the tooth. Implants can also be used to support a partial denture or even a full set of dentures on one or both arches. In both cases, more implants are required.
How much do dental implants cost?
One implant costs between $3000 and $6000 for the implant placement surgery and the restoration. Of course the biggest affecting factor to the overall cost of treatment is the number of implants the patient needs. Patients who need multiple implants to support a full denture can expect to pay up to $30,000 per arch.
Another cost determining factor is preparatory surgeries that may be required to ensure the success of the implant. This includes surgeries such as a bone graft, a gum graft, or a sinus lift. The geographical location of the office will also play a role in the overall cost of treatment. Patients who live in metropolitan areas can expect to pay more than those who live in rural areas.
Are financial arrangements available?
Any financial arrangements available will vary from office to office. Your dentist and oral surgeon will provide you with treatment plans from each of their respective offices detailing the estimated cost of treatment. If you have dental insurance, it may cover some of the cost of treatment.
Keep in mind, insurance will only pay out so much per year so it may be worth spreading your treatment out over the course of two separate calendar years to maximize your benefits from each year. You can request the offices to submit a pre-treatment estimate to your insurance company to get an idea of what they will pay. If an implant is deemed medically necessary, you may be able to submit a claim to your medical insurance as well to help offset some of the cost.
Also, be sure to inquire about in-house financing programs that your dentist and oral surgeon may offer. Some offices also work with a third-party financing company that can greatly ease the immediate financial burden.
Other Cost Saving Options
You may consider receiving treatment through a dental school. This can save a significant amount of money and will be performed by a dental student who is supervised by a licensed dentist and oral surgeon.
Discount dental plans are available but not all dental providers accept discount plans so if this is something that you would like to consider, make sure your providers will accept your selected discount plan before you begin treatment.
Dental implants are costly but the comfort and stability the patient feels is often worth the time and expense. Dental implants have the ability to last a lifetime whereas other options such as bridges or dentures may only last 10 to 15 years before needing to be replaced. Speak with your dentist to see if you are a candidate for dental implants.
