Are you trying to figure out whether you can fit dental implants into your budget? If so, it’s important to bear in mind that the treatment does not have a universal price tag. The overall cost of dental implants can vary significantly from patient to patient thanks to all sorts of factors. Below is a brief overview of just 4 of the variables that could potentially influence the amount you end up paying to recomplete your smile.
1. The Number of Implant Posts
Dental implants can be used in all sorts of situations. The specific number of implant posts you need to get depends on the extent of your tooth loss. If you are only missing one tooth, a single implant post will be enough to fulfill your needs. But if all of the teeth in your upper or lower jaw are missing, then replacing all of them may call for four or more posts. The more posts required in your specific case, the more you can expect to pay.
2. Preliminary Treatments
There may be certain procedures that need to be completed before you can receive dental implants. For example, if the tooth that needs to be replaced is still in your mouth, it will have to be extracted. Additionally, if there isn’t enough bone in your jaw to support your implant posts, bone grafting may be required. Each type of preliminary treatment comes with its own cost separate from that of your dental implant surgery.
3. The Materials Used
Generally speaking, dental implants are made out of titanium, which is notable for its high durability as well as its ability to safely integrate with the jawbone. However, nowadays some dentists offer implant posts made out of zirconia for patients with metal allergies. The material used to make your implant posts will have a significant impact on the cost. Remember, dental implants made out of high-quality materials may be more costly, but they also tend to last longer.
4. The Location of the Practice
Dentists set rates for their various services based on the overhead of operating their office, which can vary depending on where they are. Thus, the location of a dental practice can affect the cost of having dental implants placed. You can count on your dentist to give you an estimate of what the cost of dental implant surgery will look like before you move forward with the procedure.
In short, when it comes to the financial side of getting dental implants, there are several factors to consider. You should talk to your dental team and make sure that you have all the information you need regarding the cost of the treatment before you decide whether dental implants are the best option for filling in the empty space in your smile.
About the Author
Dr. Navkiran Dhillon earned a Bachelor of Dental Surgery in India, and she went to Boston University for her Doctor of Dental Medicine. She has received a Fellowship in the Academy of General Dentistry, and she has completed more than 100 hours of specialty implant training. Thanks to her expertise, she can complete the entire dental implant treatment in-office. If you’re interested in pursuing dental implants as a solution for tooth loss, you can schedule an appointment with Dr. Dhillon at Dhillon Family & Cosmetic Dentistry in Ware by visiting her website or calling (413) 967-7140.