Many factors affect dental implant cost, ranging from materials to pre-implant procedures like bone graft surgery. It’s important to be prepared for these additional costs so you can budget for your implant treatment.

Talk to your dentist about financing options. They often work with 3rd party providers and can provide affordable payment plans for your implant treatment.

Materials

The materials used in dental implants are carefully selected to provide safe and long-lasting restorations. The optimum material depends on your individual needs.

Titanium is the most popular implant material due to its biocompatible properties and ability to osseointegrate with bone tissue. It is also lightweight and strong.

Zinc is another dental implant material that provides stability and durability. It is available in a wide range of shapes and sizes to accommodate different types of teeth.

PEEK is an advanced innovation in dental implant materials that offers patients an alternative to the Chromium Cobalt framework of traditional implants. It is lightweight, durable, and can be digitally designed for each patient’s unique anatomy. It also offers the highest strength-to-weight ratio of any implant material. It is also biocompatible and highly corrosion resistant.

Placement

Dental implants are surgically placed into the jaw bone. These are permanent replacements for missing teeth that provide the most natural appearance and function.

Implant surgery can be complicated and requires the expertise of specialists. These include doctors who treat conditions of the mouth, jaw and face (oral and maxillofacial surgeons), dentists who design and fit artificial teeth (periodontists) and dentists who place and repair implants (prosthodontists).

The type of implant used can also impact cost. Titanium is the most common and usually more affordable than alternative materials such as zirconia. Additionally, some patients require supplemental procedures such as a bone graft or sinus lift to prepare for dental implant placement, which will increase the overall cost of treatment. Healthcare financing options like flexible spending arrangements (FSA) or health savings accounts can help offset these costs.

Crowns

The crown is the visible part of the implant that looks like a natural tooth. It is custom-designed for each patient based on the size, shape, and color of their existing teeth. This helps ensure that they are indistinguishable from their surrounding natural teeth.

Once osseointegration has completed, the abutment is added to the top of the implant. Typically, this involves a minor surgical procedure that uses local anesthesia. Depending on your situation, the abutment may be attached to the dental implant metal post or to the gum tissue around it.

Cement or screws are used to connect the implant crown to the abutment. Both have their own pros and cons, so we will help you decide which one is best for your case.

Bridges

Bridges are designed to replace one or multiple missing teeth in your smile. They consist of a false tooth or teeth (pontics) that are supported by dental crowns. These are cemented onto the natural teeth on either side of the gap in your smile.

Dental bridges can cost less upfront than implants, but they don’t prevent the jawbone from shrinking or deteriorating. They also place the supporting teeth at risk of damage if they are not well-maintained.

With proper care and regular visits to your dentist, dental implant restorations last much longer than other teeth replacement treatments. They also look and feel more natural. If your insurance doesn’t cover the treatment, many clinics offer payment plans to help make dental implants more affordable. These payments are much lower than a loan and are easier to manage as monthly installments.

Implant Supported Dentures

Unlike traditional dentures, implant-supported dentures provide reliable support that eliminates slippage and bone loss. They also take the guesswork out of eating and prevent the deterioration of remaining teeth. This treatment can be expensive, but the long-term benefits make it worth it.

Patients should discuss the full cost of dental implants with their dentist. Some insurance providers may cover some or all of the expense, depending on their coverage and annual limits. In addition, healthcare financing options like HSA and FSA accounts can help to offset the initial cost.

While many people fear that the costs of dental implants will be prohibitive, there are a number of ways to reduce the initial financial burden. Ask your dentist about discounted upfront payments or a financing plan that can be paid off over time.