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When trying to figure out whether dental implants are right for you, one of the questions you’ll need to answer is, “How much will they cost?” The total amount that you end up paying will depend heavily on the specifics of your situation. To help you make the right decision for your smile, here’s a look at 4 of the factors that can have an impact on the cost of dental implants.
1. The Number of Dental Implants Needed
It goes without saying that the number of dental implants you need to get can affect the overall price. The extent of your tooth loss will help determine how many implant posts are required to fill in all of the empty space in your smile. If just one tooth is missing, you will only need to pay for a single dental implant post; on the other hand, if an entire arch of teeth has been lost, you will likely require four or more implant posts in order to support a full denture.
2. The Materials Used to Make Your Dental Implant Posts
Most of the time, dental implant posts consist of titanium, which is highly biocompatible and can easily form a lasting bond with the jawbone. However, if a patient is allergic or sensitive to metal, zirconia dental implants may be used instead. Different materials come with different price tags, so make sure that you have a clear idea of what your dental implants will be made of.
3. The Possible Need for Bone Grafting
Depending on the state of your jaw, you may need to make room in your budget for bone grafting prior to your dental implant surgery. Bone grafting is intended to add bone density to your jaw so that it can support your dental implants. It may be necessary if a significant amount of bone loss has occurred since you lost your teeth. However, if there’s currently plenty of bone in your jaw, you may be able to have dental implants placed right away without having to pay for bone grafting.
4. The State of Your Oral Health
Sometimes you may need to have certain oral health issues addressed before you can get dental implants. A common example is gum disease, which can easily lead to dental implant failure if it’s ignored. Any treatments that are required to restore your oral health prior to dental implant surgery will come with their own price tags.
So, how much will your dental implants cost? The only way to know for sure is to schedule a consultation with your dentist; once they’ve examined your mouth and learned as much as possible about your situation, they can provide you with a reliable estimate and explain your options for payment.
About the Author
Dr. Ashraf Seif has more than two decades of dental experience. He studied at the Loma Linda School of Dentistry, and he attended the Pikos Institute for dental implant training. Thanks to his expertise and state-of-the-art technology, he’s able to offer start-to-finish dental implant procedures. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Seif at Baytown Gentle Dental, visit his website or call (281) 837-9122.