Are you tired of living with missing teeth? Would you like to permanently restore your smile and never have to worry about removable restorations again? Durable, lifelike dental implants are the world’s only permanent tooth replacement solution, and they’re more affordable than you might think. In fact, despite their higher initial cost, these beautiful, natural-looking prosthetics could eventually pay for themselves. Here’s a closer look at some of the factors that might influence their price tag, and why dental implants are one investment you’ll be glad you made!
Factors That Could Influence the Cost of Your Dental Implants
When deciding on whether to get dental implants or not, the price can often be a factor for many patients. However, while it’s true that these restorations do cost more than removable prosthetics like dentures and dental bridges, because they won’t need to be replaced or endure frequent repairs, they are likely to pay for themselves with time! Here are a few factors that can influence their initial cost.
Preliminary Procedures
Although dental implants have a remarkably high success rate (95 percent even a decade or more after placement), they aren’t indestructible and must be cared for regularly to maintain. To ensure that your dental implants have the best odds for success, you should have a healthy mouth before getting them. This means that you’ll need to be free of gum disease, and have any severely damaged, infected, or decayed teeth removed prior to surgery. Furthermore, if your jawbone has suffered any deterioration from missing teeth, you’ll likely need a bone graft or sinus lift to rebuild it.
Each of these procedures will incur separate costs and will add to the total of your dental implant treatment; however, please understand that if your dentist has recommended them, they are extremely vital to the success of your new smile!
Materials
Dental implants are available in two different materials: titanium and zirconium, each with their own unique benefits. Zirconium is white and therefore more discreet, and ideal for patients with metal sensitivities, but it is typically more expensive than titanium. Titanium is less expensive than zirconium and more commonly used, however due to its color can be more obvious in your smile.
Number of Implants
The number of dental implants you’ll need depends on how many teeth you want to replace. For a single tooth, one implant will be less expensive than anywhere from four to eight for an implant denture, but it’s still more affordable to get an implant denture than it would be to replace each tooth with its own individual implant.
Type of Restoration
Finally, the number and type of restorations you need will also affect your cost. A single tooth (crown) is less expensive than an implant bridge (several teeth stuck together) or an implant denture (an entire arch of teeth in one prosthetic). Thus, your price will change accordingly.
Dental Implants: A Worthwhile Investment
With dental implants, your upfront cost will likely be more than traditional temporary restorations like dental bridges and dentures, but because they’re easier to maintain, harder to damage, and permanent, they’re likely to last a lifetime. This means your one-time upfront cost may be all you ever need to pay. Plus, when you factor in all the incredible benefits of dental implants like jawbone stimulation that prevents further tooth loss, full biteforce that allows you to eat a nutritious diet, and the boost of self-confidence you’ll experience from having a complete smile, they become a value that other tooth replacement options simply can’t touch!
Remember, although dental implants are a significant investment, it’s one that will likely pay for itself with time. To learn more about this treatment and restore your priceless smile, schedule a consultation with your dentist today!
About Dr. Murray
Dr. Malcolm Murray earned his undergraduate degree from Hampton University and his dental degree and AEGD certification at Virginia Commonwealth University-Medical College of Virginia (MCV). He is currently an officer in the United States Army National Guard, serving as the State Dental Officer and Commander for the Delaware Army National Guard/Joint Forces Headquarters, and a proud active member of the National Dental Association, American Dental Association, and the American Orthodontic Society. To schedule an consultation for dental implants at MJM Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, visit our website or call us today at 703-934-5540.
