How Much Do Dental Implants Cost?
If you’re missing one or more natural teeth, you may be considering getting dental implants at brechon dental. Dental implants are one of the most popular choices for replacing missing teeth and provide multiple cosmetic and medical benefits, but they can be costly. For many people, the benefits that dental implants afford far outweigh the cost, but it is important to plan and budget appropriately. The cost of implants is influenced by many factors and will depend on the patient’s clinical needs as well as their preferences; clinical needs vary, so make sure you’re working closely with your dentist to learn about your specific needs.
The American Academy of Implant Dentistry estimates that upwards of 5 million dental implants are placed annually in the US. When a patient is replacing a single tooth, a dental implant could cost anywhere from several hundred dollars to several thousand dollars. When a patient is replacing multiple teeth with an implant-supported dental restoration, cost increases; some full-mouth dental restorations can cost more than $20,000. Cost is influenced by the materials used, the number of implants and restorations being placed, the expertise and geographical location of the implant dentist, and whether any preliminary treatments are necessary for dental implants to succeed.
Dental implants depend on the health of the oral cavity, especially the bone in the jaw, so if any gum disease is present, it will be treated before implants can be placed. If necessary, the bone may be restored with bone grafts. These prerequisite therapies add to the cost. Traditionally, dental implant treatments haven’t been covered by dental insurance, though more and more dental and medical providers are starting to cover them, at least partially, in recognition of the health benefits dental implants provide. Once implants are placed, they invigorate the bone in the jaw and help maintain the health of the oral cavity over the long term; they also improve the wearer’s ability to eat a balanced diet, enhancing their nutrition and overall health.
As you plan dental implant treatment with your dental implant team, make sure to communicate with your insurance provider to learn what may or may not be covered. If you are left with a large out-of-pocket payment, a dental discount plan could help defray your costs. Ask your implant dentist if they work with any discount plans, and research the specifics before committing. Also ask your dentist if they offer any financing plans or other options to help budget your dental implant treatment. If you have a flexible spending account through your employer, you can use this account to reserve tax-free money to help pay for dental implants. If your annual limit is less than the overall cost of the dental implant, you can plan to split your procedure between the end of one year and the beginning of the next, using tax-free flex spending money from two annual cycles. While dental implants can be expensive, they can vastly improve the patient’s quality of life for a number of years with the proper care, so plan well in advance and work with your dentist to explore the possibilities for managing the cost of your implant treatment.