Are Dental Implants Affordable?
West Orange, NJ
 Dental implants have served as a life-changing prosthesis, enabling many people worldwide to regain their smiles. Missing teeth can severely impact an individual's confidence, and dental implants can help restore that confidence by allowing them to have their old smile back.
However, many people may be concerned about the costs and affordability when considering dental implants. Unfortunately, this procedure is rarely covered by insurance companies since most providers consider it cosmetic.
Since every patient is different, the dental implant procedure cost may vary. Our experts at West Orange Easy Dental Implant Center will evaluate your case and offer a price quote accordingly.
What Are Dental Implants?
Before we dive into whether dental implants are affordable, it is important to understand what they are. Dental implants can be described as a structure with devices resembling screws. These implants are placed within the jawbone and serve as the anchor or foundation for an artificial tooth (crown). Dentists use a device called an abutment to connect the artificial tooth with the dental implant. Next, they place a customized crown that is carefully crafted to fit the patient's mouth and the color of their teeth.
Are Dental Implants Affordable?
It is important to understand that implants are pricier than traditional tooth replacement alternatives like bridges or dentures. Understanding the price structure of dental implants can be a great way to determine their affordability.
Initial Consultation
Before receiving dental implants, the first step one has to take is to book a consultation with a professional dentist like Dr. Pyo or Dr. Catherine Pyo. An experienced and qualified dentist will have the knowledge to efficiently evaluate your case, determine your oral health, and decide whether you are a good candidate for a dental implant.
In most cases, a normal checkup may not be enough for a dentist to determine a patient's candidacy for dental implant placement. Hence, they may recommend scans and x-rays to examine jaw structure and bone density.
Since dental implants are placed within the jaw, an individual must have an adequate jawbone to qualify for the procedure. If a patient has enough jawbone, the dentist may recommend bone grafting. This procedure involves dentists adding bone to your jaw. Since bone grafting is treated like a surgical procedure, it can add to dental implant costs.
Implantation Procedure
The implant placement procedure is a delicate process that involves dentists making an incision in the patient's gum to access their jawbone. They carefully drill a hole into the gum to make room for the titanium implant. Titanium is a strong material known in the dental industry for its ability to fuse with the jawbone. This process is referred to as osseointegration. After placing the implant, the dentist attaches the gum back in place. After the procedure is complete, the patient is provided with care instructions and advised to wait for the dental implant site to heal.
Abutment and Crown Placement
After a few months of healing, the next step in the dental implant placement procedure is to attach the abutment and crown. The dentist places a small abutment to the dental implant that acts as a connecting piece to the crown. This step is considered a minor surgery since the dental experts have to open the gum again to access the dental implant.
During this process, the dentist will also take an impression of your teeth, which will later be used to create a customized crown that fits well with your teeth structure, color, and size. Once the crown is ready, the dentist will schedule a visit and permanently fix it onto the abutment.
Follow-Ups
The next few months following the dental implant placement are crucial. You can expect to attend several follow-ups with the dentist in the months following this procedure. The dentist will evaluate the healing process and ensure the proper functionality of all dental implant components. These checkups will allow the dentist to detect potential issues and adjust to tackle them efficiently.
Factors Impacting Dental Implant Placement Cost
Several factors can impact a dental implant placement procedure cost, including:
Your Geographical Location
The dental implant placement procedure cost may vary from location to location. For example, the price quote may be higher in urban or highly developed areas than in rural or underdeveloped areas. Dental facilities in urban locations may also have access to better technology and equipment, which may further add to the cost.
Number of Implants Needed
The cost of your dental implant procedure may also depend significantly on the number of implants you need. Individuals requiring single-tooth replacement may have to pay considerably less than individuals requiring multiple-tooth replacement. When an individual requires multiple tooth replacements, the dentist may suggest implant-supported dentures.
Implant Material
As discussed above, dental implants are usually made of titanium due to the ability of the material to fuse into the jawbone. However, alternative materials like zirconia also offer several benefits. The implant material you choose can also impact the cost of your dental implant procedure. Zirconia implants may be pricier due to the more complex manufacturing process and aesthetic benefits.
Bone Grafting
As stated above, some individuals may require a bone graft procedure before the dental implant placement. Whether you require a bone graft can have a major impact on the overall cost of the procedure. Individuals requiring bone grafting may have to pay more than others who may not need it.
Dental Specialist
The cost of dental implant procedures may also vary from dentist to dentist. Renowned and highly skilled dental experts may charge higher than dentists who recently started their careers. Moreover, some dentists may be known for their successful dental implant placements and charge higher fees for their expertise and good track record.
Get Dental Implants Today
All in all, dental implant procedure affordability can vary depending on your unique case. The initial cost of dental implants may be slightly higher than other teeth replacement alternatives. However, dental implants offer long-term cost-saving benefits because they can last a long time and require minimal maintenance. Want to learn more about how much a dental implant will cost you? Call West Orange Easy Dental Implant Center at (862) 233-7057 to get in touch with our dental experts. |
