HOW MUCH DO DENTAL IMPLANTS COST?

Dental implants offer an effective treatment for the problem of missing teeth. Implants are a true long-term solution that avoids the drawbacks of dentures, bridges and similar options. But is implant therapy affordable? The answer depends on a number of factors, including the prospective patient’s overall health and the degree of restoration needed.

Factors That Can Affect the Costs of Implants

Dental surgery differs from other forms of medical treatment in that every therapeutic approach must be targeted to the patient’s specific needs. While this fact ensures a tailored approach to dental care, it can also make exact figures difficult to provide. Here are some general guidelines:

• Costs for placing a single implant can range from $1000 to $3000, with $1500 being a ballpark figure. This figure assumes that the patient has enough healthy bone in their facial structure to support the implant. If this is not the case, then the attending dentist may need to perform bone grafts.
• Often the patient can realize savings by opting for a hybrid therapeutic approach. For example, in many cases implants can serve as anchors for full or partial dentures. This can be both more affordable and more effective than a tooth-by-tooth strategy.
• The number of procedures needed to create the restoration will affect the price. For example, in the past implant therapy has required two separate sessions, one to place the implant itself and another to add the connector, also known as an “abutment.” Nowadays many locations can complete both phases at the same time, saving the patient both time and expense.

Paying for Dental Implants

When it comes to health care, costs are only one side of the equation. Coverage and financing options are the other. Here are some possible ways to afford your implants:

• A growing number of private insurers now cover part of the cost for implant therapy. Check with your insurance representative or human resources specialist for details.
• Patients can apply for private lines of credit to cover their dental care needs. Check with your financial institution or look online.
• Your practitioner may offer special discounts if you need multiple implants. Call the office for more information.
• Some dental schools may provide free or low-cost implant therapy. All care is provided under the watchful eye of trained dentists using up-to-date equipment and techniques.

You can also ask your dentist about paying for your implants on a per-service basis. For example, you may be able to pay for the initial implant at the time of treatment then cover the cost of the abutment during your follow-up visit. This is a viable option for many people, since there is often a three to month period In between the two procedures.

We want to stress that the information in this post is for general informational purposes. The only way to find out exactly how much your implants will cost is to make an appointment with a qualified dentist in your area. You may find yourself pleasantly surprised at what you learn. Many happy smiles to you and yours.

About the Author

Dr. Brian Oyler earned his DDS degree from Indiana University’s School of Dentistry. He is certified in Invisalign therapy and other aspects of advanced dental care. You can reach his office online or by calling (812) 221-1014.