The cost of dental implant factors are dependent on the amount of work that is required, and so it will vary with the individual patient. It is also true that costs for these dental procedures vary according to the location of the clinic and from practitioner to practitioner.
As a general rule, you could expect to pay between $1,500 and $3,000 for each implant, if no additional reconstruction work was required. However, the cost of dental implant work escalates up to $30, 000 for major reconstruction surgery to the jaw, gums and teeth.
The first step in assessing what dental implants will cost you, is to find out what work would be required if you went ahead with the procedure. To do this, you will need to consult with a dental prosthologist, preferably one who specializes in dental implants. After examination, which could involve x-rays, you will be given a quote if you are a suitable candidate for the procedure.
When you get the quote, ask the prosthologist to go over it with you. You need to know exactly what it covers and if there will be any additional costs incurred. It should include surgery costs, an anesthesiologist, x-rays, follow-up consultations, the titanium post, possibly a temporary crown, the permanent crown and maybe medication. The quote should also state the number of implants that will be done, and the type of implant to be performed.
To make sure you are getting a reasonable quote, consult with two other dental prosthologists so you can compare the quotes, but again, make sure you know exactly what the quotes cover to avoid any nasty surprises, by way of additional costs later on. You can use all this information to make a decision on whether to have the procedure and with whom to have it done.
Another thing you need to investigate is whether you health insurance will cover the procedure. It appears that, generally, at the present time, dental implants are not covered by health insurance. Ask whether the prosthologists take credit cards or have a payment plan that allows you to pay off the procedure over time. This is fairly common practice with dental clinics because of the high cost of many of their procedures.
A less expensive way of having dental implants may be at a dental college. Find a dental college in your local area and make inquiries. Trainee dentists need practical experience to become proficient and to pass their course of study, so most colleges offer a reduced-fee policy for many dental procedures. The students perform the procedure under the close supervision of trained teachers, so you can have confidence in following this path.
As well as getting multiple quotes in your area, you might also consider going outside your area for a quote. Location has a direct impact on prices for many things, even medical and dental procedures. You will always pay more for the services of an acknowledged leader in the field, whereas a prosthologist who is just starting out probably won’t charge such high fees.
Dental implants have become more prevalent and now there are several manufacturers of the titanium posts, some cheaper than others, but with similar quality. Ask your dentist if the quote could be lowered by using alternative brands of the hardware needed. These are just some of the ways you can lower the cost of dental implants.
Written by admin on October 10th, 2009 with no comments.
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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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If you are hunting down a nice round figure for the average dental implant cost, there is a reasonable chance you remain frustrated. It is no wonder, costs of any dental work vary wildly, (and widely), for a number of reasons. You can reasonably expect to pay anything from $2,000 for just one tooth. Stories of total fees exceeding ten grand are not unheard of though, (yes, for a single tooth!).
What controls these, (other than the practitioners fees of course), is the individuals own requirements, (and demands). It is quite significant the costs that can be saved, simply through having a professional consultation; there is a good chance you will not need, (nor benefit from), the amount of work you think you need.
Costs of consultation can be included in the cost of treatment. However, for an unbiased and independent review, it may be worth seeking the services of a dental practitioner who does not perform such surgery. Failing this, just do not mention you are considering dental implants.
The dental implant cost will rise dramatically if a lot of preparatory treatment is involved. While jaw realignment and sinus setting are rare operations; certain tweaks to bone structure are quite normal; these will all ramp up fees by the thousands of dollars, (while the pain and time taken will of course rise accordingly).
Securing the implant to the jaw is a relative simple [procedure, and as such can cost as little as $800 for a lower front jaw fitting. However, as the placement of the implant becomes more complicated; so does the dental implant cost.
Once the costs of the tooth and crown are taken into consideration; it is unlikely you will get much change from the two thousand bucks mentioned in the opening paragraph.
Spending money like this may not be covered easily, and it is unlikely that such cosmetics will be covered by dental insurance plans, (unless caused by trauma or illness). Loan options are available of course, but these should also be carefully considered.
Recently, a new type of implant; the mini implant has been introduced. While this points to the future, it is important to understand that these are limited in their usage and effectiveness.
If you are on a tight budget, but in need of dental work; you could consider dentures and bridge work. These are more likely to be covered by dental insurance plans, and in themselves are more affordable. However, it is not going to produce the same feel and look of course, and there are other drawbacks regards comfort and practicality.
Dental implant costs, and dental implant techniques are changing all the time; as we become more open to treatment and our knowledge improves. While costs will rise as new techniques come online, the cost of existing treatments will fall; so it is certainly worth visiting your dental practitioner regularly for the best advice and treatment. Dental hygiene is important, not just to give you that winning smile, but improve confidence and general health. Look after your teeth, you only get one set.
Written by admin on September 23rd, 2009 with no comments.
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