One of the most important things to figure out about the dental implant process is how much you can expect it to cost. However, you’re unlikely to get a reliable price tag through online research alone due to all the factors that need to be taken into account. Your dentist can give you an estimate once they have examined your mouth, but in the meantime, here’s a look at 5 of the variables that can influence the amount you pay for dental implants.
1. The Materials Used
Dental implant posts are often made out of titanium, which is a biocompatible metal that can form a bond with the jawbone without causing any issues. However, patients with metal allergies may require posts made from different materials. Naturally, the exact type of material used to create your dental implants (as well as the prosthesis they support) will affect the overall cost.
2. The Number of Dental Implants Needed
A single dental implant is all that you need to replace one missing tooth. But if you’ve lost multiple teeth in a row, you may need to get a bridge supported by two implant posts. And in cases where an entire arch of teeth has gone missing, you might require four or more implant posts to hold a full denture in place. In short, the extent of your tooth loss will determine how many dental implants you’ll need to pay for.
3. Bone Grafting
When teeth are missing, the bone in the jaw starts to deteriorate due to a lack of stimulation. If the jaw loses too much bone density, it may no longer be able to support dental implant posts. Luckily, it’s possible to reverse the effects of bone loss in the jaw with bone grafting. Not every patient will require bone grafting as part of the dental implant process, but those who do will need to account for the cost of the procedure.
4. Oral Health
Certain oral health issues can affect your candidacy for dental implants. In fact, gum disease is a major risk factor for dental implant failure. Thus, if you’re interested in getting dental implants, your dentist will need to evaluate the overall health of your mouth. If any issues are found, you’ll need to have them treated before you can have dental implants placed; such treatments have their own costs.
5. Tooth Extractions
Sometimes the tooth or teeth that require replacement might still be in the mouth. As such, they will need to be professionally extracted before dental implant surgery can be performed. The cost of a tooth extraction depends on the number of teeth involved and the complexity of the procedure.
About the Author
Dr. Albert Kim attended the NYU College of Dentistry, where he earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery. He prides himself in being able to provide quality dental care in a comfortable, family-friendly environment. He’s more than happy to help patients who want to rebuild their incomplete smiles with dental implants. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Kim at Highline Dental in Richmond, visit his website or call (832) 220-9324.