According to the American Dental Association, dental implants look, feel, and function the most like natural teeth compared to other options. They are often labeled the "gold standard" in tooth replacement. However, there is one major disadvantage to this tooth replacement option: the cost.
The team at Calm Dental offers a variety of dental services, including dental implants and other tooth replacement procedures. In this article, we'll discuss the average cost of dental implants as well as the factors that impact that cost.
According to dental experts, a single dental implant is around $5,000.This means that if you need a full arch of missing teeth, it can end up costing $60,000+. There is another option, All-on-4 dental implants, is a hybrid solution that uses 4 dental implants. On average, All-on-4 ranges from around $12,000 to $25,000 per arch.
These costs typically only cover the implant devices and the surgery. There are several things that impact this cost, including:
The most common factors that impact the overall cost of dental implants include:
The location of the tooth: front teeth are easier to treat than back teeth
The experience and expertise of the dentist
The location of the dental clinic
The type of implant screw (titanium vs. zirconia)
The type of crown (porcelain, PFM, composite resin, metal)
Dental insurance coverage
There are several other costs that are often associated with dental implants, including:
The dentist will often need to take x-rays in order to determine the best placement for the implants. In some places, basic dental x-rays may be covered as part of the procedure- but this may not necessarily be the case.
In some cases, the dentist needs a more detailed image. If this is the case, a CT scan will be completed, which usually adds to the overall cost.
If you have remaining natural teeth that are significantly decayed or damaged, you may need to have tooth extracted before implants will be placed.
Dental implants require satisfactory jawbone density for support. If your jawbone does not have the required density, bone grafting may be appropriate. If the dental implants are in the upper jaw, sinus lifting may be necessary to avoid damaging the sinus cavity during dental implant placement.
The procedure is typically done under local anesthesia. However, sedation dentistry is an option for those who need it. You will need to discuss this with your dental treatment team during your consultation.
Dental implants are expensive and many dental insurance providers will not cover this treatment option. Therefore, the decision of whether or not they are worth it is entirely a personal one. However, there are several benefits of dental implants that make them worth the investment:
Long-lasting (the implant screw is designed to last a lifetime- the crown usually lasts up to 20 or more)
Stronger bite force (can eat hard/crunchy veggies, tough foods, and more)
Tooth stability (won't slip and slide around in the mouth)
Prevents jawbone deterioration, by offering stimulation
Keeps adjacent teeth stable, prevents shifting
If you are missing one or more teeth or your remaining natural teeth are damaged/decayed, dental implants may be a viable solution for your issues. Schedule your consultation with the team at Calm Dental in Los Angeles.
We are a boutique-style dentist offering a variety of dental services in a tranquil, spa-like environment. We are located on Olive Street. Our office hours are Monday through Friday 8:40 AM to 6:00 PM.
If you have questions about dental implants or other procedures at Calm Dental, the team will be glad to help. Below are some of the most commonly asked questions about this procedure.
Dairy foods such as milk, cheese, yogurt, and more contain an array of vitamins and minerals that facilitate healing and support overall health. However, you sholuld avoid these products immediately following surgery because they can cause irritation to the implant site, ultimately leading to infection and implant failure.
Additionally, these foods may cause nausea and vomiting, especially in those who are lactose intolerant. This brings stomach acid into the mouth, which can irritate the implant site, ultimately leading to infection and implant failure.
While you may experience some minor discomfort until the implants settle, you should not experience significant pain. If you are in pain that is not mitigated with OTC or prescription pain relievers, you need to see the dentist.
Research shows that dental implants have a 90% to 95% success rate over the long term, which means that they should last a lifetime. However, this requires that you work with a dentist who is familiar with the procedure, have healthy gums and jawbone, and take proper care of your oral health.
There are two types of dental implants: traditional and mini. The traditional implant consists of three pieces. The implant screw is inserted into the jawbone to establish a stable base for the replacement tooth or crown. The crown is attached to the implant screw, which creates a stable, strong bite force.
The entire process, from the consultation to the final result, can potentially take up to a year or more- depending on your body's ability to heal. However, on average, it takes about 30 to 45 minutes to place a single implant screw.
