Dental Implants: How Much Do They Cost?

Introduction

The fact that millions of Americans have at least one missing tooth has pushed dentists to offer dental implants. This orthodontic device is one of the best choices when it comes to teeth replacement due to the benefits it provides, such as durability and convenience. With these advantages, many people prefer them, but most have reservations about having one because of its price.

Generally, a single implant can cost around $3,000 to $4,500. A mouth full of them can cause a person to shell out an average of $21,500 to $45,000. The procedure itself includes the use of materials, such as abutment, crown, and implants body, which greatly influences its price. This is why this treatment can be a little steep for some people.

Factors That Can Affect the Price

Different factors can affect the price of dental implant procedures, but what’s special about them is they are highly customized depending on the person’s needs. Appointments are unique to each patient, and the materials used are specialized according to their dental plan. This is also the reason implants can give any person a natural-looking smile. And for some, the device may cost a little more because they need longer treatments and more crowns.

Another reason dental implants cost more than other orthodontic devices is they’re highly durable and can last a lifetime. Other options may be economical, but there’s a great chance that the patient will continuously pay for it over and over, making their price equal or even more expensive than teeth implants.

Additional Costs

Associated procedures may also generate additional costs. Some patients, particularly those whose jawbones aren’t strong enough to support the implant’s titanium screws, are required to undergo certain treatments first. For example, a dental care practitioner may suggest bone augmentation to a patient before getting implants. This may add at least $350 to $1,000 to the price.

There are also cases where the patient needs to have tooth extractions before the procedure. Their cost varies depending on the type and the location of the teeth that need to be removed. This may cost the patient an additional $200 to $700.

Ways to Lower the Cost

Insurance Coverage

One of the first things that come to mind is insurance policies. However, insurance companies typically look at dental implants as cosmetic surgery, so many of them don’t cover it. They feel that dental bridges or partial dentures are enough to replace a missing tooth.

But, if a patient undergoes some related procedures like extractions or wisdom tooth removal, their insurance may help cover their expenses. The only downside to using it is the extensive paperwork and the time one needs to wait for the reimbursement.

Dental Discount Plans (DDP)

Some dentists recommend dental discount plans to patients as an effective way of lowering the price they need to pay. Under DDP, a person has to give a monthly or yearly fee, so they get to have reduced dental fees.

The plan also acts as a membership contract to the dental office and it allows payment flexibility. Unlike insurance, dental discount plans don’t require any paperwork, premiums, yearly caps, and even long waiting periods. The patient can just pay their dentist directly, which is convenient.

A person can save a lot with these plans since they can get as much as a $1000 discount. For example, if their implants procedure cost them $4,541, they can get a lowered price of around $3,633. If they have additional procedures, such as extraction, say at $152, they can get it at only $60 using their dental discount plan.

The patient must remember that these plans are only available when they visit an in-network dentist. Also, the discounted prices are highly dependent on their dentist’s fee, the state they live in, the type of procedure, and their treatment plan.

The Bottom Line

Having dental implants is a great treatment choice for people who have missing teeth. Factors such as the treatment plan, benefits, and necessary procedures add to their pricing, but they offer greater benefits than more traditional options. If you’re planning to get implants, the best thing you need to do is to visit a reliable and credentialed orthodontist who can discuss your options with you.