How Much Do Dental Implants Cost?
Dental implants bismarck are a very popular option for people who want to replace one or more missing teeth with natural-looking, stable, long-lasting replacement teeth, but they can be expensive. The average cost for a single dental implant can range from several hundred to several thousand dollars, and this difference in cost is influenced by a number of factors. For patients who are daunted by the possible cost of dental implants, many dental practices partner with third-party financing services or offer in-house budgeting options; this helps make dental implants a realistic option for more patients.
The American Academy of Implant Dentistry estimates that more than half a million dental implants are placed in patients annually. The cost of dental implant treatment is affected by the geographical location of the implant dentist, the materials selected for the implant and the dental restoration the implant supports, the experience and qualifications of the dental implant team, the complexity of the implant treatment, the number of implants needed, and the health and condition of the oral cavity before treatment begins. You and your dentist can discuss which of these factors will affect the cost of your dental implants when you meet for your consultation.
If gum disease is present, the health of the oral cavity must be restored before dental implants can safely be placed. Dental implants rely on the integrity of the bone that supports them, and gum disease threatens the bone tissue as well as the soft tissues in the mouth. If advanced gum disease has depleted the amount of available healthy bone, the patient may require a bone graft procedure to rebuild the bone before implants can be placed. Each of these procedures adds to the overall cost of dental implants, and the implant procedure is not an option without these prerequisite procedures for patients with active gum disease. Sometimes, implant dentists can plan to place implants strategically, allowing them to rely on concentrations of healthy bone and eliminating the need for bone grafts, but not all implant procedures allow this.
Because dental implants are commonly considered an elective treatment, many insurance companies provide only partial coverage of implant restorations if they provide any coverage at all. This is particularly unfortunate in light of the reality that dental implants provide long-term health benefits for patients, helping to maintain the vitality of the jawbone and allowing wearers to eat a wide variety of foods and maintain a healthy diet. Some medical insurance providers might offer coverage for dental implants when the dentist or oral surgeon determines that the absence of implants is having a detrimental effect on the patient’s overall health.
Dental discount plans can help people save money on dental implants that aren’t covered by insurance, so ask your dentist which plans their practice accepts, or if they recommend a specific discount plan. Once you’ve narrowed down your selection, make sure the discount plan covers dental implants, and find out if there’s any kind of waiting period before you can apply your discount. You can also ask your implant dentist if they offer any in-house budgeting options or if their practice partners with third-party financing services, which can help you get the best possible care at a manageable cost. With the right care and maintenance, which includes brushing twice daily, flossing daily, and visiting the dentist for checkups and professional cleanings, dental implants can last a lifetime and should be considered an investment in long-term confidence and health.