Did you know that over 3 million Americans have dental implants? And that number is increasing by 500,000 people annually. Dental implants aren’t a new concept—dating back to the ancient times of 600 AD, Mayan women would undergo a procedure to hammer tooth-like pieces of shell into their jaw. Of course, times are different now. Since then, dental implants have seen major advancements. People who are tired of loose, uncomfortable dentures often choose this popular option. It’s also a great choice for people who are missing one or more teeth. But how much do dental implants cost? The answer isn’t as straightforward as you think—many factors play into treatment costs for new and improved teeth.
What Are Dental Implants?
Simply put, conventional dental implants are a tooth replacement solution for one or more missing teeth. For the procedure, Dr. Rick Miller places a titanium screw into your jawbone and then attaches a connector—known as an abutment—to the post. The abutment holds the replacement tooth in place. Conventional dental implants help people feel confident in their smile. However, not everyone is a good candidate for traditional dental implants—this procedure relies on a healthy and strong jawbone as a foundation to house the implant.
Worried traditional dental implants aren’t an option for you? Mini dental implants could be a better option.
Mini dental implants are a more affordable and accessible alternative to traditional implants. Their smaller size and less invasive placement process make them a great option for many patients. If you’re concerned about whether your jawbone has the density or size needed for larger implants, we’d be happy to discuss how mini dental implants could be the perfect solution for you.
What Affects the Cost of Dental Implants?
There is much to consider when discussing the cost of dental implants. It’s important to know the material used. Manufacturers commonly make dental implants out of titanium. Medical professionals have used this durable silver metal for years. Some dentists may offer other options, such as zirconia or ceramic dental implants, both of which are more expensive than titanium.
Another factor is the location of the dental implant. There are three different types of dental implants based on their location—endosteal, subperiosteal, and transosteal. Endosteal implants are more common and are surgically placed directly into the jawbone. For subperiosteal, the implant is placed above the jawbone and under the gum tissue. If you have a shallow jawbone or cannot wear conventional dentures, this could be a better alternative. Transosteal implants, a third type, are rarely used. A transosteal implant is placed through the jawbone and emerges on the opposite side of the mouth. This option is for patients who have significant bone loss in the jaw. Transosteal is the most expensive of the three types due to the procedure’s complexity.
Something else to think about is if you require an additional procedure like bone grafting, which helps prepare the jawbone for the implant and can increase the overall cost. Keep in mind that bone grafting is rarely necessary for mini dental implants.
The size and design of the implant impact the cost as well. Mini dental implants are significantly smaller in diameter than traditional implants. They are less than 3 mm thick—roughly the size of a toothpick. Mini dental implants are also a single piece versus conventional implants, which consist of a base and an additional piece known as an abutment. The smaller size and less material required for mini implants contribute to its affordability.
Will Insurance Cover the Cost?
People often ask us if dental insurance will cover the cost of dental implants. The short answer is that some insurance providers do cover them, while others don’t. It’s important to understand your unique policy so you can make informed decisions. We recognize that insurance coverage can be confusing and are happy to help you understand your policy.
You should also consider what your payment options are for the procedure. At Bent Tree Dental, we offer flexible payment plans and financing options that suit your needs.
Ready for Your Dental Implants? Visit Bent Tree Dental!
There is plenty to consider when it comes to dental implants. Factors such as materials used, placement of the implant, and cost all play a role in your decision. At Bent Tree Dental, we believe that everyone deserves high-quality dental care that fits their budget. If you’re missing teeth and wondering if dental implants could be right for you, we encourage you to schedule a free consultation with our team to learn more.