Have you been looking at the prices for dental implants, and found that dental implants are expensive? If you have been asking why does dental implants cost so much, the reasons are:
- Dental Implant is a cosmetic and complex process
- You pay for the skills of the dentist
- Implant posts and dental crowns add to the cost
- Additional procedures if required like whitening, extractions, and so on.
So, before we start scrutinizing the reasons for implants being an expensive procedure, you must know that dental implants last longer than other alternatives. Analysis of the Current Trends in Dental Implants reads:
Today, approximately 450,000 osseointegrated dental implants are being placed every year, with an expectation of 95% success rate (in the case of single tooth replacement with an implant supported crown), with minimum risks and associated complications
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DENTAL IMPLANTS GET CHEAPER WITH TIME! HOW?
In the long run, your implants will serve you more than what you have spent on receiving them! In other words, getting implants is just like installing solar panels on your property. The initial costs might be high, but slowly you will see the savings on your expenses.
This post will help you understand:
- The primary reasons for implants being expensive
- Cost Of Expert’s Time
- Cost Of The Materials Used
- Knowing If You Are Eligible
- Additional Dental Procedures
- Factors that ensure acute placement of dental implants
- Skilled Dentist and Team
- Multiple Visits – At Least Twice
- Can Implants, and crowns be acquired from a third-party provider
- What makes you depend on your dentist for implants?
- Financing options/Insurance facilities for dental implants
The primary reason for implants being an expensive procedure
COST OF EXPERT’S TIME
One of the prominent costs that come into play when you’re thinking about receiving dental implants is paying the experts working on your case. This not only involves the cost of the dentist but also other professionals working with the dentist on your case.
You must know, that apart from the dentist, his/her surgeon, assistants, and hygienists have to work on implants for your mouth. This ensures acute placement of the implant posts along with the dental crowns so that they can not only look super awesome but also function properly.
COST OF THE MATERIALS USED
Primarily, the materials include:
- Dental Crowns – metal, porcelain-fused-to-metal, all resin, or all ceramic.
- Implant Posts – Titanium or Zirconia
Titanium implant posts are the most preferred ones among dentists and patients alike.
The costs of the materials to be used depend on factors like:
✔ Your requirement – Do you need implant dentures, implant bridges, or single implants?
✔ The status of the implant location. Does it require additional treatment before an implant can be surgically placed? Is the location ready for the implant procedure or do you require a tooth extraction done?
✔ Prior Treatments. Do you have an issue with the implant administered by your previous dentist?
The above questions will be answered when you see your dentist and get an initial check-up done. Your dentist will help you get an overview of the maximum expenses and will also let you know the possibility of availing dental insurance.
Note: Typically, dental implants fall under cosmetic procedures and are not covered by dental insurance. You will have to cross-check with your provider or the dentist if your required dental procedure is covered by insurance.
KNOWING IF YOU ARE ELIGIBLE
Prior examinations are a must before you get the “YOU ARE ELIGIBLE FOR IMPLANTS” notion from your dentist. The qualification process includes tests like x-rays, possibly a CT scan, and more which adds to the costs.
The status of your jawbone will also decide if you are eligible. The implant post will be placed surgically through the process of bone grafting.
ADDITIONAL DENTAL PROCEDURES
As mentioned earlier, the costs of dental implant materials depend on various factors (see again). Thus, if required, you will also need to undergo additional procedures before receiving the implants which will also add to your cost.
Factors that ensure acute placement of dental implants also add to the cost
From the above, we know that prior preparation and the materials required add to the cost. Now, let’s focus on the factors ensuring a 100% success rate of receiving dental implants. This is the area where your expense will have maximum impact and value.
SKILLED DENTIST AND TEAM
The titanium insert will itself cost a couple of hundred dollars. What you are paying for is the skill of the dentist, in being able to position the implant so effectively into the jaw. To do this experts will not only have to have the understanding of how to insert the implant but also guarantee that the bone around where the implant is getting placed is both healthy and dense enough to incorporate the implant itself.
MULTIPLE VISITS
This isn’t just a one-off procedure but will require the patient to pay a visit to the dentist on several occasions, over some time. For each of these visits, the dentist will need to pay for the staff that will be present to assist. Every one of these visits will accrue an expense, all of which is normally included in the overall price that you will pay for the treatment.
That’s for receiving your implants and crowns. However, the entire healing process can take up to 4 to 8 weeks, max. 12 weeks. During this time you may need to visit your dentist for check-ups.
Note: Discuss with your dentist if they include the implant check-up costs in the overall price. This will help you greatly in planning your treatment.
Can Implants, and crowns be acquired from a third-party provider
Yes, there are many third-party providers out there offering a variety of dental implant posts and different types of dental crowns. However, it can be a challenge for you to solely decide what type of implant you will need.
When you see your dentist, you will come to know if you are eligible for implants or not. Next, your dentist will take digital impressions for your permanent crowns which are either prepared on-site or are acquired from a third-party provider. At our dental office in Winchester, VA, we get things done on-site and with precision. Play our video for more info.
WHY SHOULD YOU RELY ON YOUR DENTIST IN THIS CASE?
Most dentists have their preferred suppliers as well as financing options that cover all of it. If your case is eligible for insurance, it’s best to get things done as recommended by your dentist.
Financing options/Insurance facilities for dental implants
As implants are typically observed as being a cosmetic enhancement rather than a necessity, the charge tends to be higher. You wouldn’t expect to get a facelift for a couple of hundred dollars so dental implants aren’t going to be much different. Some would argue in the case of the loss of teeth due to an accident that this is not cosmetic and is a necessity nevertheless, there are other procedures which are cheaper and can be utilized with similar but possibly less effective final results.
Finally,
If you are set on having implants then there are a couple of options available to make it a lot more inexpensive.
Prices of getting implants can vary from dentist to dentist. Thus, it’s wise to connect with your preferred dentist and get an idea of the costs as per your requirements. At Smiles Of Virginia – Dentist in Winchester VA, we have amassed many patients helping them to achieve the smile of their dreams. Feel free to check our implants smile gallery.
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