Dental implants are a serious investment of your time and, of course, your money. Given the advanced technology and surgical procedures they utilize, they consist of a fairly new area of dentistry and as such the costs are still high. As time goes on and the number of the dentists involved in dental implantology increases, the cost will come down significantly. However, as it stands, dental implants require an exceptional amount of money but are most likely to return the investment to you over the course of your life by providing you a wonderful, natural-looking smile that is every bit as capable and beautiful as the original teeth that used to occupy it.
What will determine the costs?
Dental implants involve two major sources of cost: the first is the cost of the implant itself and the second is the prosthetic tooth that is attached to the implant. These things are the most complicated parts of the procedure and demand a significant amount of technology and doctor assessment to be done before you can be given a realistic, functional tooth.
Considering just what kind of solution you’re looking for and the extent to which a doctor needs to perform surgery to install it in you, can pay anywhere from several hundred to several thousand dollars, sometimes more. The average fee is usually nested around a grand and a half, however, and it really depends on the skill and experience of the dentist performing the surgery on you.
Another factor in cost is the difficulties or complexities that can occur with treatment. For some people that lack the proper jawbone, they may require a bonegraft or perhaps even a specialized type of implant that is more expensive than the other available options. For some who require very specialized treatment or a solution on a large scale, such as the entire reconstruction of the mouth, they can be looking at paying exorbitant fees.
Insurance may not cover dental implants
The most important factor for most people in determining the cost of their medical procedures is insurance coverage. Unfortunately, since dental implants are considered a cosmetic solution by most companies, the large majority of these insurance providers do not cover the cost or even a portion of the cost of dental implants. Therefore, it is up to the patient to determine how he or she can afford the expenses involved when opting for this particular tooth replacement solution. With a good doctor and some savings, however, a patient can manage the costs quite well on his or her own accord.
The Bottom Line
Fortunately, for most people, there are implant restorations available that are in a realistic range of cost and allow many of these people to find a suitable solution for their oral needs. It is also true that while dental implants may cost more up front, the investment they represent cost less down the line when you’re still equipped with those beautiful teeth given to you by your doctor. Compared to basic dentures or bridges, dental implants may actually be a more cost-effective means of tooth replacement one you consider the financial burden of having to maintain and replace the equipment involved in alternative treatments over a period of a dozen years or so. For some people who wear dentures, they have to continue replacing their devices up to several times during their lifetime, while a good dental implant needs only to be purchased once.
In the end, you have to make certain that the dentist you choose is right for you and can provide you a cost assessment of his or her services up front so that you can know exactly what you’re paying for. With the right treatment and the right solution, you’ll find that dental implants, what they bring to the quality of your life, and how they create your oral brilliance are worth more than what any amount of money can offer you otherwise!