Dental implants are the pinnacle of natural and functional tooth replacements for missing teeth, providing unrivaled quality. But if you have ever considered dental implants as a tooth replacement option, you must have discovered that they are incredibly pricey. That must have led you to think, “Why are dental implants so expensive?”
Dental implants are a valuable investment because of their long-term benefits for tooth replacement, such as improved health, beauty, and self-confidence; they also outlast other alternatives to dental implants. The procedure’s complexity and cosmetic character, the skilled experience of the dentist involved, and the inclusion of both implant posts and dental crowns in the entire cost.
Furthermore, the overall cost will be increased if further teeth whitening or extractions are required. Nonetheless, you’ll get a breakdown of the associated costs to make an informed selection.
What is a Dental Implant?
Around 450,000 osseointegrated dental implants are placed each year, with an anticipated success rate of 95% (especially for single-tooth replacement with an implant-supported crown). These implants offer minimal risks and associated complications, making them a reliable choice for tooth replacement.
Dental implants offer a lasting and permanent solution for missing teeth. The procedure involves extracting the existing tooth and inserting a strong, corrosion-resistant metal post into the jaw. This metal post is firmly anchored to the jawbone, creating a robust and synthetic root system that closely matches the strength of natural roots, except it is immune to infection. Subsequently, an artificial tooth is placed atop the metal post, meticulously designed to replicate your natural teeth’ color, shape, and size.
How Much Do Dental Implants Cost?
A single-tooth implant cost depends on your location and the treatments required. On average, the cost of a tooth implant may range anywhere from $1,000 to $6,000. River’s Bend Family Dental provides financing options to help you with the cost of dental implants.
How Long Do Dental Implants Last?
Dental implants are one of the most reliable methods for replacing a missing tooth. Countless studies have shown an impressive 90-95% success rate for dental implants over the past 10 to 15 years.
Reasons Why are Dental Implants So Expensive
Below are the five reasons why are dental implants so expensive:
It’s Like a Surgical Adventure
Getting dental implants is no walk-in-the-park; it’s an invasive surgical procedure. You need a dentist with stellar skills and lots of training. At River’s Bend Dental, we have got dentists like Dr. Andrea Wimmergren, who has received her doctorate in dental surgery from the University of Minnesota.
Patience, My Friend
Getting implants is like watching a slow-motion movie; it takes time! First, they check your bone health, making sure you’re fit for implants. If needed, they may even do a bone graft to prep your jaw for the big show. Then the actual implant is placed, and it’s time for your jawbone to heal, which can take a few months. Patience pays, but it also adds to the bill!
Fancy-Schmancy Materials
Dental implants aren’t cheap because they’re made from top-notch stuff like titanium and other noble metals. You know, the kind that superheroes wear in their suits? Yep, that’s the expensive stuff! Plus, you’ll need snazzy abutments and crowns, which aren’t pocket-friendly either. Quality costs, my friend!
Crowns Fit for Royalty
An implant without a crown is like a king without a crown—just not right! Getting a crown that fits your jaw like a glove and looks like a natural tooth is an art form. They take an impression of your jaw, send it to a fancy dental lab with magical equipment, and voilà! And that top-notch craftsmanship comes with a hefty price tag, too.
Extra Add-Ons
It’s not just about the implants, my friend. Sometimes, you need a tooth extraction before getting those new pearly whites. And hey, since crowns never lose their sparkle, a bit of teeth whitening is recommended before they make you look dazzling. All these extra procedures add up and nudge that bill higher.
What Are the Alternatives to Dental Implants?
There are less intrusive and typically less expensive alternatives to dental implants. Gum disease treatment, root canal therapy, and dentures are among them.
Gum Disease Treatment
Dentists may use gum disease treatment instead of dental implants. Despite causing enamel damage and tooth decay, gums can be healed with adequate treatment. While not ideal, it is a viable choice for patients with minor tooth or jawbone loss because it can prevent additional tooth loss and maintain natural teeth.
Root Canal Therapy
Root canal therapy is a treatment option for tooth infections. It entails cleansing the affected tooth and restoring its health. This approach is usually used when the damage or decay inside the tooth can be corrected with fillings. After the infected pulp is removed, a filling and, sometimes, a crown is placed to protect the tooth from further decay or infection.
Dentures
Dentures become a viable option when dental implants and bridges aren’t the preferred choices for improving one’s smile. They can be full or partial replacements that fit over the gums and give a natural teeth-like feel. Custom-fitted dentures create a seamless smile and are more budget-friendly than implants or bridges. However, they may need more frequent replacements as the mouth changes.
Each option has advantages and disadvantages; thus, it is critical to consider all available options before selecting. Consultation with a dental specialist will assist in determining the optimum fit for specific requirements.
Conclusion
Prices for dental implants can vary between dentists, so it’s a good idea to reach out to your preferred dentist and inquire about the costs based on your specific needs. At River’s Bend Family Dental, we’ve helped numerous patients achieve their dream smiles with implants.
FAQs
- Are dental implants painful?
The operation should be painless due to numbing during the treatment. However, once the numbness wears off, patients frequently experience some pain. Many dental professionals give their patients pain medication to alleviate the discomfort at the implant site.
- Are dental implants worth the money?
While implants may cost more than other tooth replacement options, they offer long-lasting benefits. Once in place, implants can endure for decades, if not a lifetime. Moreover, crowns, bridges, and dentures attached to implants tend to have a longer lifespan than those without implant support.
- What is the most expensive part of a dental implant?
The crown is the costliest part of a dental implant, and it comes in different price ranges, such as all-ceramic, porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM), and zirconia crowns. Zirconia and all-ceramic crowns, known for their superior appearance, are usually more expensive compared to PFM crowns.
