Quoting the cost of dental implants is not as easy as one may think. Giving a patient an estimate will actually require an in-depth examination of the teeth, gums and oral health and a discussion about the patient’s desires. Since no two patients are the same, their implant treatment plans will be unique, requiring different essentials that will affect the total cost.
Generally speaking, however, teeth implants are more expensive than the most traditional restorations used to replace teeth such as dental bridges and dentures.
Dr. Drew Shulman is a local Philadelphia dentist providing all types of dental implants for patients with missing or damaged teeth. We understand that having a firm grasp on the financial burden is critical to determining if teeth implants are the right decision for you.
To help you financially plan for your replacement teeth, he will conduct a thorough analysis of your entire mouth to accurately construct a treatment plan. Our staff will then file with your dental insurance (if you have dental insurance) to help you maximize your dental benefits. You will be responsible for the remaining balance.
Determining the Cost of Dental Implants
The total cost of having your teeth replaced with dental implants can fluctuate depending on a few main factors.
The type of dental implant
There is not one standard implant for every case. Dental implants actually come in various sizes, shapes and materials. Your dentist will determine the one that will work best for you during your exam. The dentist usually bases it on your clinical condition.
The location of the missing teeth, the amount of bone available and the type of restoration are the most important factors to see which type of implant(s) you will need. The number of and types of dental implants you need will impact the overall cost significantly.
Preparatory procedures
Before your dentist can surgically place your dental implants, Dr. Shulman will need to make sure that you have a healthy environment to heal in. This means you must be in good overall health. You may need to make a few lifestyle changes before getting approval from your dentist for oral surgery. You must be free from any oral problems such as gum disease or tooth decay.
Undergoing treatment for gum disease is very important to the success of your implants. Extremely decayed teeth may need root canal therapy or even extraction. If you lack bone tissue, Dr. Shulman may need you to get a bone graft. These preparatory procedures will increase the total cost but are necessary to guarantee successful implantation.
Dental restoration
The type of dental restorations you will need has a big impact on the total cost of treatment. You will have a dental crown, dental bridge, or denture on the implant(s). The type of restoration you need depends on how many missing or damaged teeth you have and their location. Also, you may need a temporary restoration while your implants heal.
Surgery
An oral surgeon will need to surgically install the dental implants into your jaw bone. This will require sedation so that you are comfortable during the surgical procedure. The type of dental sedation you choose will add a few hundred dollars to your total treatment cost.
A single dental implant that secures a dental crown costs on average about $4,000. This includes the surgical placement of the implant, the abutment, the crown, all the procedures, and some additional materials. The cost will go up from there due to your unique case.
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