4 Factors That Affect The Cost Of Dental Implants

Some patients hesitate to seek dental treatment because they're not sure if they can afford it. However, there's no reason to discount a dental procedure that could help you before you even receive a consultation. Dental implants are an investment in the future of your oral health. The exact cost of dental implants will vary based on a number of factors. These are four things that can affect the cost of the procedure:

1. Number Of Implants

The number of implants that you require will affect the final cost of the procedure. If you're only missing a single tooth, you'll need a single implant to hold the prosthesis. People who are missing teeth in multiple areas of their mouth will require additional implants. However, more than one dental crown can be attached to a single implant. People who have experienced complete tooth loss can have all of their teeth replaced using only four strategically placed implants, for example.

2. Type Of Implant

The type of implant you receive will also affect the cost. The three main types of implants are endosteal implants, subperiosteal implants, and mini implants. Endosteal implants are anchored in a patient's jawbone in an invasive procedure. Mini implants are smaller versions of standard endosteal implants. Subperiosteal implants are anchored by the gums alone. Your dentist can break down the pros and cons of different types of implants for you.

3. Additional Procedures

Some people who receive dental implants will require additional procedures. For instance, it's not uncommon for dentists to recommend that patients undergo a bone graft procedure before getting endosteal implants. Bone grafts can supplement bone mass when a patient's natural bone mass is insufficient. This procedure is often used to combat the bone erosion that can occur as a result of tooth loss. While these extra procedures can be helpful and even unavoidable, they can also add to the patient's expenses.

4. Insurance

Finally, your dental insurance will affect the amount of money that you pay for dental implants. Some insurance policies don't cover dental implants because they deem implants to be a cosmetic choice. Other insurance plans do cover dental implants. You can find out for sure if your implants will be covered by your insurance plan by calling your provider to double-check. Even if dental implants are covered by your insurance, you will likely still need to pay for a portion of the procedure out of pocket.