Typical Dental Implant Costs
Dental implants are usually the last choice someone has if teeth need to be replaced. Dentures are certainly more affordable, but in many instances, they are not a viable option. What’s left? Dental implants. And since cost is always a consideration in any decision of this magnitude, let’s talk about typical dental implant costs.
The first thing to know is that virtually no insurance company will cover the cost of dental implants. Period. They are expensive, they carry risks, and insurance companies will always take the cheapest route to solve your problem. Implants just do not fall in that category.
Having implants put in is a two step process. There are costs associated with both of these processes and you will be billed accordingly. The first step is performed probably by your own dentist and the second step will be performed by either an oral surgeon or an endodontist, or even an “implant specialist” which is still an oral surgeon but probably owns his own dental implant practice, and that’s all he does.
Your first appointment with your regular dentist will begin the process of designing your new “layout”. There are many factors to be taken into consideration at this point, and these are decisions that you and your dentist need to agree on before commencing with the surgery.
The average patient has three implants put in. Yes, some patients have just one, but most patients needing one tooth replaced with opt for less expensive options that their insurance company will help cover (partial bridge, etc.). Usually by the time a patient has an expanse of the size needing three implants, even a bridge won’t be an option.
The typical cost for three implants including all the visits, the surgery, the follow up, and maybe the removal of some teeth in the process, will be about $10, 000. Large urban areas with special medical facilities may charge more. Most have some sort of financing option available.
Your dentist will help you to keep your costs down. Let’s say you have lost five teeth on the bottom left side of your mouth. These include a wisdom tooth and molar. Chances are you can easily get along with have only 3 implants put in to replace the ones you lost. This shouldn’t affect your smile or your chewing capabilities.
Your dentist will prep your mouth and do a bone density scan. He has to make sure your jaw bone has enough bone and calcium to form a bond with the actual implant when it is surgically put into place. If it appears to be strong enough, surgery begins.
The first step is to drill into your jaw bone. Each implant needs its own “tunnel”. The bottom of the implant is placed, and the gum is stitched up. This needs time to heal.
After about six weeks, you now go to the surgeon who will be doing the second half of the process where he needs to open the gum, again, over each of the implants. He then attaches a screw-like device to the top of each. Again, you will need some time to heal. He may be able to fit you with some temporary “teeth” while you wait another few weeks.
Then you return to have a mold taken and your final teeth are made. Your regular dentist is now responsible for putting these teeth into place by attaching them to the top screws.
If you are looking for a deal be sure to proceed with caution. Obviously, the typical dental implant costs can be tough to swallow, but finding the cheap solution often leads to further expense down the road.
Written by admin on October 8th, 2009 with no comments.
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