How Much Do Dental Implants Cost?
Dentist Milwaukie, OR
Having a missing tooth is everyone's nightmare. Fortunately, the modern dental industry has devised a solution for this problem - dental implants. Dental implants provide the same feel, look, and function as natural teeth. However, when considering dental implants, the first question people usually ask is how much they cost.
The price of dental implants depends on factors like implant type, materials, number of teeth to replace, and additional treatment needed during the procedure. At ComfortCare Dental, we offer a range of options and payment plans to ensure that our patients can receive the treatment they need at prices they can afford. Visit us to experience our professional and affordable dental implant services.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are artificial tooth roots surgically placed into the jawbone to support a replacement tooth or a dental prosthesis. Made from biocompatible materials, such as titanium, dental implants fuse with the surrounding bone, providing a stable foundation for a crown, bridge, or denture. The result is a natural-looking and functioning tooth replacement that mimics the appearance and performance of natural teeth.
Types of Dental Implants
Dental implants come in various types, each with its pros and cons. The American Dental Association indicates that endosteal and subperiosteal implants are the safest options.
Endosteal implants are the most common type of dental implant and involve the surgical placement of titanium posts directly into the jawbone. After the surrounding gum tissue around the implant has healed, a second surgical procedure is performed to connect a post to the original implant. Finally, an artificial tooth is attached to the post, which will function and look like a natural tooth.
On the other hand, subperiosteal implants consist of a metal framework that is placed below the gum tissue but above the jawbone. The posts protrude through the gum, providing support for the artificial teeth. Typically, this type of implant is used for patients who do not have enough jawbone to support endosteal implants.
Dental Implants vs. Other Tooth Replacement Solutions
Although dental implants offer a permanent solution that looks and functions like natural teeth, other tooth replacement solutions, such as bridges and dentures, are available.
Dental Implants vs. Bridges and Crowns
Unlike bridges and crowns, dental implants are a more permanent solution as they replace the entire tooth root. Bridges and crowns require grinding down adjacent teeth to hold the bridge or crown in place. Then dental implants are placed directly into the jawbone without damaging any neighboring teeth.
Dental implants also last much longer than bridges and crowns, are more durable, and can help prevent bone loss in the jaw. Moreover, they are crafted to resemble and operate like natural teeth, rendering them the most appealing choice for tooth restoration in terms of aesthetics.
Dental Implants vs. Dentures and Partial Dentures
Dentures and partial dentures are also viable options to replace missing teeth, but they lack the stability of dental implants. These are removable and require regular adjustment or replacement as the jawbone shrinks over time, making them less comfortable and secure than dental implants. Additionally, dentures can slip or shift in the mouth, making eating and speaking difficult.
Conversely, dental implants are a permanent solution and don't need to be taken out for cleaning or replacement. Besides being a much more comfortable option than dentures, they also help maintain the integrity of your jawbone and help in preventing further bone loss.
How Much Do Dental Implants Cost?
The price of dental implants varies due to several factors. Some of these factors include geographical location, complexity of the case, number of implants required, and the type of restoration needed.
Single Tooth Implant Cost
Based on the Health Policy Institute of the American Dental Association, a single tooth implant cost can vary from $3,000 to $6,000 on average. This includes the implant placement, abutment, and crown. Additional procedures, such as bone grafting or sinus augmentation, may sometimes be necessary, which can increase the cost.
Multiple Tooth Implant Cost
When multiple teeth need to be replaced, the cost of dental implants can vary widely. Factors such as the number of implants required, the need for additional procedures, and the type of restoration (individual crowns or implant-supported bridge) will influence the overall cost. For instance, if you are missing three or four neighboring teeth, it is possible to use a secured bridge with only two implants, reducing the cost from $10,000 to $6,000. This is because two implants can support three or four adjacent teeth, and it is often less expensive than using four individual implants.
Full Mouth Implant Cost
Since full-mouth tooth replacement is a comprehensive process, the cost can be higher than individual tooth implants. However, it may vary depending on the approach used. Replacing each tooth individually is the most expensive option, costing between $60,000 to $90,000. If your teeth are healthy enough, the dentist can use this method to preserve some of your existing healthy teeth.
On the other hand, implant-supported dentures are a less expensive option. This involves using two full arches of prosthetic teeth to replace the upper and lower natural teeth, just like non-implant-supported dentures. The teeth arches are then fixed to four to six implants in both the upper and lower jaw using an All-on-4 method. The complete procedure usually costs between $24,000 to $50,000 for a complete set.
Additional Costs of Dental Implants
In addition to the dental implant's cost, other expenses may be associated with the treatment process as well. These can include diagnostic imaging, such as x-rays, CT scans, or digital impressions. These can help to assess the bone condition and plan the implant placement.
In some cases, patients may require bone grafting, sinus augmentation, or other preparatory procedures to ensure sufficient bone mass and healthy surrounding tissues for successful implant placement. These procedures will contribute to the overall cost.
The type of restoration chosen, such as a crown, bridge, or denture, will also affect the cost of the treatment. Implant-supported restorations generally have higher upfront costs compared to traditional alternatives.
While dental implants are long-lasting, routine maintenance and regular dental check-ups are necessary to ensure longevity. These ongoing expenses should be considered when evaluating the overall cost of dental implants.
To ensure you understand the pricing and costs of your proposed dental implant treatment plan, our dentists at ComfortCare Dental will present the entire cost upfront. We also offer financing options to suit your budget. For more information on the cost of dental implants, please call us at (503)653-8320 to book a consultation. We look forward to helping you achieve your best smile.
