Why are Dental Implants So Expensive?

One of the long term options for replacing missing teeth is Dental Implants. Replacing missing teeth can have a positive effect on your health, appearance, and self-confidence for years to come, so we think it's a worthwhile investment no matter what, but here's a breakdown of the costs.

Dental implants are similar to buying a custom made car for yourself. It's not just a car part but a full package of service, technology, dentists' expertise, and high-end use of materials.

The cost depends on the following factors-

• Making sure you are eligible
• Time and expertise
• Placement location
• Material

Making sure you are eligible

Prior examinations are a must before implant placement. The qualification process includes tests like x-rays, possibly a CT scan, and more, which adds to the costs. The status of your jaw bone and whether or not you need a bone graft will also decide if you are eligible. 

Time and expertise

Compared with other procedures, Dental implants take time. Most of the time, the procedure takes a few appointments to complete, usually with the healing time required between appointments. The cost of dental implants includes the time commitment of the dentist and the dental staff. 

Placement Location

The ease with which dental implants are placed depends on your specific oral condition. The treatment planning process will involve x-rays and scans to give the dentist a precise idea of what's where in your mouth. For example, some people who have been missing a tooth for a long time have started to lose thickness in their jaw. When this happens, bone grafting may be required to build the bone back up before an implant is placed. Think of it like this: a deck on a steep hill would need more support than a deck on a flat lawn, and that extra support costs a little more in time and materials.

Materials

There is no way to "discount" dental implants, which are made of pure titanium and require meticulous planning to ensure successful surgical placement, without making unacceptable concessions. Instead, we work with patients to make their care as affordable as possible, offering affordable payment plans to those who qualify and accepting most major credit cards and insurance plans.

• Because they are made of titanium, a substance the human body does not recognize as foreign, implants fuse with the jawbone, essentially becoming part of the patient's natural anatomy. The body does not distinguish between implants and tooth roots; hence, the degradation of the jawbone and gums that begin when a tooth is lost halts when implants are placed.
• Once the implants integrate with the jawbone, they provide support for crowns, bridges, and dentures similar in strength to the support that natural tooth roots provide to teeth.
• While the restorations attached to the implants will eventually need to be replaced, the implants themselves can last for 40 years or more.
• Implant-supported restorations function so similarly to natural teeth that patients can bite, chew, speak, and smile with comfort, confidence, and ease.
• Implant-supported restorations require no special care - just brushing, flossing, and regular dental visits as natural teeth would require.

Ultimately, when you factor in the peace of mind and restoration of quality of life that accompany dental implants, the cost of treatment represents excellent value for money. Obviously, the actual cost can vary significantly, depending on the number of implants needed, whether bone grafts are required prior to implant surgery, and other factors. The cost of your procedure, as well as options for payment, can be discussed during a confidential, one-on-one consultation when you visit Future Dental Care.

Should I get dental implants?

Deciding to get dental implants is a huge decision. The cost alone is enough to make you think through this option quite well before deciding for sure. The best way to know if dental implants are right for you, and to learn more about their benefits, is to schedule an appointment with Dr. Agrawal at Future Dental Care, Redwood City.