During your initial dental implant consultation, you will be given an estimate of what the overall cost of the procedure will look like. However, it is important to realize that said cost can vary from patient to patient; every dental implant treatment is different, and there are all kinds of factors that could affect the final price. Trying to figure out whether you will be able to fit dental implants into your budget? Here’s a look at 4 of the variables that you’ll need to take into account.
1. Materials
Traditionally, dental implants are made out of titanium, a highly durable metal that is capable of forming a strong bond with the jawbone. That said, there are also implant posts made out of ceramic materials; they are often used for patients who have metal allergies or sensitivities. Needless to say, the type of material that your implant posts are made out of can have a significant influence on the final price tag.
2. Number of Dental Implants Used
How extensive is your tooth loss? If you have lost just one tooth, then you will only require a single dental implant to replace it. However, if you are missing multiple consecutive teeth, it will take two dental implants and a dental bridge to completely fill in the gap. And if the entire arch is missing, it can take four or more dental implants to support a denture. In short, the number of teeth that you have lost will affect the number of implant posts that you need to pay for.
3. Preparatory Procedures
Some people are already eligible for dental implants, but others may only be considered candidates for the procedure once certain forms of preliminary work have been completed. For example, bone grafting may be necessary to ensure that there’s enough bone present in the jaw for dental implant surgery. On top of that, if the teeth being replaced are still present in your mouth, they must be extracted before you can receive your dental implant posts. Any necessary preparatory treatments will carry a separate cost.
4. Dental Implant Brand
There isn’t just one kind of dental implant you can get; there are actually various brands available, each of which comes with its own price tag attached. It may be worth speaking to your oral surgeon to see what kind of dental implant brand they use and how it might affect the amount you end up paying.
Do you still have questions regarding the cost of your dental implants? Let your dentist or oral surgeon know; they’ll be able to provide the answers you need. Once you have an idea of how much you’ll need to pay, you can start coming up with a plan for making your dental implant treatment as affordable as possible.
About the Author
Dr. Alexandria N. Arditti went to the prestigious Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry at the University of Southern California for her dental education. She’s putting her dental knowledge to good use helping Huntington Beach patients enjoy outstanding dental care. She’s proud to work with local specialists in order to replace missing teeth with dental implants. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Arditti at Pacific View Dental Group, visit her website or call (714) 592-4294.