How Much Do Dental Implants Cost?

A dental implants procedure has a cost range from $2,000 to $4,500. The national average is about $2,488 per implant. These fees are only accurate if your bone is ready for the implant and the tooth is already gone.  Since the anatomy of our mouth, our teeth, our gums, our soft tissue, is as unique to us as our fingerprints, there are a number of variables that go into this cost, starting with the patient. Let’s take a look at the steps involved through a dental implant procedure, the components that make up that procedure influencing costs and the benefits when all is said and done.

The Procedure to Receive a Dental Implant

If you have had the misfortune of having a tooth extracted or lost a tooth due to an untimely accident, the dental implant is now the new gold standard for a tooth replacement over a conventional bridge. It is important to your dental health to replace the tooth because the neighboring teeth will want to shift into that opening affecting your bite pattern, your chewing, and possibly your speech.

The procedure starts with an extensive consultation to determine whether a dental implant is the appropriate solution for your tooth replacement. X-rays start the discussion to determine whether you have adequate bone density to support the procedure. If the jawbone is healthy then the dentist uses a local anesthetic to numb the gum to be involved. Once that is accomplished a small incision is made in the soft tissue to gain access to the jawbone. Next a small hole is drilled into the jawbone into which a titanium post is inserted. The incision is sutured shut and the wait begins. It may take several months for the post to fuse properly to the jawbone, but this step is most important to ensure the strength and integrity of the implant.

Once the post is secure, the incision is opened again, and an extension or abutment is added to the post to reach the surface. Affixed to the top of this abutment will be your final artificial crown made from porcelain or ceramic. You now have a replacement tooth that is difficult to tell apart from your natural teeth.

The Cost Components

To begin with, your geographic location will influence the procedure. Dentistry is usually more economical in the Midwest versus the coasts. The position of the missing tooth in your mouth also affects the time and the costs. The number of x-rays contribute to the fees. Needing reconstruction of jawbone for either inadequate height or width around the planned implant can increase the cost. Then there is the quality of material used for the components.

The Benefits of having a Dental Implant

Due to the integration of that titanium post, acting like a natural root, you can feel pressure sensations as you bite and chew. The post also helps the jawbone remain healthy but stymieing any advanced atrophy. The dental implant also has a longer life expectancy. Most importantly, it restores the health of your smile which is your most undervalued asset.

More on Dental Implants : How Long Do Dental Implants Take?