If you’re considering dental implants in Kennewick, WA, one of the top considerations for many patients is cost. Depending on the number of implants, type of implant material, preliminary procedures such as tooth extractions, and the dentist’s location and experience, the cost of the procedure may vary from a few thousand to tens of thousands for more extensive work.
Continue reading to understand how the different factors influence the cost and get a clearer picture of how much you’re likely to pay for the procedure. But remember–don’t sell yourself short, the only way to know the true cost is to consult your dentist for an evaluation and research what your insurance may cover.
Types of Dental Implants?
A dental implant involves inserting devices into the jaw to replace missing or damaged teeth. It’s a more permanent solution compared to other dental replacement options, such as bridges and dentures. As the procedure involves implanting devices into the jaw in the place of tooth roots, healing can take several months.
There are different types of implants, and the cost of each procedure may vary. The three common types of implants include:
- Endosteal: This is a popular implant fitted into the jawbone and allowed to fuse in with the jawbone. Once healed, artificial teeth (crowns) are then placed on top.
- Subperiosteal: Unlike the endosteal, the subperiosteal implant is not fitted into the jaw. Instead, the device is placed on top of the jawbone but below the gum. It’s a preferred procedure for people with unhealthy jawbones who do not want bone augmentation. Similarly, false teeth are fixed into the implant once the gum heals.
- Zygomatic: The procedure involves implanting the device on the cheekbone instead of the jawbone. It is an option for people who lack enough jawbone to support the implant.
How Much Do Dental Implants Cost?
A dental implant can cost you anywhere between $3,000 and $8,000 per implant. The cost components include a dental exam, teeth extraction, implant installation, placing abutment, plus fabricating and installing the crown. If you replace multiple teeth, the total cost can amount to tens of thousands depending on the number of implants, but it may be lower than the average per-implant cost.
The wide variation in the cost is due to a number of factors including:
Dental Implant Materials
Titanium (a high-strength metal) is the most commonly used material, but there are alternatives, such as ceramic implants. The cost varies based on the patient’s preferred material.
Number of Implants
The cost increases depending on the number of teeth you want to replace. A single-tooth implant will be sufficient if you’ve lost only one tooth. For several teeth, you may need a multiple-tooth implant or a full-mouth implant if all your teeth are missing.
Position of Missing Tooth
Front teeth cost more to replace than molars due to the great precision required to get an accurate angle of the front jawline.
Preliminary Procedures
The state of your dental health may necessitate prior procedures before the implant is possible. Common dental treatments required to prep for implanting include tooth extraction, bone grafting, dental cleaning, or sinus lift. These additional procedures add up to the cost.
For instance, performing the implant on a patient requiring bone grafting is more complex and may cost an extra $2,500 to $3,000.
Dental Clinic Location
The cost of treatment may vary depending on the location of the dental clinic. In cities with a higher cost of living, you may pay more than in smaller towns with a lower cost of living.
Dentist Experience
Dentists with more experience and training may charge higher for their expertise. But more skills and experience assure you of better-quality service.
Insurance Coverage
Many insurance companies are providing coverage for dental implants. If your health insurance policy offers some coverage, it can reduce the cost you pay for the procedure.
Why Are Dental Implants Costly?
Dental implants are costlier than other teeth replacement options. However, they offer long-term benefits and actually be more cost-efficient than other alternatives. Some of the reasons dental implants are expensive include:
- Surgical procedure: Getting dental implants is surgery, which requires high-level training and expertise. The dentists performing the procedure must be highly proficient when fitting the implants.
- Complex procedure: Dental implantation is a complex procedure that may take a long time. First, the dentist evaluates your jawbone to check its density. If you lack enough bone, grafting may be recommended, or you could opt for a less invasive implanting procedure. In any case, once implanted, healing may take several months before the final step (installing fake teeth).
- Specialized materials: Dental implants are mainly made from titanium, which is a high-strength metal and costs more than standard metals. Unlike some metals, titanium does not rust and has superior properties that make it fuse with the bone. In addition, fabricating and installing crowns and abutments is a cost-intensive process as they must fit naturally with the jaw and teeth structure.
- Additional dental treatments: Implants require optimal dental health to succeed. If a patient requires prior treatment, such as bone grafting, sinus lift, or tooth extraction, these cost adds up.
Cost of Dental Implant Alternatives
There are multiple alternatives to dental implants, like dentures and bridges. Despite the high cost of implants, they’re more cost-effective in the long term. Here is a brief analysis of how the two options compare.
- Initial costs vs. total costs: Dental implants offer a more permanent solution than traditional prosthetics, which must be replaced every 5-15 years.
- Convenience costs: Implants can be cared for like natural teeth as opposed to dentures, which require time-consuming specialized care.
- Healthcare costs: Dental implants prevent the risk of bone loss and tooth problems like decay and gum disease, which are expensive to treat.
- Social considerations: Unlike dentures which can slip while chewing or laughing, dental implants remain permanently in place, giving you added confidence in social situations.
Dental Implant in Kennewick, WA
If you’ve been wondering how much do dental implants cost, we hope this post has answered many of your questions. We understand dental implants are a more permanent solution that can help improve your appearance, enable you to eat the foods you love, and generally boost your overall oral health. If you’re considering a dental implant in Kennewick, WA, we welcome you to reach us at Tri-City Dental Care. We are experienced in dental implants and are ready to walk you through the process, step-by-step. Contact us today to book an appointment.