One of the most common dental issues for adults in America is missing teeth. In fact, some research indicates that up to 50% of the population is missing one or more teeth and 30% are missing all of their teeth. This can lead to a variety of issues with oral and overall health.
The good news is, if you are among the population that is missing one or more of your natural teeth, you have options. Dr. Barbara Wetmore and the team at Sunflower Dental Spa in Rockledge, FL offer a variety of restorative dental treatments, including dental implants.
Dental implants are a top-tier restorative dental procedure because they look, feel, and function more like natural teeth than other options. Therefore, they are among the most expensive dental procedures. In this article, we'll discuss the cost of dental implants, including the factors that impact the cost, as well as ways that you can reduce your out-of-pocket expense.
Average Cost of Dental Implants
Typically, a traditional single-tooth implant costs around $1,500 to $6,000+. Mini dental implants are much smaller, and therefore are approximately 60% to 70% cheaper. Two implants supporting a 3-4 tooth bridge will typically cost $5,000+.
Full-mouth dental implants cost $40,000+ when each tooth is replaced by a single implant- but there are options to reduce this cost. The average cost of All-on-4 treatment, which involved 4 implants and an overdenture, is around $15,000+
Factors That Affect the Cost of Dental Implants
The costs listed above are the base costs, which means it only includes the implant and the surgery. This does not include any additional procedures you may require such as extractions, bone grafting, gum disease treatment, and more. There are also several other factors that are involved in the cost of dental implants:
Location of the clinic
The location of the clinic has a lot to do with the cost of dental implants. A clinic located in a busy city is going to charge more than one in a rural area.
Experience/certification of the dentist
A specialist will charge more than a general dentist. However, they have the experience and specialized training that a general dentist does not. Therefore, you are more likely to have a positive experience. Plus, it may actually save money in the long run because the specialist will be able to take care of all aspects of your treatment.
Type of dental implant
The type of implant- traditional versus mini- will impact the cost of the treatment. A mini implant costs up to 70% less than a traditional one. Mini implants also save money because you reduce/remove your need for additional treatments such as bone grafting and/or sinus lifting.
Sedation Requirements
Local anesthesia is included in the base cost. If you require oral or IV sedation, this will increase the cost of the procedure.
Materials used in the implant
The base cost includes a titanium implant. While this material is biocompatible, there is a small percentage of other metals used in the creation of the implant. This could trigger an allergic reaction in some patients. Therefore, we also offer zirconia implants, which is a type of ceramic.
Number of teeth being replaced
The base cost of a single-tooth implant is per tooth. Therefore, when you need to have all of your teeth replaced, it's best to choose an option such as All-on-4 where you only use a few implants to support a full arch of teeth.
Location of the tooth
Since front teeth require more prep work, they will cost more than a back tooth.
Tips for Reducing the Out-of-Pocket Cost of Dental Implants
Research has proven that dental implants are one of the most expensive options when it comes to restorative dentistry. However, it is important to note that the benefits far outweigh the costs- so they are well worth it. Unfortunately, the cost still puts it out of reach for many patients. The good news is, there are some things you can do to reduce the out-of-pocket cost of dental implants.
Learn More about the Procedure
Dental implants are on the higher end of the price spectrum, and you may be shocked by the initial quote. However, taking the time to learn more about the procedure can help you understand the pricing. By learning the facts, you will better understand what questions you should ask about where you could cut costs to make the procedure more affordable.
Use Your Dental Insurance
One of the best ways to reduce your out-of-pocket costs is to check with your dental insurance. Some providers classify this as a cosmetic procedure and may not cover anything- but others will cover a portion of the treatment because it also restores function, not just appearance. Therefore, choose a dentist that will work with your insurance provider to determine coverage and help you maximize your benefits.
Discuss Payment Options
When discussing your treatment plan with the dentist, find out about your options for payment. Most clinics offer options for financing your dental treatments, whether in-house or through a third party. At Sunflower Dental Spa, we believe that dental treatment should be accessible to everyone and therefore, we offer several financing options.
Shop Around
If the cost seems especially high, you may want to get a second opinion. Consider working with an implantologist, as they will be able to provide you with all of the services you need, which may help save you money.
Conclusion
Missing teeth can cause a variety of oral and overall health issues. Therefore, if you are among the millions of Americans that are missing at least one tooth, you'll want to consider your tooth restoration options. Dental implants are one of the most popular options because they look, feel, and function more like natural teeth.
When choosing a dentist, you want to make sure that they have the proper credentials and can make you feel comfortable. Sunflower Dental Spa strives to make all of our patients feel at ease from the moment they enter our building. We understand that dental visits can trigger anxiety and will do what we can to mitigate that.
Dental Implant FAQs
Dr. Wetmore and the team at Sunflower Dental Spa understand that restorative dental procedures such as dental implants can be confusing. We will be glad to address all of your questions and concerns at any time. Below, we've answered a few of the most common questions we get from our patients:
What is the success rate of dental implants?
For healthy patients who properly care for and maintain their dental implants, the success rate is 95%. However, this is significantly lower for patients who smoke, have underlying health conditions, or do not care for their implants as instructed.
What is the difference between a single dental implant and multiple dental implants?
A single dental implant replaces a single tooth, while multiple dental implants are designed to replace multiple teeth. If you are missing several teeth, it's best to get as few implants as possible and get attachments such as bridges or an overdenture to replace most of the teeth.
What are the risks of getting dental implants?
Overall, the procedure of getting dental implants is about the same as with any other oral surgery. Proper aftercare will help keep the area clean and give you what you need to heal.
How long does it take to get a dental implant?
The process of getting a dental implant involves several stages. The entire process takes approximately 4 months to a year, depending on how long it takes you to heal between stages. If you need additional procedures such as bone grafting, extractions, gum disease treatment, or others, it will take longer.
Are there any alternatives to dental implants?
Yes, there are alternatives to dental implants. However, it is important to note that these options do not offer the same benefits as dental implants. Alternatives include dental bridges and dentures.
