Why Are Dental Implants so Expensive? 

Dental implants are the superior choice and best option when it comes to dental restorative treatments. They have a 98% success rate and a high patient satisfaction rate.

Implants are a complex cosmetic procedure that requires careful planning and strategic placement, therefore it comes with a higher price tag when compared to other tooth replacement options. Nevertheless, you may be surprised to learn that in the long run, they’re a cost-effective solution.

How much do dental implants cost?

Everyone’s needs are different, so dental implant pricing will vary from one patient to another but these are the ballpark figures:

• The average cost of a single dental implant to replace one missing tooth ranges from $3,500 to $4,000.
  
• The average cost of full mouth implants, or implant-supported dentures, ranges from $28,000 to $34,000. 

The total cost may seem outrageous at first but it’s important to understand that getting dental implants is a multi-step process that involves much more than just the placement of a new tooth; it requires a lot of time and detail.

In this article, we’ll explain why dental implant costs are in the thousands by listing everything that’s involved in the creation of your new smile.

What exactly are you paying for?

Special care is taken from the beginning to the end of your dental implant treatment. This is a breakdown of the costs.

1. Multiple appointments and planning process.

• Consultation.
  During the initial visit, the dentist will examine your oral health. A CT scan will provide a diagnosis of the condition of your teeth, gums, and jaw bone in order to determine whether or not you are a good candidate for implants.
  
  If you are, the dentist will then discuss your treatment plan, for example, the number of implants you may need—whether it be a single tooth, multiple teeth, or full mouth— as well as any necessary additional procedures. We encourage you to ask all the questions you have during this time.
  
  If you decide to get implants, the following things will take place:

• Custom-made design.
  Mouth impressions will be taken to ensure that your new teeth are the appropriate size and measurement for your mouth. The dentist will discuss your options for implant materials and help you choose the color of your new teeth to match your natural teeth.

• Pre-implant dental work.
  This includes any work needed to ensure a successful procedure and will vary based on a patient’s individual needs. Possible additional work includes: 
  • Tooth extraction
  • Bone grafting, in the event that there’s not enough bone in the jaw as a result of tooth loss.

• Dental implant placement.
  The dental implant procedure itself does not take a long time, but the healing process can take months so it will be performed in several stages to allow the gums time to heal properly.
  
  • Insertion of the implant: During the initial phase, the dentist will carefully insert the implant into your jaw bone as well as a temporary tooth. Your gums will be swollen and need time to heal before the permanent crown can be placed.
    
  • Placement of the abutment: Once your jaw heals, the piece that connects the crown to the implant will be placed.
    
  • Placement of the crown: Finally, you’ll come in for completion of the procedure in which the temporary crown will be replaced with the permanent crown.

• Post-op care may incur additional costs. These include:
  • Periodic cleaning 
  • Follow-ups with your dentist

2. Selection of the implant materials.

Considering this is a permanent dental procedure, it goes without saying that the materials used need to be of the highest quality thereby contributing to the price of a dental implant. An extensive amount of research has allowed experts to find the best-performing materials, both in terms of functionality and aesthetics.

• The implant post takes the place of an artificial tooth root therefore the bone needs to be able to fuse to it. It is made from either zirconia or titanium.
  
• The abutment, or connector, is usually made of titanium, however, zirconia or gold may also be used.
  
• The dental crown is commonly made of ceramic or porcelain. Both of those materials perfectly mimic the appearance of a natural tooth.

3. The expertise of your dentist. 

When you’re looking at the overall cost of dental implants, you’re essentially paying for the expertise of the oral surgeon performing the treatment. Implants are a specialty within the field of cosmetic dentistry that requires advanced education and training beyond dental school.

An implant has to be strategically placed within a three-dimensional space while avoiding important nerves within the jaw. Consider the precision and skill an implant surgeon needs to have in order to successfully execute this treatment. An inexperienced or unqualified dentist who incorrectly positions the implant can leave the patient with long-term nerve damage and pain.

It’s crucial that you choose your dentist wisely. With more than 25 years of experience and dental practice, you can entrust Dr. Delwyn Dick DDS and Dr. Lamont Murdoch DDS to give you the pristine smile you desire.

Is there a cheaper alternative to dental implants?

Dental implants are not the only solution for replacing missing teeth, however, they are the only permanent solution. 

Traditional dentures are cheaper up front, but they entail further costs like dental adhesives, more trips to the dentist’s office, and complete replacements are needed every few years. 

Unlike traditional dentures, implants last a lifetime, they support the health of your jaw, they don’t require meticulous maintenance, they don’t contain toxic chemicals, and they look identical to natural teeth. Their numerous benefits alone make it a cost-effective option. 

The good news is that affordable dental implants are possible! You’re not just paying for healthy teeth, but rather investing in a better quality of life.

How to pay for dental implants 

In order to make implants an affordable treatment for you, we offer patient financing options through CareCredit, a company that provides payment plans for cosmetic procedures. 

If you need a single implant, dental bridges, a full or partial denture, we’ve got you covered. You can look forward to receiving high quality dental care at Kootenai Dental Group in Coeur d’Alene, ID. 

Call 208-762-8750 to schedule your free consultation with our dentists today!