If you’ve been informed that you need dentures, or you are displeased with the fit and stability of your current dentures, you may ask yourself, what is the cost of dental implants? Many factors contribute to the total cost of having implants placed and restored, with prices ranging from $900 to $2300 per implant. In this article, we explain what factors will influence the cost of an implant case, as well as how to weigh the benefits of having implants against the initial financial investment.
Factors of the Cost of Dental Implants
The location of your doctor(s) play a role in total cost of implants, but that is just one of many factors that will contribute to the overall fees for your case.
Experience of Doctor(s)
As in all professions, the most experienced and respected implant dentists usually charge the highest fees. Dr. Eshom is a highly trained and respected implant dentist who works with an equally proficient periodontist for the placement and restoration of dental implants.
Type of Implants
There are a great number of brands, types, sizes, and styles of dental implants. Most traditional implants include a post (screw) and abutment, and the prosthetic is created by a dental lab and added after the implant site heals. However, mini dental implants for implant retention are smaller than traditional implants, and they don’t require open surgery. Most patients are not advised to get mini implants, though, and they are best reserved for patients with poor bone density, who are not eligible for bone grafting. Another option for implant retention is a bar that spans the width between two implant posts in the anterior part of the jaw. Dr. Eshom will discuss the type of implants that would work well for your case. He uses quality products with a proven track record of success.
Type of Prosthetic
Whether you need one implant placed to retain a single crown, or you want a few to hold a bridge or partial denture, the type of prosthetic you need will factor into the cost of your procedure. Implant-retained dentures are another option, and there are many denture styles and types. The materials used in your restorations/prosthetics, as well as the reputation of the dental lab, will have much to do with the lab fees involved in your total cost, as well. At Dr. Eshom’s office, we always prepare and present an estimate of fees, including lab costs, before beginning an implant case.
Prerequisites for Implant Candidacy
Some patients must have bone grafting, a sinus lift, or periodontal therapy prior to becoming a good candidate for dental implants. If you need a prerequisite procedure, you should know that it will add time and financial expense to your overall treatment plan. Dr. Eshom works with an oral surgeon who can perform prerequisite surgeries as a member of your dental implant team.
Financing
If the initial expense of dental implants is too great for your budget to accommodate, consider financing. We work with Dental Fee Plan to provide patients with affordable monthly payment plans with low and no interest. Ask us about financing at your appointment.
Benefits to Consider
Though the initial expense of dental implant placement and restoration can seem lofty, the long-term benefits far outweigh the upfront costs. Over your lifetime, factoring in all benefits of implants, your dental implants may actually wind up costing less than a traditional prosthetic.
- Dependability – Implant-retained prosthetics will not slip, loosen, or wobble.
- Easy Care and Maintenance – Care for implants, just like you do your natural teeth. Removable implant-retained dentures take some special care, but do not require adhesive.
- Longevity – With good oral health and no injuries, implants can last the rest of your life. The prosthetic may require replacement at some point.
- Self-Confidence – Implant patients enjoy a full, brilliant, natural looking smile. Many patients with implant-retained dentures report being able to eat a wider variety of foods, and no longer feeling embarrassed to dine in public.
Schedule a Consultation to Learn More
Every implant case is unique, and to identify the total cost of your treatment plan, a consultation is necessary. At this visit, we’ll take x-rays and may also create a computer generated image of what your smile would look like, after implant placement. Dr. Eshom will discuss with you the type of implants available and which would be best for your case, then together, you and he will determine the next steps. We will develop a custom treatment plan, including estimates of all potential charges, and present it to you for approval, prior to moving forward.