A dental implant is an artificial tooth root and is the modern method of replacing missing teeth. Dental implants are more aesthetic than dental bridges and dentures, more convenient, and help boost your self-esteem and bring your smile back. To learn more about dental implants, click here.
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Cost of Dental Implants
It is difficult to argue in favor of an alternative to dental implants, except for when it comes to price. The cost of dental implants is the number one variable that hinders patients from selecting implants. But the cost of a dental implant is typically not much more than that of a 3-unit bridge. And since bridges in some applications may only last as little as 7 years and have adverse effects on surrounding teeth, it makes more long-term financial and health sense to choose an implant.
But it’s difficult to give an accurate estimate of how much a dental implant costs because each case is unique – including what kind of restoration is desired (crown or bridge), the number of implants needed, and whether or not additional procedures are needed to complete the procedure in an aesthetic and practical manner.
One Implant vs. Full Restoration
A single implant, on average, will cost anywhere from $800 – $3000 depending on the kind of work required to affix the implant properly. But remember that the implant is just the tooth root and you will need a crown or bridge to mount to the implant, which will run you an additional $800 – $2000. These costs vary dramatically from prosthodontist to prosthodontist and depending on which area you live in.
The average total cost is anywhere from $1600 – $5000 and in some cases can be much higher. For instance, the Vantage Dental Implant Center of Denver, CO states that you can expect to spend anywhere from “$3200 – $7300 to have a single tooth replaced.” And “If you need more extensive restorative work then you can expect to spend $18,000 – $27,000 for a full upper or lower arch.”
Does Dental Insurance Cover The Cost of Dental Implants?
This is difficult to answer without knowing the exact dental insurance plan in question. The simple answer is that it depends on the insurance provider and the specific policy the patient has. Insurance companies very often consider dental implants to fall under the category of “cosmetic dentistry” and will not cover them but often will cover the lowest cost alternative – bridges and dentures.
Use Financing to Cover the Costs of Implants
It’s becoming increasingly more common to find that expensive procedures like dental implants have financing options available to help patients who are unable to cover large up front costs. Discuss financing with specialists in your area to see if this is a viable option for you.
Alternative: Save Over 30% on Dental Implants at a Dental School
An interesting alternative to having an implant surgeon install your dental implant is to see if your local dental school offers procedures to the public. If they do, you can save a substantial amount if you are open to having students operate on you.
Alternative #2: Bridges & Dentures
Dental implants are truly the best option but if financing is an issue or if the implant surgeon does not suggest dental implants for your specific case, then a bridge or dentures may be the best alternative.
