5 Factors That Affect My Dental Implant Cost
Dental implants are growing in popularity because of how effective they are. Once you have a successful implant, it can last for over 15 years and keep your smile bright. If you’re considering dental implants, you may be wondering how much dental implants cost. So, here we’ll discuss a few factors to consider when determining how much dental implants could cost you.
To be clear, a dental implant is a replacement for a missing tooth with three main parts.
- The Fixture is inserted into your jaw to provide a root for the replacement tooth.
- The Abutment attaches to the fixture.
- The Crown is the dental work (such as a false tooth) that is placed on top of the abutment and held securely in place.
Dental implants are effective and long-lasting, but before you get one there’s one big question to ask: “How much should dental implants cost?”
Five Factors Influencing Dental Implant Costs
Quality of Implant Materials
Your dental implant will be made out of metal, ceramic, or a mix of both. Both products are designed to mimic the look and feel of your teeth and integrate well with the bones in your jaw. Though both types of implants will do the job well, ceramic can resemble teeth more naturally in certain cases.
In terms of the material’s effect on dental implant cost, zirconium ceramic tends to be more expensive than the titanium present in metal dental implants.
Complexity of the Procedure
The main factors that affect the cost of the procedure are the complexity of the surgery and the number of implants required. Your dentist will be able to explain the exact price range that will meet your mouth’s needs. As a general estimate, dental implants can cost anywhere from $5,000 to $60,000. Procedures like a simple implant are on the lower end of that range, while full-mouth implants are on the higher end.
If you’d like a more exact estimate, feel free to call Zoe Dental for more information on the pricing for your specific procedure.
Preparatory Procedures
Preparatory procedures can also contribute to the overall cost. If your jaw can’t hold onto dental implants in its current condition, then bone grafts may be necessary to strengthen your jaw and provide a secure base for your dental implants.
Procedures like this will add both preparatory time and cost to your overall dental implant process, but they will also dramatically increase your implant’s chance of success if your dentist deems it necessary.
Geographic Location and Expertise of the Dentist
The price of your procedure will also depend on the geographic location and the skill of your chosen dentist. Driving hours to the dentist will add time and money stress, especially if you need to visit for multiple procedures and appointments.
In addition, the skill of your dentist matters. Knowing that you can trust your dentist’s years of experience to guarantee you a quick and efficient procedure with no surprise costs or complications can give you peace of mind as you get dental implants. Don’t be afraid to ask your dentist about their background and expertise; a dental practice that’s committed to constant growth and high-quality dental care will be glad to answer any questions you may have.
Additional Restorations
The final factor that affects dental implant costs is whether additional restorations are necessary. Ideally, your dentist should be a one-stop expert in most of the critical services you may need, such as crowns, veneers, teeth whitening, and sealants.
If, in the process of getting dental implants, your dentist identifies a need for a crown or a bridge to keep your mouth healthy, you’ll likely want to combine that with your dental implant procedure to keep your whole mouth healthy and functional.
Tips for Understanding How Much Dental Implants Should Cost
Consultation and Transparency
No matter what, transparent pricing is always a sign of a dentist who advocates for their patients. Even if your dentist can’t give you an exact number at your first appointment, they should be able to provide you with a cost estimate depending on your specific dental needs.
When you’re starting on your dental implant journey, a thorough consultation is key to help you know exactly what the procedure is going to cost. Your dentist should talk you through all the elements and potential costs of the procedure, and answer any questions you may have.
Insurance Coverage
Insurance coverage for dental implants is not a guarantee, but it is a possibility. You’ll want to check with your insurance provider to find out more. In recent years, more companies have started covering dental implants because they are dental devices used for health and quality of life.
Even if your company can’t pay for the implant, they may be able to help cover the teeth placed on the implant, so checking with your company is always recommended to see what money you can save.
Financing Options
Financing options are available if you need to make your dental implants more affordable. Your first step should always be to check with your insurance company to see what they’re willing to cover. However, before you turn to loans, you can also do some research at the NC Oral Health Collaborative. This organization provides better public awareness and up-to-date information about accessibility grants and other resources that may be useful.
Choose Zoe Dental for Your Dental Implants
Knowing each factor contributing to your dental implant cost is critical for having an informative conversation with your dentist. Make sure to ask about implant type, surgery complexity, preparatory procedures, and after-surgery care. This can help you to get a clear picture of what your final cost is going to look like.
You’ll be able to make a clear and informed decision about dental implants, and rest assured that you’ve discussed every factor that could affect your procedure.
If you’re ready to start this conversation with Zoe Dental, schedule an appointment with us today!